Refuge Ca' da Cardella
1.4Rifugio Ca' da Cardella
Liguria, Italy
About
Rifugio Ca' da Cardella sits at 1,000m in the Ligurian Apennines, a six-hour walk from Montemarcello or accessible via the coastal trails linking the Cinque Terre villages to the inland ridge. This is a working farm-refuge run by locals who know the network of mule paths and ridge trails crisscrossing the region. The location works well as a base for day hikes across Liguria's lesser-known limestone country or as a overnight stop on longer traverses linking the coast to the high passes.
The rifugio has 16 beds split across four private rooms, so expect shared dormitory conditions or the option to book a room if traveling in a small group. Meals are available and feature local Ligurian cooking. WiFi is available, unusual for a hut at this elevation. The building operates year-round, though verify opening before winter visits since staffing can be inconsistent outside summer months.
Book by phone directly with the rifugio. Summer weekends fill quickly between June and September, so call at least two weeks ahead if traveling July or August. Shoulder seasons (May and September–October) are quieter and offer better weather stability for hiking. Half-board is standard. Confirm meal options and any dietary requirements when you call, as the small kitchen works to a fixed menu.
The rifugio has 16 beds split across four private rooms, so expect shared dormitory conditions or the option to book a room if traveling in a small group. Meals are available and feature local Ligurian cooking. WiFi is available, unusual for a hut at this elevation. The building operates year-round, though verify opening before winter visits since staffing can be inconsistent outside summer months.
Book by phone directly with the rifugio. Summer weekends fill quickly between June and September, so call at least two weeks ahead if traveling July or August. Shoulder seasons (May and September–October) are quieter and offer better weather stability for hiking. Half-board is standard. Confirm meal options and any dietary requirements when you call, as the small kitchen works to a fixed menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead, especially weekends and summer months; with only 16 beds this fills quickly. Call the refuge directly or check rifugio.net for availability.
Typical opening is late spring through early autumn (May–October), though as a working farm it may have variable staffing; confirm dates by phone before planning your trip.
Expect 5–6 hours from Montemarcello; the refuge also sits on coastal-to-ridge trail networks connecting Cinque Terre villages to the inland limestone ridges, offering flexibility in approach routes.
16 beds in shared quarters, meals cooked by the family, and basic mountain refuge amenities; confirm availability of showers and hot water when you book.
Yes—it's a working farm with a friendly, local character and sits on established mule paths, making it accessible for families and newer hikers; day hikes from here over limestone terrain are varied enough to suit different fitness levels.
Quick Facts
- Season
- –
- Total
- 16
- Dormitory
- Emergency
- Private rooms
- 4
Facilities
Wifi
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 338 3045512
- Website