Best huts around Varese Ligure are situated in a region recognized for its organic farming and sustainable practices. This "Orange Flag" town offers a rural experience within the Ligurian Apennines. The landscape features mountains, meadows, and historic villages, providing a natural setting for outdoor activities. Accommodations in the area often blend into this natural environment, reflecting local traditions.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Beautiful hiking structure located at 1,400 meters, surrounded by beech trees and positioned on the border with the municipalities of Bedonia and Tornolo for the province of Parma, and Santo Stefano d'Aveto for the metropolitan city of Genoa. Too bad it is never open despite the structure being recent and in good condition.
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A beautiful mountain pass at 1,400 meters. There's a refuge, a small chapel, a monument—in short, everything you'd expect in a place like this. There's even a small clothing store. The only thing that's jarring is the constant noise of a combustion engine, which I assume is a generator for the refuge's operation.
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The Rifugio Casermette del Penna (1,400 m) is located within the Aveto Park, in a beautiful beech forest at the foot of Mount Penna, where the Forestry Corps barracks once stood. Renovated sustainably using local wood, photovoltaic panels, and a biomass boiler, the refuge offers 25 beds in both rooms and dormitories, as well as home-cooked meals prepared using local produce. Today, it is a popular destination for hikers, families, and groups, thanks in part to the large green lawn in front of the building: in summer, it's ideal for relaxing in the sun, picnicking, or letting children play freely. The location is perfect for exploring the trails of Mount Penna, the Lago Penna loop, the Pennino forests, or tackling more technical climbs to the rocky peaks. In winter, it's an ideal base for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
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The Rifugio Faggio dei Tre Comuni (1,400 m), opened in 2011, is located in a beautiful clearing among the beech forests of the Ligurian-Emilian Apennines, at the symbolic meeting point of the municipalities of Bedonia, Tornolo, and Santo Stefano d'Aveto. Built of wood and concrete, it offered approximately 20 beds and was managed by the Parma branch of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI). Unfortunately, with the agreement between the CAI and the Unione Montana (Mountain Union) having expired, the refuge is now closed and abandoned. A real shame: if the facility were reopened at least during the summer months, it could once again become an ideal base for hiking and biking excursions to Monte Trevine, Monte Penna, and the source of the Taro River. The beauty of the site remains intact, and the refuge's clearing is a perfect stop for a break in the silence of the forest.
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Situated at 956 meters between the Vara and Aveto Valleys, the Bocco Pass is one of the historic passes of the Ligurian Apennines, used since ancient times as a connection between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Po Valley hinterland. Already in Roman times, it was part of a secondary transit network, but it was especially in the Middle Ages and modern times that the pass assumed a central role in local traffic: a route for merchants, shepherds, and pilgrims, it connected Chiavari and the Riviera with Varese Ligure and the Emilian plains. Traces of the ancient paving are still visible today in the surrounding woods. During the Second World War, the area served as a refuge for partisan groups, thanks to its secluded location and dense forest cover. Today, the pass is a destination for cyclists and hikers, immersed in an unspoiled mountain landscape of beech and fir forests and highland meadows, at the gateway to the Aveto Regional Natural Park.
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Ref.Three Beech Trees
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Handsome. Former barracks of Penna
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Varese Ligure offers a unique blend of traditional mountain refuges and agriturismi (farm stays). While traditional huts like Monte Penna Hut and Monte Aiona Refuge – Pratomollo provide a classic mountain experience, the region is also known for its agriturismi, which emphasize organic farming, local produce, and a deep connection to nature. These farm stays, such as Agriturismo Risveglio Naturale or Azienda Agricola Cibele, offer a rural and authentic experience.
Yes, several options are suitable for families. Bocco Pass and Monte Penna Hut are noted as family-friendly. Additionally, agriturismi like Azienda Agricola Cibele are perfect for families, offering comfortable apartments, recreational facilities like a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and engaging experiences with farm animals, including donkeys.
The area around Varese Ligure is rich in natural beauty. You can expect spectacular views of surrounding mountains and meadows, especially from locations like Rifugio Malga Zanoni and Prato Mollo. The Monte Penna Hut is surrounded by fir and beech forests within the Aveto Regional Natural Park, offering a pristine natural environment.
Many accommodations in the region offer food and drink. For instance, the refuge at Bocco Pass is a good spot for a coffee or a meal. Monte Penna Hut is known for excellent dishes. Agriturismi like Risveglio Naturale and Il Filo di Paglia feature on-site restaurants serving specialties made with organic ingredients from their own farms or local products, often following Slow Food principles.
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, with some huts serving as excellent starting points for excursions. There are also opportunities for gravel biking, running, and cycling. The Aveto Regional Natural Park, where Monte Penna Hut is located, is ideal for nature exploration.
Absolutely. Huts like Monte Penna Hut are described as excellent starting points for excursions. Monte Aiona Refuge – Pratomollo is a key stopping point for those traveling along the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. Rifugio Malga Zanoni also provides paths leading to the peaks of Aiona and Penna mountains and connects to the Alta Via.
The region is appealing in various seasons. While some refuges like Monte Penna Hut are welcoming in both summer and winter, the warmer months are generally ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes, while summer allows for full enjoyment of facilities like outdoor pools at agriturismi.
Yes, several locations offer splendid views. Agriturismo Risveglio Naturale provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. Azienda Agricola Cibele boasts splendid views of the valley and Varese Ligure. Mountain refuges like Rifugio Malga Zanoni and Prato Mollo are also noted for their excellent viewpoints and panoramic settings.
Varese Ligure is an 'Orange Flag' town, recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability and organic farming. This dedication is reflected in the agriturismi, which offer eco-friendly and regenerative getaways with organic food and a deep connection to the Ligurian hinterland. The blend of sustainable practices, authentic rural experiences, and access to traditional mountain refuges makes it a unique destination.
Yes, the region has historical significance. Monte Aiona Refuge – Pratomollo is built on a site with historical-archaeological importance, showing traces of frequentation since the Mesolithic period. Additionally, some agriturismi, like Azienda Agricola Cibele, are situated in renovated historic farmhouses near medieval villages, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is a long-distance hiking trail that traverses the Ligurian Apennines. Several huts in the Varese Ligure area serve as important stopping points or are directly connected to this route. Monte Aiona Refuge – Pratomollo is an excellent stopping point for those traveling along the Alta Via, and Rifugio Malga Zanoni also has paths that cross the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.
Yes, some accommodations focus on well-being. Agriturismo Risveglio Naturale, for example, offers various activities for relaxation and well-being, including Ayurvedic massages and nature excursions. Agriturismo Il Filo di Paglia also provides rebalancing massages, adding a wellness dimension to your stay amidst nature.


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