Day 1

Benvenuti in Sicilia!

Individual arrival in Giardini Naxos, the beach resort of Taormina. Welcome briefing and bike fitting.

Overnight in Giardini Naxos area

Day 2

Taormina to Messina

58km/650m+

You start with a short climb to reach the first stop, Taormina, also known as the “pearl of the Mediterranean” and for a good reason – it’s one of the most visited places in Sicily. Time to explore the city before you continue along the coast towards north. Another short climb to Sant’Alessio and then the road is relatively flat all the way to Messina.

Overnight in Messina

Day 3

Messina to Milazzo

63km/450m+

Today you cycle all day along the coast, the route is almost entirely flat. Your first stop will be Capo Peloro. Here the distance to mainland Italy is only a few kilometers and you can clearly see the coast of Calabria. You are literally “between Charybdis and Scylla here”! Your destination today is Milazzo, the gateway and harbour to the Aeolian islands. Milazzo has a pretty historical centre with a castle and citadel from where you have a breathtaking view on the closest islands, Vulcano and Lipari.

Overnight in Milazzo

Day 4

Rest day or Day excursion

You can either take it slow today, maybe a short ride to Capo Milazzo along a panoramic road, a hike to the “pool of Venus” or  take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands. Several operators offer mini cruises to the islands. Lipari & Vulcano, Salina, or Panarea & Stromboli.

Overnight in Milazzo

Day 5

Milazzo to Capo d’Orlando

62km/600m+

You start on a flat stretch along the Thyrrenian sea before you start climbing up on switchbacks to the sanctuary of Tindari, a fairly recent building which shelters a Byzantine Black Virgin. Possibility to visit the nearby archaeological site of Tyndaris before you start the descent to the coast. The road offers beautiful views of the blue sea and coast, dotted with rocks and small characterful seaside resorts. Your destination today is Capo d’Orlando, a delightful seaside town with a beautiful pebbled beach.

Overnight in CApo d’Orlando

Day 6

Capo d’Orlando to Castel di Tusa and Cefalù

83km/800 m+ (shorte version possible)

The last cycling stage continues along the sea, but the scenery changes. The stage is a bit longer, with some short but not difficult climbs. The first part is completely flat until you arrive to Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for hand painted ceramics. Back on the coast you will see a gigantic frame, it is the first piece of art of the “Fiumara d’Arte” a contemporary art project. On a mostly flat road you arrive in Castel di Tusa, ideal stop for lunch. Continue on a scenic road to your final destination Cefalù. From the cathedral to the unparalleled setting, as well as the numerous bars and restaurants. Celebrate your arrival and the end of the tour with a Spritz or Granita (with a twist) on the picturesque Piazza del Duomo with a view on the stunning Cathedral and the “rocca” (rock).

Overnight in Cefalù

Day 7

Departure: Arrivederci!

After breakfast individual departure.

‏Day 1

Arrival at the hotel in Palazzolo Acreide

Delivery of the bikes, bike fitting and tour briefing.

Overnight in Palazzolo Acreide

Day 2

Loop ride Palazzolo Acreide – Anapo Valley

35km/500m+

Loop ride from Palazzolo Acreide around the Anapo Valley, partly on a former railway transformed into a cycle path of ten kilometres immersed in lush nature. Detour to the delightful village of Ferla is possibile. After a shorter climb you are back in Palazzolo and have time to explore the city and it’s renowned cuisine.

Overnight in Palazzolo Acreide

Day 3

Palazzolo Acreide – Ragusa Ibla – Modica

53km/650m+

Ride in typical rural Iblei landscapes on rolling hills towards Giarratana, a small village with impressive late baroque churches and tasty almond sweets torroncini. You continue to the UNESCO Wolrd Heritage cities Ragusa Ibla and Modica, where todays stage ends.

Overnight in Modica

Day 4

Modica – Scicli – Pozzallo – Portopalo di Capo Passero

55km/350m+

Before you leave Modica, you should taste the famous chocolate! You continue along a beautiful valley to Scicli and then through olive groves and carrob trees down to the coast towards Pozzallo, the harbour to Malta. Then cycle along the Mediterrranean Sea until you arrive in Portopalo di Capopassero, a fishing village and the southernmost point of Sicily.

Overnight in Portopalo di Capopassero

Day 5

Portopalo di Capo Passero – Marzamemi – Vendicari – Noto

45km/400m+

After a lovely coastal ride from Portopalo di Capo Passero you arrive to Marzamemi, a delightful fishing village of Arab origins. From here you continue inland on quiet country roads until you arrive to the Nature Reserve of Vendicari, a popular spot for migratory birds and the remains of a “tonnara”, a tuna fishery. You continue to Noto, the capital of the Sicilian Baroque.

Overnight in Noto

Day 6

Rest day or Loop ride Noto – Cavagrande del Cassibile

36km/630m+ (short) 45km/850m+ (long)

Today you can either take a rest day and explore Noto or go for a loop ride to Cavagrande del Cassibile, the deepest of the canyons of the Iblei plateau. You start climbing into the hills above Noto to the ruins of Noto Antica, the original site of the city that was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. On rolling hills you continue to Cavagrande before you return to the coast on a panorami descent on swithbacks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Overnight in Noto

Day 7

Noto – Avola – Plemmirio – Siracusa 55km/300m+

The last stage brings you to your final destination, Siracusa. A flat route along the coast where you pass by Avola, Ognina  and Plemmiro, the marine protected area with the lighthouse Capo Murro di Porco. Continue along the coast before entering the majestic ancient Greek town of Syracuse (Siracusa in italian). Explore the historical center of Ortigia, situated on a small island, perfect for wandering around and explore.

Return your bikes and all accessories. If you have booked extra night/nights and want to keep the bikes let us know as soon as possible.

Overnight in Siracusa

Day 8

Departure

Thank you for choosing to explore Sicily by bike with us! We hope you enjoyed the ride and had a memorable experience.

Day 1

Arrival at the hotel in Buccheri

Delivery of the bikes, bike fitting and tour briefing. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at Masseria Fortificata Lo Zafferaneto

Day 2

From Buccheri to Monterosso Almo, Chiaramonte Gulfi and Vittoria 57km/800m+

We start the tour with a climb to the Medieval hamlet of Buccheri, 800 m.s.l. to later reach a beautful countryside road with spectacular views over the valley, and Etna on a clear day. Our next stops will be Monterosso Almo and Chiaramonte Gulfi, two minor baroque towns in the valley. Today we mostly cycle on secondary roads through landscapes with rolling hills, grain fields, forests, drystone walls, olive groves and citrus orchards. Our stage ends in Vittoria, famous for its grape Cerasuolo di Vittoria, at a charming country hotel. 

Pic nic on the route and dinner at the hotel

Wine tasting at Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti (if available)

Overnight at Baglio Occhipinti

Day 3

Transfer to Chiaramonte Gulfi, then cycle to Giarratana, Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli 55km/340m+ 

Today we do a transfer from the hotel to the former railway of Chiaramonte Gulfi from where we continue to Giarratana, small town with late baroque style, famous for its onions. Next stop is Ragusa Ibla –  a masterpiece of baroque stonework. A coffee break before we continue downhill to Modica for a light lunch with typical products. Our stage ends today in Scicli, charming baroque town also famous from the tv-series “Commissario Montalbano”. 

Light lunch in Modica and dinner on your own

Overnight at Palazzo Favacchio Patanè

Day 4

From Scicli to Sampieri, Pozzallo and Rosolini 43km/390m+

We head downhill to the coast on a very pleasant road. Our first stop is Sampieri, picturesque seaside town with beautiful beaches. We continue to a secondary road through an agricultural landscape with fields, olive groves and drystone walls before we reach Pozzallo, Sicilys connection to Malta. We have a light lunch and if you want, a quick swim in the sea! We continue inland towards our accomodation, passing by mostly greenhouses and cultivations as this area is famous for its cherry tomatoes production.  

Pic nic lunch on the route and dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Masseria della Volpe

Day 5

Rest day OR Loop ride to Marzamemi and Portopalo di Capopassero 56km/370m+

Today you can choose between a rest day or a loop ride to the picturesque fishing village of Arab origins, Marzamemi, and Portopalo di Capopassero, the southernmost point of Sicily where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet. We cycle through the tomato-area until we reach the coast where we have a coffe break in Portopalo. We then continue 10 km along the coast to Marzamemi before we head back to our hotel.

Lunch on your own and dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Masseria della Volpe

Day 6

From Rosolini to Vendicari, Villa Romana del Tellaro and Lido di Noto 32km/210m+

A short ride let us explore better some interesting sites along the way. Our first stop is the nature reserve of Vendicari where we leave our bikes at the entrance and walk around to see the ancient tuna fishery, lush Mediterrranean vegetation, a beautiful beach with crystal clear water and if we are lucky, we can see flamingos! We continue on quiet back roads among vineyards to the Roman Villa del Tellaro with its splendid mosaics. Light lunch and a visit at the villa before we head back to Lido di Noto. 

Pic nic lunch on the route and dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Villa Favorita

Day 7

Rest day OR Loop ride to Noto Antica and Cavagrande 60km/1000m+

Today you can choose between a rest day or a loop ride to Noto Antica, the original site of Noto, and the canyons of Cavagrande. We start with a climb into Noto – the capital of the Sicilian baroque. After a coffee break we continue climbing to San Corrado di Fuori, Noto Antica anche Cavagrande del Cassibile from where we can see Mt. Etna and Siracusa on a clear day. After a pic nic lunch we ride downhill back to the hotel.

Pic nic lunch on the route and dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Villa Favorita

Day 8

From Lido di Noto to Avola, Fontane Bianche and Siracusa 36km/100m+

The last ride of the tour is completely flat along the coast. Today we will arrive in the magnificient town of greek origins, Siracusa, our final destination. On the way we pass by some popular summer resorts; Avola, famous for its almonds, Ognina with the small fishing harbour and Fontane Bianche with it’s sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Our bike adventure finishes at Punta Maddalena from where we will do a short boat trip to Ortigia, the historical center of Siracusa, and our hotel for the last night. 

Pic nich lunch on the route and farewell dinner at the hotel

Overnight at Maniace Boutique Hotel

Day 9

Departure: Arrivederci!

Thank you for choosing to explore Sicily by bike with us! We hope you enjoyed the ride and had a memorable experience.

Day 1

Arrival at the hotel in Buccheri

Delivery of the bikes, bike fitting and tour briefing.

Overnight in Buccheri

Day 2

Buccheri – Sortino – Solarino – Palazzolo Acreide

73km/1250m+

Your start from the hotel with a little uphill to reach the Medieval hamlet of Buccheri. Then you cycle on a ridge from where you can see Mt. Etna on a clear day. First stop, Sortino, a small village famous for its honey production. Perfect for a coffee break before continuing on a beautiful descent with hairpins to the Anapo Valley. You also pass by Solarino, another village, before you start climbing to Palazzolo Acreide, where todays stage ends.

Overnight in Palazzolo Acreide

Day 3

Palazzolo Acreide – (Giarratana) – Ragusa Ibla – Modica

53km/690m+ (short) 63km/950m+

Today you can choose between a short or a longer version. The longer version brings you back to Buccheri and then to Giarratana, while the short version brings you directly to Giarratana. Stop for a coffee break before you continue south to Ragusa Ibla passing by the artifical lake of Santa Rosalia. Ragusa Ibla, a masterpiece of baroque stonework, is situated on a hill top overlooking the surrounding valleys. Take a stroll through the historical center and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants around Piazza Duomo. You continue mostly dowhill along the Irminio river before the last climb to enter Modica, similiar to Ragusa but situated in a valley. 

Overnight in Modica

Day 4

Loop ride Modica – Scicli – Donnalucata – Modica

60km/820m+

Today you leave the hills behind and head downhill towards the coast on a gentle stretch along the Via Fiumara to Scicli, another enchanting baroque town also famous for the italian tv-series “Commissario Montalbano”. Enjoy a coffee break before a short climb that brings you then downhill towards the bright colours of the Mediterranean Sea. From Donnalucata you ride along the coast to Sampieri before you start climbing back to Scicli and eventually Modica. 

Overnight in Modica

Day 5

Modica – Castelluccio  – Testa dell’Acqua – Noto

56km/830m+

You leave Modica on rolling hills until you arrive near Castelluccio. Here you start a beautiful climb on quiet countryroads towards Testa dell’Acqua, a small hamlet and perfect spot for a coffee. A reward for your climbing efforts; a long panoramic downhill overlooking the coast of Noto, where todays stage ends. Noto is the capital of the Sicilian Baroque and was built from scratch after the earthquake of 1693. 

Overnight in Noto

Day 6

Rest day OR Loop ride Noto – Vendicari – Marzamemi – Portopalo di Capo Passero – Noto

87km/780m+ 

You start downhill to exit the center of Noto. We recommend a visit at the Villa Romana del Tellaro, with it’s splendid mosaics, before heading off to the Nature Reserve of Vendicari, a poupular stop for migratory birds. Leave the bikes at the entrance and discover by foot the remains of the ancient tonnara (tuna fishery), lush mediterranean vegatation and the sandy beach with crystalline water, perfect for a swim! Next stop is Marzamemi, a pretty fishing village with Arab origins. During summer popular among tourist for its colourful square with bars and restaurants. You continue along the coast to Portopalo di Capo Passero, the most southern point of Sicily. If you like fish this is the perfect place for lunch before you head back to Noto. 

Overnight in Noto

Day 7

Noto – Siracusa

56km/330m+ (short) 83km/850m+ (long)

Depending on how much energy you have left for the last stage, you can choose between a shorter or a longer ride.

The last stage brings you to your final destination, Siracusa, majestic ancient Greek town of Syracuse (Siracusa in italian). The shorter route brings you easily along the coast passing by Avola and Fontane Bianche. The longer route starts with a climb towards Noto Antica, the original site of Noto until the earthquake of 1693. You continue to the vista point of Cavagrande, the deepest canyon of the Iblei mountains. From here you descend on a spectacular downhill on swithbacks towards the coast overlooking the Mediterrranean Sea until you arrive in Avola. You continue along the coast all the way to Siracusa. Explore the historical center of Ortigia, situated on a small island, perfect for wandering around and explore. 

Return your bikes and all accessories. If you have booked extra night/nights and want to keep the bikes let us know as soon as possible.

Overnight in Siracusa

Day 8

Departure

Thank you for choosing to explore Sicily by bike with us! We hope you enjoyed the ride and had a memorable experience.