The first place I recommend to anyone who says they want to visit The Dolomites, or even just Italy in general for that matter, is Seceda. Really, the entire Val Gardena area is stunning, but to me and so many others, Seceda is the crowning jewel of that stunning valley.
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If you’re planning to visit Seceda, I’m going to give you an idea of what it’s like to visit, what to expect, how much it costs, when to go, and more!
This guide is meant to give you quick information and not make you rifle through unimportant sides just to find the meat!! Get what I’m sayin’? Nice!
Also, we didn’t have the right gear to hike to Seceda, so we took two gondola lifts up to the top. If you also are not interested in hiking up to Seceda, I’ll tell you exactly how to get there with little to no hiking.
What Is Seceda?
Truly, the best way for me to explain to you what Seceda is, is to show you.
Can you imagine anything better than that??
Unbelievable cliffs that reach up into the clouds and leave you speechless is what awaits you at the top of the gondola ride to Seceda. Plus, views for miles of the surrounding peaks and mountain groups, COWS, Refugios with food and drinks, and tons of walking trails.
Seceda is located in Val Gardena, a very popular area for skiing in the winter, and hiking in the summer. Just a few hours from Milan, it’s more accessible than one might think.
Essentially, Seceda is a hiking area in Summer and a ski resort in Winter. There are hiking trails all through this area that both start and end at Seceda.
You’ll also find refugios, which are usually small restaurants below with rooms for rent above for hut-to-hut hikers. These are a great place to stop for lunch or a drink while you’re out exploring in the Dolomites.
Looking for a rental car for your time in the Dolomites? Find one here 
Read Also: How to Get Around The Five Villages of Cinque Terre
How To Get To Seceda (With Little Hiking)
The best way to get to Seceda is from the town of Ortisei. There is a series of cable cars that will take you to the Seceda station from town. You can purchase tickets at the cable car before riding up.
There are two lifts you’ll need to take to get all the way to the top from Ortisei. The first is the Ortisesi – Furnes lift, the second is the Furnes – Seceda lift. However, you just need to purchase one ticket up to the top that includes a ride on both lifts.
When we visited, in October of 2021, the lift cost €35 per adult, round trip. You can purchase tickets here!
Be sure to note the last lift time down so you don’t get stuck hiking back down into town. It’s a long hike that I don’t think you’d want to undertake unplanned.
When Should You Visit Seceda?
In Summer, Seceda is a hiking area. But in Winter, Seceda is a ski resort! So, be sure to look up ahead of time when the lifts are scheduled to be open! You can find the exact dates on this website.
In the summer, you’re likely to have wonderful weather! We visited in Fall, and it was rained a few days that we were in the Dolomites. However, it’s still a great time to visit, and less crowded at the end of the season.
Again, be sure to check that the lifts are open before going!
I shared this YouTube video from our time visiting Seceda, so be sure to check that out as well!
Read Also: 22 Things To Do In Florence, Italy While On Holiday
Where You Should Stay To Visit Seceda
We stayed in Ortisei, and found this was the best spot to stay in for easy access to the lifts up to Seceda.
Ortisei is not an inexpensive town to visit, because this area is so popular. And, there are limited options because it’s not a very large town.
If you’re looking for a more budget option, I would stay a bit outside of Ortisei and either drive or take the local bus system into town.
Hotel Recommendations In Ortisei
Luxury: Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti
Mid-Range: B&B Villa Angelino
