Taormina and the North Coast
An amazing bike tour that starts with a visit of the most famous town of Sicily, Taormina – an elegant tourism resort since the times of the travellers of the Grand Tour. You continue along the coast; from the straits of Messina to Milazzo, the gateway to the Eolian island and finish in Cefalù – a vibrant coastal town with a stunning Cathedral with Norman-Arab mosaics. Stunning scenery is guaranteed day by day on this cycling tour!
Difficulty level:
Medium
Distance:
60 – 80 km per day, 350 – 800 m elevation gain per day
Terrain:
paved roads
Start from:
Giardini Naxos/Taormina
Duration:
7 days/6 nights
Availability:
every day (on request)
Participants:
Minimum 2
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 58 km/600m+
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 65 km/350m+
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 65 km/850m+
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 80 km/800 m+ (shorter 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.
