Refuge Malga Zanoni

Malga Zanoni sits at 1,078m on the slopes above the Ligurian coast, within striking distance of the Cinque Terre ridgeline and the Portofino Peninsula. Reach it from Moneglia by hiking 2.5 hours north through beech forest and pastureland. The trail climbs steadily but stays manageable. Most hikers approach from the east: start at the small village of Moneglia on the coast, follow CAI markers, and push through the afternoon to summit views of the Ligurian Sea and inland ridges.

The rifugio operates as a working dairy farm—the setting feels like genuine alpine pasture work, not a tourist lodge. You get 24 beds split across a mix of dormitory and 4 private rooms. Meals focus on local Ligurian cooking and dairy products from the farm itself. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast daily. WiFi covers the main building. Water is reliable. Toilets are basic but functional. Open year-round, though staffing may drop in winter—confirm before traveling in January or February.

Call ahead to book. The hut holds few beds, so phone at least one week ahead for weekends. Winter bookings require 3 days' notice minimum. The place fills quickly on summer Sundays when coastal hikers use it as a base for ridge walks. Expect to pay in cash or arrange bank transfer with the family who runs it.