Rifugio Piano dei Grilli

The place

Refuge on the western slope of Etna, in the Etna Regional Park (official Base Point no. 6), above Bronte (Sicily), between 1,100 m (base of the refuge) and 1,900 m (Almontana track). A plateau listed as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Protection Area (SPA), with volcanic cones, caves, lava flows, broom forests and evergreen woods, and endemic fauna (raptors, insects). Managed since May 2015 by the Etna e Dintorni association. Services: minibar, guided excursions, meals, bike and snowshoe rental, shop, picnic area, bivouac point, tent rental, hostel and B&B. Access: a monumental lava-stone-paved road from Viale J.F. Kennedy in Bronte (GPS 37°44'44", 14°52'15"). Summer (1 June-15 Sept): Thu-Sun 9am-9pm plus public holidays; winter (16 Sept-31 May): Fri 8pm-Sun 9pm plus holidays 9am-9pm. Bookable year-round. Contact info@etnaedintorni.it, +39 347 1902220.