Cycling in Sicily – from Etna to the sea | Self-guided

Day 1Welcome to Sicily

You land at Catania airport, and from here the trip continues to Nicolosi, a pleasant small town at the foot of Mount Etna. This is where your Sicilian cycling adventure begins!

At the agreed time, you will meet our local English-speaking partner for a review of the cycling routes and practical information about the trip (in English). You will also test the bike, so everything is ready for tomorrow's first stage. Lunch on your own (not included).

In the evening, dinner awaits at the hotel's restaurant (included).

Day 2Experience mighty Etna – by bike or with transport

Today, one of Sicily's absolute greatest attractions is on the agenda – the volcano Etna! The destination is Rifugio Sapienza, located approx. 1900 meters above sea level, on the south side of the volcano.

For those who want a real challenge, approx. 20 km and a whopping 1200 meters of elevation gain await from the hotel in Nicolosi. There will be plenty of uphill climbing, but also great views along the way! If you prefer to save your legs, you can choose a local bus (bikes cannot be brought along) or book private transport.

From Rifugio Sapienza, it is possible to continue even higher up Etna by cable car, 4x4, and a local guide. Here you will get really close to the fascinating volcanic landscape! The excursion must be pre-booked well in advance.

Should weather conditions make it impossible to visit Etna, the alternative is to take a public bus to Catania, where you can spend the day sightseeing in the historic center. Lunch on your own (not included).

In the evening, there will be dinner in the hotel's restaurant (included).

Day 3From Nicolosi to the pistachio town of Bronte

Today, the cycling trip continues on quiet back roads, mostly downhill, towards the Forre Laviche del Simeto nature reserve. Here you will also find the historic Ponte dei Saraceni, a beautiful stone bridge over the Simeto River.

Gradually, large pistachio plantations appear along the road, and that's how you know you are approaching Bronte! The town is famous far beyond Sicily's borders for its exclusive pistachios, which are considered among the best in the world. Here, pistachio is used in almost everything – from cheese and pesto to ice cream and sweet creams. Perhaps a little taste test along the way sounds tempting? You will have lunch at a suitable place along the route (not included).

You are now on the other side of Etna, where the landscape changes character and offers new vistas.

Today's stage ends at a charming agriturismo (farm hotel), surrounded by pistachio plantations. Here, both accommodation and dinner await in rural surroundings (included).

Day 4From Bronte via historic Maniace to Randazzo

From Bronte, you cycle north on a scenic road towards Parco dei Nebrodi, one of Sicily's large natural areas. Along the way, you pass fertile agricultural areas, green hills, and characteristic stone walls built from dark lava stone.

The first stop is Maniace, a small village with an exciting history. Here lies Castello Nelson, which was given to the British Admiral Horatio Nelson by the King of Naples in 1799. The castle is beautifully situated in rural surroundings and houses a small museum. Here you will also find the former Norman monastery of Santa Maria di Maniace, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages.

After the visit, you cycle back the same way for a short distance before continuing towards Randazzo – one of Sicily's most characteristic medieval towns. Located at the foot of Etna, the town is known for its historic buildings in black lava stone, narrow cobblestone streets, and pleasant piazzas.

It is well worth setting aside some time to stroll around here! Perhaps an espresso in the square, or a glass of local Etna wine at one of the town's wine bars? The area around the volcano is indeed famous for its excellent wines, cultivated in the mineral-rich volcanic soil.

The day ends with dinner at the hotel or agriturismo (included).

Day 5From Randazzo via Castiglione and the Alcantara Valley to Giardini Naxos

Today, a wonderful cycling stage with plenty of downhill awaits! From Randazzo, you follow parts of the Strada del Vino dell’Etna, the wine route that winds through the landscape around the volcano. Wineries line the route one after another, and perhaps a stop along the way sounds appealing?

The journey continues to charming Castiglione di Sicilia, a historic village with fantastic views of the Alcantara Valley. From here, you can see the lush landscape that separates Etna from the mountain ranges in the north.

Further, the route goes through the Alcantara Valley, known for its dramatic lava formations and the river that has shaped the landscape over thousands of years. You will have lunch at a suitable place along the way (not included).

After several days among volcanoes, vineyards, and medieval towns, you are finally approaching the Mediterranean! Today's goal is the seaside resort of Giardini Naxos, where a refreshing swim and some relaxation on the beach after the bike ride might sound tempting.

In the evening, dinner awaits in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 6Taormina and Castelmola – two of Sicily's most beautiful towns

Today, one of the major highlights of the trip awaits! High above Giardini Naxos lies beautiful Taormina, one of Sicily's most famous and visited towns. Just a little higher up, you will find the charming medieval village of Castelmola. Both are on today's agenda!

From the hotel, you cycle upwards towards Taormina, known for its narrow, atmospheric streets, pleasant piazzas, and the famous ancient Greco-Roman theater. From here, you have a fantastic view of the Mediterranean and Mount Etna. Feel free to take your time to stroll through the town and soak in the Sicilian atmosphere!

If you are eager for even more views, continue the approx. 5 kilometers up to Castelmola. This small medieval village is perched high above Taormina, offering panoramic views of the coast, Etna, and all the way to Calabria on the Italian mainland.

Castelmola is a great place for a lunch break (not included). Find a cozy restaurant, enjoy the view, and perhaps sample a local specialty before heading back down.

After a day of both cycling and sightseeing, the route leads back to the hotel in Giardini Naxos. Dinner awaits in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 7Along the Lemon Riviera from Giardini Naxos to Acitrezza

Last day on the bike! Today, you follow Sicily's beautiful east coast southwards, along the stretch often called the Lemon Riviera. A relatively easy stage awaits, with views of the Mediterranean and small coastal towns along the way.

After a short climb, you will reach Acireale, a town known for its magnificent historical center with 18th-century baroque architecture. It is worth taking a short break here, strolling through the pleasant streets, and perhaps enjoying one last Sicilian espresso in one of the town's piazzas. Lunch on your own (not included).

Then you continue towards the charming fishing village of Acitrezza, which will be the last stop of the trip. Just off the coast, the characteristic lava cliffs Faraglioni dei Ciclopi rise from the sea. According to Greek mythology, it was the cyclops Polyphemus who threw these stones at Odysseus!

Now the cycling shoes can be put away for this time. Perhaps you'll have time for a dip in the Mediterranean before the last dinner of the trip and overnight stay in Acitrezza (included)?

Day 8Arrivederci Sicilia – departure

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Sicily for this time. Eight days of cycling, volcanic landscapes, historic villages, Italian flavors, and wonderful experiences have come to an end.

Perhaps extending your stay with a few extra days by the Mediterranean before heading home sounds tempting?

Thank you for the journey, and have a safe trip home!

The itinerary is preliminary, and changes may occur.
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