Trattoria Villanova

Trattoria Villanova sits at 1,100m in the lower Piedmont valleys south of Turin, accessible by car or a 45-minute walk from the village of Villanova d'Albaretto. This is a roadside base for day hikes into the rolling limestone country rather than a mountain refuge. The location works best as a staging point for exploring the Ligurian Apennines foothills, with routes to nearby ridges and valleys starting within 20 minutes on foot.

The trattoria offers 12 beds spread across simple rooms with shared bathrooms. Dinner is traditional Piedmont cooking—tajarin, brasato, local cheeses. They serve breakfast and packed lunches. The kitchen is the main draw; this isn't a purpose-built hiker's refuge but a working family restaurant that takes overnight guests. No dormitories. Open year-round except Mondays and two weeks in August. The bar stays open to passing walkers during the day.

Phone ahead to book, especially weekends and summer holidays. Aim to call by Thursday for a Saturday stay. The hut fills quickly during autumn weekends when the chestnut forests draw day-trippers from Turin. Cash preferred, though card payments accepted. If you're looking for a proper mountain hut with alpini hospitality and dormitory beds, continue higher into the valleys. Choose Villanova if you want good food, a soft bed, and easy walking terrain.