Itinerary: Dolomites, Selva di Cadore, Giau Pass, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Giau Pass: one of the most scenic pass of the Dolomites
Giau Pass is a high Italian Alpine pass located in the
Dolomites 2,236 meters above sea level. Nestled in the middle of wide mountain pasture, at the foot of Nuvolau and Averau mountains, Giau Pass is likely to be the most beautiful pass of the Alps in the region Veneto, thanks to the peaceful landscapes and the breathtaking views over the peaks of the Dolomites.
Your motorcycle tour will start from
Selva di Cadore in Val Fiorentina, a charming town nestled in a wonderful landscape and featuring a well-equipped ski area.
From here, a spectacular scenic drive road will lead you to
Giau Pass after around 11 kilometers of driving through endless hairpin turns. Along the road, which goes up crossing shady forests, there are many lookout points where you can stop and enjoy the incredible landscape while the Giau Pass will reward you with an awe-inspiring all-round view over the surrounding valley and peaks, such as the valley of Cortina d'Ampezzo, Tofane, Cristallo, Marmolada, Croda Rossa, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
After crossing the Giau Pass, keep on driving towards
Cortina d'Ampezzo in Val Boite, this time downhill on a gentler road. Cortina d'Ampezzo is also known as the Queen of the Dolomites, as it is one of the most beautiful and popular resorts of this mountain group. Many tourists from Italy and all over the world come here both in summer and in winter, thanks to the charming village, the wonderful landscape, and the many sports opportunities, from skiing in winter to trekking in summer.
The scenic road crossing Giau Pass is a very popular destination among cyclists and motorcyclists. In fact, the many hairpins turns, switchbacks, and breathtaking landscapes over the Dolomites attract lots of them during summer. (in winter Giau Pass is closed). Therefore, if you are an expert biker or a motorcyclist and would like to visit the Italian Alps by motorcycle, you should absolutely include the Giau Pass in your Italian holiday plans!
Giau Pass is also a historical stage of Giro d'Italia, the most important bicycle race in Italy.
Departure: Selva di Cadore
Arrival: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Length: km 26
Some pics of Giau Pass in the Dolomites:
(the video animation at the beginning is about the Selva di Cadore -> Giau Pass stretch)