Why this road
The fastest way from Cortina to Selva di Cadore goes around the mountains; the Giau goes straight over them, and it is worth the extra minutes. The top is one big alpine meadow with a ring of famous peaks around it: the Cinque Torri and the Tofane behind you, the Marmolada to the west and on the way down the Pelmo and the Civetta. There are no villages up there, just a hut and the view.
The route
- ACortina d'Ampezzo
Leave Cortina westwards on the Falzarego road, with the Tofane above you on the right.
- 1Pocol
A hamlet with a big war memorial on the Falzarego road. Just after it, turn left onto the road to the Passo Giau.
- 2Passo Giau
The top at 2,236 m: meadows, a hut and Ra Gusela right above the pass. Walk a few minutes onto the grass for the wide view.
- BSelva di Cadore
After the hairpins down the south side you reach Selva di Cadore in the green Val Fiorentina, with the Pelmo to the east.
Stops worth it
Stay at least half an hour. Walk up the meadow behind the hut and look around: Cinque Torri, Tofane, Marmolada. On a clear evening this is one of the best sunset spots in the Dolomites.
Light and the best time
From Cortina you drive south-west, in the morning with the sun behind you, so the forest climb is easy. At the top the Marmolada lies to the west and is best in the morning, when the sun is on it from the east. On the way down the Pelmo is on your left and the Civetta ahead; in the late afternoon both glow in warm side light. Photographers come for the sunset at the pass, when Ra Gusela turns orange. If you do that, plan the descent with care, the hairpins are steep and unlit.
June to September is best, when the meadows are green and the hut is open. The pass is high and can close after heavy snow in winter, check before you go. On summer weekends the car park at the top fills up and there are many motorbikes and cyclists; on weekdays and in September it is much quieter.
By vehicle
A favourite: short, steep and full of hairpins on both sides. The tarmac is narrow in places, watch out for cars cutting corners.
Lovely open-top, with the peaks all around you. At 2,236 m it is cool even in summer.
Fine for any car, but the road is narrow and steep. Use a low gear on the way down to spare your brakes.
One of the hardest climbs in the Dolomites, steep almost all the way. Very popular with road cyclists.
Good to know
No toll. The road is narrow and steep with tight hairpins: not a good choice with a big camper or trailer. There is no fuel on the pass, fill up in Cortina. Parking at the top is limited and can cost money. Thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long does it take to drive the Passo Giau?
About 45 minutes from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Selva di Cadore without stops. With a break at the top, plan 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is the Passo Giau open in winter?
It can be, but it is a high pass that may close after heavy snow, and you need winter tyres or chains. Check before you go. For the views, come between June and September.
Is the Passo Giau difficult?
It is steep and narrow with many hairpins, but not technically hard. Drive slowly, use a low gear downhill and expect cyclists.
Is the Passo Giau good for sunset?
Yes, it is one of the best sunset spots in the Dolomites. Ra Gusela and the peaks around the pass glow orange. Plan the drive down in the dusk carefully.