Riding the Dolomites: the 300 km loop from Canazei

The classic Dolomites motorcycle loop covers about 300 km and links the great alpine passes — Sella (2,244 m), Pordoi (2,239 m), Gardena (2,121 m) and Falzarego (2,105 m) — starting from Canazei, in the Fassa Valley. It is an ideal 3 to 5-day ride, best done between June and September, when all the passes are open.

Few roads on earth pack so many memorable corners into so little space as the Dolomites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cluster of mountains in north-eastern Italy offers riding that feels purpose-built: switchback ramps, pale rock spires that glow pink at dusk, and a chain of passes that follow one after another without pause. While the western Alps — Stelvio, Gavia, Resia — are already familiar ground for anyone touring Italy by motorcycle, the Dolomites remain the great chapter still to explore. This guide maps the roughly 300 km loop from Canazei, with everything you need to ride safely and enjoy every bend.

Why start from Canazei
Canazei, in the heart of the Fassa Valley, is the natural base for the Dolomites loop. The town sits at the crossroads of the four great passes of the Sella massif and offers accommodation, fuel and workshops — making it a convenient start and finish for a circular route. From Milan it is about 350 km to Canazei (via Verona and Trento); from Verona, about 190 km. Many riders pick up the motorcycle in Milan or Verona, ride up to the Fassa Valley on the motorway, and save their energy for the passes, where the road truly demands attention.

The heart of the route: the Sellaronda
The core of the loop is the Sellaronda, the circuit that wraps around the Sella massif, linking four passes in sequence: Sella, Pordoi, Gardena and Campolongo. It is about 50 km of closed loop, with dozens of fanning switchbacks and altitudes above 2,200 metres. The Sellaronda can be ridden in either direction, and each reveals a different angle of the rock towers. If you have the whole day, take the circuit slowly, stop at the Pordoi viewpoints and ride the cable car up to Sass Pordoi to see the massif from above.

The four passes of the Sella massif
• Passo Pordoi (2,239 m): the highest on the Sellaronda, with 33 tight bends on the descent to Arabba — one of the most photographed stretches in the Alps.
• Passo Sella (2,244 m): the highest point of the circuit, framed by the Sassolungo towers; clean lines and open views.
• Passo Gardena (2,121 m): links the Fassa Valley to Val Gardena, with gentle ramps and high-altitude pasture scenery.
• Passo Campolongo (1,875 m): the shortest and lowest, connecting Arabba to Corvara and closing the loop.

Extending to 300 km: Falzarego, Giau and Cortina
The Sellaronda alone fills half a day. To complete the roughly 300 km loop, the route extends east toward Cortina d’Ampezzo, taking in two breathtaking passes. Passo Falzarego (2,105 m), its walls tied to First World War history, opens the way to Cortina, the elegant alpine resort that hosted part of the Winter Olympic Games. For more altitude, add Passo Giau (2,236 m), perhaps the most scenic of all, with 29 bends climbing through an amphitheatre of peaks. Together with the Sellaronda and the connecting roads, these passes round out a 3 to 5-day itinerary covering the essence of the Dolomites.
Riders who want to add the western Alps can link the Dolomites to the classic Stelvio, Lake Resia and Maloja route from Milan — an itinerary Moretto has already detailed and that pairs perfectly with this ride: read the full route at https://morettomoto.com/it/blog/itinerario-moto-stelvio-lago-resia-maloja-da-milano/.

Best season to ride the Dolomites
The ideal window runs from June to September, when all the passes are open and clear of snow. In early spring and late autumn, some higher passes may be closed or icy in the morning. July and August bring the most stable weather, but also the heaviest tourist and motorcycle traffic — setting off early is the best way to find the roads emptier. September usually strikes the best balance: passes open, pleasant temperatures and fewer people. Even in summer, temperatures at the top of the passes drop sharply, so pack an extra layer.

Practical riding tips
• Distance and pace: about 300 km on the full loop; plan 3 to 5 days to ride unhurried and enjoy the viewpoints.
• Altitude: several passes above 2,000 m — watch the temperature, which drops even at the height of summer.
• The road: tight, sequential bends; keep a margin, hold your lane and mind cyclists, common on the climbs.
• Fuel: fill up in the valleys (Canazei, Arabba, Corvara, Cortina); stations are scarce at the top of the passes.
• Documents: a valid licence with category A and, for non-EU residents, an International Driving Permit. Always carry the vehicle papers and insurance.
• Tolls: the passes are toll-free, but the motorway sections up to the Fassa Valley are not — keep a card or cash for the Telepass.

How Moretto helps you ride the Dolomites
Riding the Dolomites begins long before the first pass: it begins with the right motorcycle in your hands. Moretto Moto Rental keeps a fleet built for long distances, with touring machines comfortable at altitude and through back-to-back bends, plus support in several languages for riders arriving from abroad. Picking up the motorcycle at strategic points in northern Italy, you reach the Fassa Valley without the hassle of bringing your own vehicle and with the backing of people who know the region — free to focus on what matters: the open road.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for the Dolomites motorcycle loop?
Three to five days is ideal to cover the roughly 300 km at an easy pace, including the Sellaronda and the extension to Falzarego and Cortina. The Sellaronda on its own can be done in half a day.

When is the best time to ride the Dolomites?
From June to September, when all the passes are open. September usually offers the best balance of good weather and lighter traffic.

Which passes are part of the route?
The core is the Sellaronda — Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Campolongo — and the extension adds Falzarego and, optionally, Passo Giau, toward Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Do I need an international licence to rent and ride in Italy?
Non-EU riders must carry an International Driving Permit together with their national licence with category A. EU riders use their own licence.

Where do I start from to reach Canazei?
The most common starting points are Milan (about 350 km) and Verona (about 190 km), both linked to the Fassa Valley by motorway.

The Dolomites are the next great chapter for riders who have already tackled the western Alps and want even more intense corners in breathtaking scenery. The 300 km loop from Canazei brings together, in just a few days, some of the finest passes in Europe — and asks only for the right motorcycle, good planning and the will to ride. Moretto Moto Rental is ready to put you on the road. Get in touch at www.morettomoto.com, by e-mail at rent@morettomoto.com or by phone at +39 345 159 6259, and plan your ride through the Dolomites.