From San Vigilio di Marebbe to San Martino: the red trail in the shadow of Sass de Putia

From the monumental peak of Sass de Putia to Piz da Peres, which glows at sunset, standing out against a clear sky: these are the main attractions of the San Vigilio di Marebbe and San Martino in Badia area. These two villages have managed to preserve their Alpine spirit, jealously guarding their hamlets, such as Pieve di Marebbe, the oldest settlement, Longega, a historic crossroads for travellers, and Rina, a handful of houses clinging to the mountainside, proudly withstanding the passage of time. The hamlets of San Martino in Badia, watched over by the austere Ciastel de Tor castle, are also rare gems, such as Piccolino, with its stately period palaces, Longiarü, rightly hailed as the mountaineers’ village for its unspoilt purity, and Antermoia, nestled in an idyllic valley towards the Passo delle Erbe. A deep commitment to the environment and a philosophy of ecological management have enabled this tourism cooperative to become the first in South Tyrol – and the third in Italia – to be awarded the prestigious GSTC international certification for sustainable tourism. In these areas, more than 40 accommodation providers remain open until 1 November to welcome travellers with intriguing offers – many of which are free – special deals and small welcome gifts. Among these is the San Vigilio Owl Park, a winged kingdom home to a hundred majestic birds of prey representing thirty different species, including mysterious owls, little owls and tawny owls. Here, the keeper and guide Mario Kelemina reveals the secrets of these creatures, describing their hidden habitats, their rituals and the vital importance of their flight in the natural world. On Thursday evenings, however, you’ll find yourself gazing at the infinite expanse of the night sky, accompanied by expert Julian Rigo, who, with his passion for astronomy, names the constellations and planets that shine so close to the dark silhouettes of the Dolomite peaks. And then there are the guided autumn walks – a true journey that rejuvenates the spirit. The guide leads small groups to the secluded Prati di Medalges, in the Puez–Odle Nature Park, at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Wednesdays, the trail becomes more challenging as it heads towards the Sas dla Para, above the Fodara Vedla mountain hut, from where the view stretches all the way to the Cortina d’Ampezzo valley, offering a panorama of the autumn foliage so vast it takes your breath away. Cycling also takes centre stage in autumn. Together with the instructors from the Bike School, you’ll cycle along quiet, little-used roads, where the ancient historic Ladin farmsteads of San Vigilio emerge like treasures amongst the pastures and streams. All public transport in South Tyrol is included thanks to the Holidaypass Card, which allows you to travel worry-free and visit cradles of Ladin history and language – such as the Museum Ladin Ursus Ladinicus in San Cassiano or the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor in San Martino in Badia – free of charge. Not to be missed in nearby Badia on 8 November is the 26th edition of the Cavalcata di San Leonardo: over 100 horses and breeders from South Tyrol and the other Ladin valleys gather for one of the most significant events of the local autumn season.

https://www.sanvigilio.com/it)