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Rifugio Sapienza

Slopeside inn steps from Etna Cable Car

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January 2025

Photo gallery for Rifugio Sapienza

Quadruple Room
Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe
Front of property
Exterior
Mountain view

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Parking included
    Parking included
  • Room service
    Room service
  • Housekeeping
    Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Classic Single Room

Classic Single Room | Bathroom

Classic Single Room

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Private bathroom
Bidet
Minibar
Satellite channels
Desk
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Quadruple Room

Quadruple Room

Quadruple Room

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Private bathroom
Bidet
Minibar
Satellite channels
Desk
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds OR 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Twin Room (2 Single Beds)

Twin Room (2 Single Beds)

Twin Room (2 Single Beds)

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Private bathroom
Bidet
Minibar
Satellite channels
Desk
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room

Triple Room

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Private bathroom
Bidet
Minibar
Satellite channels
Desk
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Premium bedding, down comforters, minibar, in-room safe

Family Room

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Private bathroom
Bidet
Minibar
Satellite channels
Desk
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Private bathroom
Bidet
Minibar
Satellite channels
Desk
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

Panoramic Studio, Sea View | Private kitchen
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Breakfast included
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Free WiFi
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (33)
The price is CA $116
CA $128 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 5 - Dec 6
Etna Royal View
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About the area

Map
Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, Nicolosi, Catania, 95030

What's nearby

  • Etna Cable Car - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Monti Silvestri Lift - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Silvestri Craters - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Mount Etna - 24 min drive - 18.5 km
  • Piano Provenzana - 50 min drive - 42.8 km

Getting around

  • Catania Ognina Station - 38 min drive
  • Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Funivia dell'Etna - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Terrazza dell'Etna - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Ristorante Parco dei Principi - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪La Boscaiola - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Santa Rita Garden - ‬24 min drive

About this property

Rifugio Sapienza

Inn near Etna Cable Car
Located close to Silvestri Craters, Rifugio Sapienza provides a free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and shopping on site. Skiers and snowboarders can spend time on the slopes at this inn featuring ski-in/ski-out access. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a coffee shop/cafe and a library.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and meeting rooms
  • Concierge services, luggage storage, and an elevator
Room features
All guestrooms at Rifugio Sapienza offer thoughtful touches such as premium bedding, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
More amenities include:
  • Down comforters and cribs/infant beds (surcharge)
  • Bathrooms with showers and bidets
  • Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Daily housekeeping and desks

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Library
  • Shopping
  • Ski-in/ski-out access

Family friendly

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • In the mountains
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Minibar
  • Room service

More

  • Desk
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of EUR 20 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are available for EUR 10.00 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 1.00 per person, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: EUR 100 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 5)
  • Pet fee: EUR 20 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: EUR 10.00 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available

We should mention

All guests, including children, must be present at check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation

Property is also known as

Rifugio Sapienza Inn Nicolosi
Rifugio Sapienza Inn
Rifugio Sapienza Nicolosi
Rifugio Sapienza
Rifugio Sapienza Nicolosi, Italy - Sicily
Rifugio Sapienza Inn
Rifugio Sapienza Nicolosi
Rifugio Sapienza Inn Nicolosi

Frequently asked questions

Is Rifugio Sapienza pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of EUR 20 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at Rifugio Sapienza?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Rifugio Sapienza?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Rifugio Sapienza?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does Rifugio Sapienza provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs 7:30 AM–11:00 PM on request. A fee of EUR 100 per vehicle applies.

Where is Rifugio Sapienza located?

Situated in Nicolosi, this ski inn is within a 10-minute walk of Etna Cable Car and Silvestri Craters.

Rifugio Sapienza Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 63 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 145 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 145 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dominic

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and helpful too.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Binh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great customer service, staff super friendly and helpful, room was very comfortable and had everything needed, good location and restaurant food was superb. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kyeongmo

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The refugio was very good for the travellers. It was clean and dining was good. The staff was kind ans helpful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wybo

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rifugio Sapienza had everything we could hope for. Nice room, great restaurant, a super breakfast each day, and the best location for exploring Mount Etna!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Antonino

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly people, very hospitable. The room is comfortable. The food at the restaurant was delicious. We enjoyed our stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Highly recommend, great experience with the hotel
We had a lovely time in Rifugio Sapienza, excelent location, right next to the cable car to Etna, good food and large portions, lots of choice also for breakfast. Room was clean and has comfortable beds, large balcony. Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bernhard

Stayed 1 night in May 2022

8/10 Good

Gillian

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Solid hotel choice
Pros: Great value for the location, decent food choices, friendly staff, free on site parking Cons: Our room had a slanted ceiling and I hit my head on it constantly (and I’m 5’4). Cleanliness of shower could be improved.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little hotel with amazing views and very professional and friendly staff. Good restaurant specialising in pizza. Would stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

2/10 Terrible

Melissa

Travelled with family
Get insurance
I had to cancel due to losing my luggage on the airplane there. We had two nights and I was able to cancel a day ahead due to being stranded in the layover country. They refused to even let me cancel for the 2nd night.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent option if you want to visit the Volcano area. Convenient and the best you get a discount for the cable car
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You get to sleep on an active volcano, at 2000 meter altitude. What more do you need/can you ask for?
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Service very good. Rooms simple but clean. Perfect for hiking Mt. Etna. A few good restaurants nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The hotel is quite old but there is not much choice if you want to stay overnight at Etna. It is an ok hotel for a night or two. We were two friends staying in a room with a double and a twin bed and it was ok for us. Room is quite small. Breakfast was buffet style with croissants, yoghurt, eggs, meat and cheese on offer.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff. they were the most accommodating and friendly staff i have ever had the pleasure to stay with. they would do things for customers using initiative before being asked. always smiling and joking too. The volcano and scenery (best ever seen) comes second to these people.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great room and service and restaurant. Super close to cable car. Get here by car or morning bus from Catania.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

antonio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A good choice up there!
The rooms are clean and cosy, very comfortable bed, soft towels in the bathroom, staff extremely helpful and kind. Breakfast was quite basic (maybe because we were the only ones that morning; I've been another time and there was more stuff) but you can order real coffee/cappuccino at the bar without extra cost. The pizza at the restaurant is probably the best in the whole province!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

2/10 Terrible

Alexandre

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Appalling. Avoid at all costs!
We decided to stay at this hotel for two reasons: first, because it was about as far up the flank of Mount Etna as one can get, and secondly, because it was well rated. Boy, were we ever wrong on the second point! The front desk was manned by an unkempt man who barely looked up and offered no information whatsoever (e.g., we didn't find out there was an elevator until we were leaving). The halls and stairs were unlit, with switches on timers that had to be turned back on every five meters to avoid stumbling around in the dark. Our room was a singular cross between a Gulag, a sad summer camp and solitary confinement in a medium-security prison. Uncomfortable bed, questionable cleanliness, scuffed, worn floors, lightbulb burned out... We were tired and there aren't exactly dozens of food options on the side of a volcano, so we decided to try the on-site restaurant... which is where the "full Gulag" experience came into focus. It was genuinely appalling: Surly, indifferent waiters; ghastly, inedible prison food (I was unable to finish even a quarter of my plate); and the only truly undrinkable wine I've ever had in Italy. Nauseated and grumpy, we returned to our room as soon as possible and tried to fall asleep. The breakfast the next morning was somewhat better, though we still left as fast as we could. All in all, quite possibly the worst hotel I have ever had the misfortune of staying in. Avoid it at all costs!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Nicolo

Cozy room on top of the volcano
Nice and cozy room. Good pizza at the restaurant. Decent price (considering where you are). Great starting point for a morning hike on the small craters.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

6/10 Okay

Sarah, Malvern, Worcestershire

Liked: Staff & service
Perfect for visitng Etna
Friendly, helpful staff. Accommodation a bit basic, room clean, smell of drains in the bathroom. Breakfast was OK. BUT, right next to cable car for Etna. Also, we went to the restaurant (NOT cafe) attached for dinner and the food was excellent, would recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018