Fairytale atmosphere, an ancient language, lush woods, idyllic paths, streets characteristics full of shops and majestic peaks: Moena, the Alpine Pearl of Trentino, is able to offer a mountain holiday suitable for young and old.
The star-shaped town stands amidst beautiful meadows in a sunny valley and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful Dolomite groups including the Sella, the Latemar and the Catinaccio. In all seasons, every type of traveler finds the perfect activity, be it a morning on skis, a MTB ride or an afternoon among the mountain huts and their flavors. The Fairy of the Dolomites, so called because the peaks of the Dolomites that surround it turn pink at sunrise and sunset, is a place with a unique charm. Let's find out together!
From squares to mountains: what to do and see in Moena
Moena, the largest town in the Val di Fassa, welcomes its tourists with a well-kept center, with the squares closed to traffic that stand out for their captivating elegance and refined shops. A little further on, the five hamlets surrounded by meadows and woods, each with its small church and the typical tablà, ancient barns, and historic frescoes. Walking through the streets of the Alpine Pearl is a real pleasure: you go from shopping to total relaxation breathing the mountain air. Among the things that you can't miss there's the Church of San Vigilio, with its northern European Gothic style, the trenches that hide in the woods, a walk to the alpine lake of San Pellegrino, the Barefoot path near the Roncac hut.
Slow itineraries by foot
The mountain landscapes surrounding Moena are a dream scenario for trekking and MTB lovers. Among the many paths that can be done there is the one that starts from Le Cune, reachable by cable car, and arrives at the beautiful and panoramic top of the Sas da Mesodì (2300 m). From here you follow 614 path and you arrive at Chalet Valbona from which you can go down to the valley with the lift. Instead, once you reach the beautiful San Pellegrino Pass, you can follow a flat path that leads to the Fuciade basin, a spectacular limestone amphitheater.
Puzzone and polenta: local food and specialties
Discovering Moena also means immersing yourself in the Ladin culture and its typical flavors. In the refuges, huts and refined restaurants in the center you can taste delicious traditional recipes, such as barley soup, polenta gnocchi, ciajonciè (stuffed ravioli), fortaes, snail-shaped dessert. Among the typical products, Puzzone cheese, with its unique smell and characteristic flavor, is a must.
An active holiday in Moena
In winter, in Moena, you never stop skiing. In a few minutes you can reach the Lusia/Passo San Pellegrino Ski Area with free ski buses, and enjoy almost 100 kilometers of fun on the slopes. In summer, the cycle path of the Dolomites of Fassa and Fiemme awaits you, with 48-kilometer route that offers breathtaking views. There's also the sports center of Navalge, where you can play tennis, soccer and beach volleyball. In Moena you will find numerous shops where you can rent everything you need for summer and winter activities.
Car-free holiday
Moena is easily accessible by bus from the railway stations of Bolzano, Trento and Cavalese. There are also many accommodations that offer a convenient transfer service from the nearest bus stop or from the stations of Vigo di Fassa and Bolzano. Even at your arrival, the car is of no use. With the Panoramapass card all the cable cars of the Val di Fassa and public transport are included and you will also have a dense network of buses, the tourist train that in summer takes you from the center of Moena to the surrounding villages, numerous ski bus, the Bikeexpress Fassa-Fiemme to return to Moena with the bike that you can also rent on site. In winter you can also relax with a romantic carriage ride through the snowy landscapes of the San Pellegrino Pass.
A green stay in Moena
In Moena there is no shortage of eco-sustainable accommodations. You can choose between different hotels and a holiday home surrounded by greenery or in the center of the town, you can enjoy excellent breakfasts with local products or relax in the wellness center. Discover the possibilities here and book your holiday!
Author: Chiara Marras
Cover image: photo by Federico Modica, via Alpine Pearls