Rifugio Monte Santa Maria
The place
An entirely timber-built refuge of the Etna Park, set at 1630 m on the volcano's northern slope, in a zone A full nature reserve and, since 2013, within the "heart zone" of the Mount Etna UNESCO site. Located above the Pista Altomontana (trail 701) near its junction with trail 719, in an open clearing within the largest and oldest beech forest on Etna — between Monte Santa Maria and Monte Spagnolo. Recently renovated building fitted with an indoor fireplace; a well with a fountain below, a lava-stone oven and an outdoor barbecue area. Small capacity, functioning as a bivouac. Key to be requested from CAI Linguaglossa. A stage on the classic "four northern refuges" loop: M. Santa Maria - M. Spagnolo - Saletti - Case Pirao.
Getting there
On the Pista Altomontana (trail 701) near the junction with trail 719. Key from CAI Linguaglossa. Four northern rifugi loop with Spagnolo, Saletti, Pirao.
The setting
Centuries-old beech forest between Monte Santa Maria and Monte Spagnolo, Etna UNESCO heart zone.
