Rifugio Cercenà

Rifugio Cercenà sits at 1,569m in the Ligurian Apennines, roughly 2 hours' hiking from Passo del Turchino (1,554m). The hut anchors several ridge walks across this lesser-known limestone range between Genoa and Piacenza. Most hikers approach from the north via trail 00 from Torricella, a 3-hour push that gains 700m steadily through beech forest. The terrain is exposed once you reach the ridge—wind funnels hard here even when valleys below sit calm. Summer afternoon thunderstorms develop fast, so start early.
The rifugio runs as a simple mountain inn with 20 beds spread across basic shared rooms. Half-board is standard: you'll get reliable pasta and local meat dishes, though don't expect refinement. The bar stocks beer and grappa. There's a small dining area, composting toilet, and washing facilities with cold water. The hut opens weekends year-round and daily from June through September. Winter access depends on snow conditions—phone ahead if you're coming October through May. Mobile signal is patchy.
Book direct by phone at least 2 weeks ahead for July and August weekends. Email works too but expect slow replies. The hut fills quickly because climbers use it as a base for limestone sport routes in the valleys below. Midweek visits in shoulder seasons (May, September) are quieter. Cash payment only.