Sappada is located in the north of the Veneto region, at the border between Friuli and Austria. Its mountains are part of the Dolomites.

The village is situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, with approximately 1500 inhabitants. During the summer and winter seasons the number of inhabitants multiplies due the numbers of tourist that arrive in the village. The village extends from east to west across the whole valley, with the river Piave running along side it. The source of the river being found in the local area.

The surrounding environment is of an alpine nature, with mountains reaching 2700 metres, one peak being the Perallba, where the source of the river Piave is born at its feet. Coniferous woods, and fields which in the summer are cultivated to provide food for the livestock, whilst in winter they become whitened slopes allowing skiers of all levels to put in some practice.

There are several characteristics that are typical of Sappada and derive from its origins. The foremost is the local dialect, which is a form of Austrian dialect that has remained prevalent in Sappada over the centuries, due to the lack of further linguistic influence from the Austrian neighbours. Numerous studies in this field have led to the drafting of books and even a dictionary in the dialect known as "Sappadino". The name Plodn is the name given to Sappada in the local dialect.

Another characteristic of the village is the formation of its layout. The village is divided into 15 hamlets. Some are recent and others, which are older, have expanded to form the habitat as it is today. Walking in the village one can still see many antique wooden houses, which have remained intact. These are particularly found in the hamlets that form "Sappada Vecchia" or Old Sappada.

The main source of income for Sappada comes from tourism, be it in the summer or winter, with more and more visitors coming to relax and take in the fresh mountain air, as well as taking up various sporting activities.