Easy
About
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends, especially July–August; weekdays are more flexible. Contact them directly by phone or check rifugio.net for availability.
Typically open April through October, though staffing varies seasonally—call ahead to confirm hours if visiting shoulder months.
Hike 2.5 hours north from Moneglia (coastal village) following CAI markers through beech forest and pasture; the trail climbs steadily but remains easy-to-moderate terrain.
24 beds in shared rooms, hot meals (dinner and breakfast), and basic washing facilities; no shower but typical for a mountain hut at this elevation.
Yes—the easy access grade, 2.5-hour hike from a road trailhead, and family-focused activities make it ideal for families and hikers new to the mountains.
Location
44.4603, 9.4490
HutLists Score
4.8
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- CAI
- Total
- 24
- Private rooms
- 4
Facilities
Wifi
Meals served
Drinking water
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +39 345 0225175
- Website
- https://malgazanoni.org
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
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