Cortina on the Wine Road

Cortina all'Adige is located in the Bassa Atesina region between the villages of Salorno and Magré and represents the second smallest municipality of South Tyrol, covering a surface of 2 sqkm only. Despite of the fact that this area has once been rather swampy, the village has been established only a stone's throw from the river, in the centre of the valley. As for this reason the centre has repeatedly been flooded, Cortina also used to be called "Little Venice". From 1893, when the control structure of the Adige river has been completed, inhabitants have been safe from the waters.

The centre of Cortina is represented by its stone- paved village square with draw well. Other typifying elements are the gorgeous arched windows, bays and ancient farms, harmonically integrated into the cultural landscape with vineyards and orchards. In fact, this area is characterised by a sub-Mediterranean climate, favouring the growth of plants such as cypresses and oleander. On the initiative of a few farmers, a small area along the Adige river was declared a protected area in 1996. Cortina all'Adige, located along the famous South Tyrolean Wine Route, belongs to the main wine-growing areas of South Tyrol. Several wineries and a sparking wine producer have their seat in the village. However, Cortina on the Wine Route is well-known for its wine-growing tradition: a particular custom is to plant a grapevine at the entrance of the house twining the facade on the occasion of the birth of the first child, or farm handovers.

Due to the impressive landscape, Cortina all'Adige with surroundings is an ideal place if you love hiking. Spring and autumn are the best periods for hiking, e.g. to Favogna. In winter, however, when the landscape is snow-covered, you can easily reach a number of skiing areas in the environs. If you prefer off-slope activities, we particularly recommend a visit to the solemn Christmas Market of Bolzano.

Our tip: A family getaway along the cycling path of the Val d'Adige, snaking from Lake Resia to Venice, going directly past Cortina all'Adige.