Badia: tradition, nature and sport in the Dolomites

  1. Destinations
  3. Val Badia/Alta Badia
  5. Badia
Badia in inverno con il Sasso di Santa Croce © dreamstime_izanbar
Les viles in inverno a Badia © Shutterstock
Lago di Sompunt © Shutterstock
San Leonardo in Passiria in estate © iStock

Badia, located 1,324 metres above sea level, is a place that has managed to keep its Alpine and rural spirit intact. With its well-preserved traditional Ladin farmsteads, known as ‘viles’, Badia is a pearl of Ladin culture, where local traditions and customs are proudly preserved. Throughout the year, typical events such as the St Leonard's Ride allow visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the area.

The resort, part of the Alta Badia district, is divided into the hamlets of San Leonardo, San Cassiano, Pedraces and La Villa, each with its own unique charm. Badia is a natural paradise, surrounded by the Fanes-Senes-Braies and Puez-Odle Nature Parks, which offer a variety of mountain hiking trails in breathtaking scenery. The ‘Larch Trail’ through larch forests and alpine pastures is a perfect example of how nature intertwines with tradition.

Nature lovers and hikers will find a wide range of activities in Badia: from walks in the Paraciora Deer Park to Lake Sompunt, to the imposing peaks of Lagazuoi, Conturines and La Varela, ideal places for experienced mountaineers. In winter, the Alta Badia ski area, part of the famous Sellaronda, offers numerous slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering, while in summer the green valleys invite you to explore by mountain bike or on horseback.

From a cultural point of view, Badia is a treasure trove of history. The Church of San Leonardo, in Baroque-Rococo style, and the Sanctuary of Santa Croce in Pedraces are unmissable stops for lovers of art and spirituality. There are also interesting archaeological finds, such as those at Sotciastel, which testify to human presence since the Bronze Age.

Badia is an ideal destination for families seeking a quiet holiday in the midst of nature, but also for sports enthusiasts and culture lovers. Thanks to its strategic location and unique traditions, Badia is the perfect place for a holiday that combines nature, history and sport in a spectacular setting.