The pleasure of discovering Sicily by bike

Discovering Sicily by bike

Between the deep blue of the sea and the rugged strength of the mountains, Sicily reveals itself as an island of wonders in the heart of the Mediterranean. It is the largest island in our mare nostrum and a living mosaic of cultures, scents, and flavors. Every era has left its mark: from the Greeks to the Normans, from the Arabs to the Spanish, history has interwoven influences that are still reflected today in its landscapes, architecture, and the character of its people. Traveling through Sicily means crossing centuries of civilization, breathing a millennial heritage that renews itself with every glance.

And it is precisely by bike that this magic reveals itself in its purest essence. Far from the most beaten paths, the slow pedal allows you to discover the hidden gems of the island — ancient villages immersed in silence, fishing villages suspended in time, hills covered with olive trees, and paths that smell of orange blossom. Every climb and every curve becomes an invitation to slow down, to listen to the natural rhythm of Sicily and to experience it with all your senses. In the saddle, the island is not just a destination: it is an experience, a journey into its most authentic soul.

10 unmissable routes

1. Altomontana Trail on Etna: Cycle at 2000 meters among lava craters and views of the Aeolian Islands, a 38 km route also accessible with e-bikes for less trained clients.
2. Baroque Sicily and Val di Noto: From Pantalica to Syracuse (250 km), passing through Noto, Ragusa and Modica, amidst UNESCO Baroque and medium-difficulty dirt roads.
3. Coast from Palermo to Agrigento: Along the sea and the Zingaro Reserve, with stops in Scopello and spectacular sunsets, ideal for gravel with a view.
4. Magna Via Francigena: From Agrigento to Palermo, through hills, medieval villages, and challenging elevation gains for experienced bikers.
5. Bronte and Etna Park: Through woods, vineyards, and pistachios, combining sport and gastronomy at the foot of the volcano.
6. Tour of Favignana: Simple coastal circuit in the Egadi Islands, with coves and crystal clear waters, perfect for easy tours and rentals.
7. Cycle Path of the Parks: 300 km between Etna, Nebrodi, and Madonie, with biodiversity, woods, and climbs over 1000 m for MTB adventures.
8. Western Sicily Tour: From Trapani to Palermo via the Marsala salt pans, Rocca Busambra, and Ficuzza Reserve, for an authentic and gravel Sicily.
9. Madonie Park: Medieval villages, wildlife, and mountain views, with cycle paths suitable for guided excursions.
10. The south coast: From Syracuse to Trapani, a complete network of itineraries that combines coast, history, and nature for multi-day tours.

Where to eat and drink

1. Altomontana Etna Trail: At Rifugio Sapienza or Piano Provenzana, taste fresh Bronte pistachio and Etna granitas in agriturismos like Fucina di Vulcano: natural energy after a volcanic ride.
2. Baroque Sicily Val di Noto: In Noto or Modica, have lunch at Corallo (Modica) with Modica chocolate and meat impanate, or in Pantalica with organic products from local wineries.
3. Palermo-Agrigento Coast: In the Zingaro Reserve, in Scopello at La Tavernetta: fish couscous or pane cunzato with fresh tuna, sea view for gravel recharge.
4. Magna Via Francigena: In Agrigento or Caltabellotta, choose nearby temples for seafood tempura or aged pecorino with honey, in trattorias like those in Sciacca.
5. Bronte and Etna Park: In Bronte, in the center or agriturismos: toasted pistachios, cassate, and pistachio arancini, perfect for bikers after vineyards.
6. Tour of Favignana: On the Egadi Islands, in Cala Azzurra or at the port: swordfish salad and pasta with sea urchins, light lunch on the beach at Egadi Charter.
7. Cycle Path of the Parks: Between Nebrodi and Madonie, in Petralia or Cesarò: wild mushrooms, local sausages, and Nero d'Avola wine in park refuges.
8. Western Sicily Tour: Sweets, like the cannolo of Dattilo or Napola, with its raw ricotta and crispy crust.
9. Madonie Park: In Castelbuono or Pollina: fresh manna, a natural sweetener extracted directly from local trees and used to produce baked goods. A visit to the famous Fiasconaro pastry shop is a must.
10. South Coast: From Syracuse to Trapani, in Trapani: Trapanese couscous or busiate al pesto with almonds.

Where to stay

In Sicily, hospitality opens its doors 360 degrees: there's only the embarrassment of choice. When traveling by bike, you just need to make sure you find a safe place to store your means of locomotion. Be careful to specify if you are using electric bikes, because there will also be the need to recharge them.

Things to know before you go

Sicily is a cycling destination that is increasingly establishing itself in the European and global cycle tourism market. It should be noted that it can be quite easy to cycle along the coast, but it becomes challenging to go inland. Although without high peaks, the inland routes go up and down hills that can often "break the legs" of less trained cyclists. Careful planning is needed, perhaps using the knowledge of local cycle tourism guides and tour operators specializing in cycle tourism, in order to avoid surprises and finding oneself in difficult situations.