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Rifugio Sapienza

On the slopes and steps away from Etna Cable Car

Photo gallery for Rifugio Sapienza

Quadruple Room
Reception
Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe
Free daily buffet breakfast
Premium bedding, down duvets, minibar, in-room safe

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, Nicolosi, CT, 95030
  • Etna Cable Car
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Silvestri Craters
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Mount Etna
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Catania (CTA-Fontanarossa)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Single Room

Classic Single Room | Bathroom

Classic Single Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Quadruple Room

Quadruple Room

Quadruple Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Twin Room (2 Single Beds)

Twin Room (2 Single Beds)

Twin Room (2 Single Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room

Triple Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Room

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

Family Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

About the area

Nicolosi

Rifugio Sapienza places you steps from Etna Cable Car and within a 10-minute stroll of Silvestri Craters. Highlights at this ski inn include free buffet breakfast, a restaurant and free self-parking. .For a drink, you can stop by the inn's own lounge bar. Added amenities include ski-in/ski-out access, free Wi-Fi in public areas and a coffee shop/cafe. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this Nicolosi inn, you'll be 15.5 km (9.6 mi) from Mount Etna.
View more Inns in NicolosiOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Etna Cable Car - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Silvestri Craters - 8 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Mount Etna - 18 min drive - 13.8 km
  • Etna Park Visitor Center - 26 min drive - 20.1 km
  • Etnaland - 36 min drive - 29.8 km

Getting around

  • Catania Ognina Station - 38 min drive
  • Catania (CTA-Fontanarossa) - 73 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Funivia dell'Etna - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Terrazza dell'Etna - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Ristorante Parco dei Principi - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪La Boscaiola - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Santa Rita Garden - ‬24 min drive

About this property

Rifugio Sapienza

On the slopes and steps away from Etna Cable Car
Along with a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

Ski-in/ski-out access, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the business-friendly Rifugio Sapienza. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This Nicolosi inn is smoke free.

  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • Conference rooms
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • On-site shopping
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Rifugio Sapienza offers 22 accommodations with minibars and a safe. Beds feature down duvets and premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels.

Bathrooms include a shower and bidets. This Nicolosi inn provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Return 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

  • Cot (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.
  • Lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Cot (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: EUR 20 per pet, per stay
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

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

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • All guests (including children) need to be present at check-in to show their government-issued photo ID or passport.
  • On-site cash transactions can't exceed EUR 5000, due to national regulations. For more 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

What is the cancellation policy at Rifugio Sapienza?

Rifugio Sapienza offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Rifugio Sapienza?

Yep, Rifugio Sapienza has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Rifugio Sapienza?

The closest beach to Rifugio Sapienza is Spiaggia di Fondachello (18.9 km).

What makes Rifugio Sapienza a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Rifugio Sapienza.

Is Rifugio Sapienza family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a deli, as well as cots/infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Rifugio Sapienza is a hit with families.

Does Rifugio Sapienza serve breakfast?

Yeah, complimentary buffet brekkie is available daily between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Rifugio Sapienza?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs from 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Rifugio Sapienza?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Rifugio Sapienza?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

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