Sapienza Refuge in Nicolosi

Il Rifugio Sapienza is one of the most exclusive locations inEtna, a real refreshment point for all those who venture along the paths of the highest volcano in Europe. It is a structure that, today, houses a hotel it's a restaurant, perfect to enjoy a restful night and to taste the most delicious gastronomic excellence of Sicily, made strictly with local ingredients. The Sapienza Refuge is located north of Nicolosi, immersed in the spontaneous vegetation of Etna, to which it connects with various road routes.

History of the Sapienza Refuge in Nicolosi

The Sapienza Refuge is named after its founder Giovannino Sapienza and was born with the intention of being one of the main ones Alpine refuges in Sicily. After having held this role for several years, the Rifugio Sapienza has been totally redeveloped to become a tourist facility, capable of offering every type of comfort to those who choose Nicolosi to spend their holidays in Sicily. This building, in any case, is an important point of reference also for the Sicilians themselves, who understand it as the perfect place to start their adventure on Etna, they also become the reference point for many tourist guides.

What to do at the Sapienza Refuge in Nicolosi

The structure itself is among the best served in the area, so much so that in its immediate vicinity it is possible to find various structures equipped to enjoy a wonderful picnic in the middle of nature of Etna. This area is also frequented by cyclists, as well as having been, on several occasions, one of the important stages Tour of Italy, hosting many cycling champions.

Around the Sapienza Refuge there are several stalls where you can camp, frequented especially during the spring and summer period, to the point of being considered one of the best Sicilian points in which to admire the wonderful show of shooting stars for the Night of San Lorenzo.

The landscape surrounding the Rifugio Sapienza is also loved by mountain enthusiasts hiking and trekking, given the natural beauties that alternate in this area, such as Bove Valley, the Summit Craters of Etna, the Silvestri Mountains and Benedictine Monastery of San Nicola, which are just some of the points of interest to visit during your stay.

Recommended activities for a tour of Etna

Etna Sud Ski Resort in Nicolosi

The Sapienza Refuge also represents the base of the Etna Sud Ski Resort, which during every winter period, thanks to the heavy snowfalls that color Etna white, becomes the perfect location for a white week in Sicily, as well as to practice the winter sports more iconic. Lovers of ski and snowboardTherefore, they can find the perfect place to have fun with their favorite sports, while the curious can try their hand at these disciplines for the first time by renting equipment and letting themselves be guided by the instructors.

How to get to the Sapienza Refuge in Nicolosi

The best way to get to Rifugio Sapienza is to take Nicolosi as a point of reference, as it is separated from it by two routes of around 18 km each, which can easily be covered with theauto. You can get to Nicolosi in different ways, thanks also to the Provincial Roads 92 and 160, as well as several other routes that cross the eastern coast of Sicily and are also located in the surroundings of Nicolosi, making it reachable from any point in Sicily also by bus of the Sicilian bus lines.

© Image by Lying, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons