Sapienza Refuge - Mount Etna

Book your stay at Rifugio Sapienza!

The Sapienza refuge is the only one reachable by public transportations, check our transport sections for the details. It's property of the CAI association but is managed by STAR company (it's the same company that manage cableway and off-road trasport to the central craters)


The refuge has 55 beds, and the cost depends on the type of room (double, triple, etc.). A double room with breakfast costs between 90 and 100 euros, data updated MAY 2025.

You can book your room directly from this link, or you can contact the refuge if you have specific needs using these contacts:

  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Phone: +39095915321

The overnight stay at thir refuge should allow you to ask for a discount to the transport toward the central craters (ask at the refuge for further details). CAI associates should also be eligible for a 10% off for night accommodation.

We suggest you to book in advance. For further information, check the official web site (http://www.rifugiosapienza.com).

The refuge is part of tourist support structure at south Mount Etna side. Using cableway and off-road vehicles is possible to reach the central craters in many different ways:

  • Self paced excursion, following our indication: 52 euros for adults, 30 euros for children between 5 and 10 years old, round trip ticket for the cable car only.
  • "Standard" excursion", round trip by cable car + off-road vehicle/snowcat with a visit to the 2002 crater at Torre del Filosofo (Barbagallo craters): cost is 80 euros (95 euros in winter by snowcat) for adults, 50 euros for children (55 euros by snowcat), particularly suitable for the lazy and for those who cannot or do not want to walk much.
  • Excursion leaded by mountain guides (look for "Guide Alpine" in front of the coffee bar). You'll rise to "Torre del Filosofo" by cableway and off-read vehicles, the return trip we'll be done by walking. The fare depends on the guide. If you can afford the expense and feel also confident for the descending path, you can really consider this solution

Here you can find the 3D video of the ascent to Torre del Filosofo:

the ascent to Torre del Filosofo from the Sapienza refuge

Please note that parking fees apply within the blue-striped zones of the park. Here are the car parking rates.

  • 1 hour: 80 eurocents
  • Half day: 2,5 euros
  • Whole dat: 4 euros

Rates for campers and buses are obviously higher. You can buy parking tickets in some shops after their opening time, at about 8:30 A.M. if you reach the tourist area before this time, check for free parking outside the blue stripes (for instance, in front of the cableway office)

In the area around the refuge, there are the following trails: