Bicycle trips
Italy
Explore Sicily on two wheels at your own pace! On this cycling tour, you will ride through ancient towns full of history and myths, along sun-ripened vineyards, and through some of the island's most beautiful natural areas.
The route we have planned goes around majestic Mount Etna, through the medieval towns of Randazzo and Castiglione, on to the charming Taormina on the east coast, and then to the baroque town of Acireale.
Along the way, you will pass some of Sicily's most impressive nature reserves: Etna National Park, the Alcantara Valley, and Forre Laviche del Simeto.
The tour has a medium level of difficulty and follows scenic roads with limited traffic.
This tour is for those who want to cycle on their own, without a guide. We arrange all the practical details – hotel, luggage transport, and detailed routes – so you can enjoy the trip worry-free at your own pace.
You will stay at charming, family-run hotels and agriturismi (farm stays), where you will experience genuine Sicilian hospitality and local flavors.
Fantastic cycling trips
The landscape around Mount Etna shapes much of the island. The volcano has sculpted the area over centuries, with lush hills and historic towns that have naturally emerged in the distinctive terrain.
Sicily is often described as an island with a very unique atmosphere, both in the cities and in the countryside.
The daily stages of 30–50 km run through a varied but comfortably undulating terrain, on roads with low traffic.
On the first cycling day, you have the choice between cycling up to Mount Etna at 1900 m above sea level or taking the local bus up.
Choose between a full-carbon road bike, a sporty trekking bike, or an e-bike. The bikes are delivered directly to the hotel.
The route we have planned mainly follows side roads with little traffic. Most stages are flat or have gentle climbs, with a few more demanding uphill sections.
The tour is suitable for individuals in normal physical shape who have some cycling experience.
High season: From mid-June to the end of August, traffic can be more intense along the coastal sections.
Day 2 – The Nicolosi/Etna stage: You can cycle up to Rifugio Sapienza or use private transport organized by the B&B in Nicolosi (€ 25 per person, minimum 2 people).
A public bus also runs to Rifugio Sapienza, but it does not accept bicycles.
Excursion to Mount Etna: If you wish to explore the volcano further, alpine guides, the cable car, and the jeep tour must be pre-booked. Remember hiking shoes and warm clothing – this is particularly important in spring and autumn.
You will stay at charming, family-run hotels and agriturismi (farm stays), where you will experience genuine Sicilian hospitality and local flavors.
Fantastic cycling trips
The landscape around Mount Etna shapes much of the island. The volcano has sculpted the area over centuries, with lush hills and historic towns that have naturally emerged in the distinctive terrain.
Sicily is often described as an island with a very unique atmosphere, both in the cities and in the countryside.
The daily stages of 30–50 km run through a varied but comfortably undulating terrain, on roads with low traffic.
On the first cycling day, you have the choice between cycling up to Mount Etna at 1900 m above sea level or taking the local bus up.
Choose between a full-carbon road bike, a sporty trekking bike, or an e-bike. The bikes are delivered directly to the hotel.
The route we have planned mainly follows side roads with little traffic. Most stages are flat or have gentle climbs, with a few more demanding uphill sections.
The tour is suitable for individuals in normal physical shape who have some cycling experience.
High season: From mid-June to the end of August, traffic can be more intense along the coastal sections.
Day 2 – The Nicolosi/Etna stage: You can cycle up to Rifugio Sapienza or use private transport organized by the B&B in Nicolosi (€ 25 per person, minimum 2 people).
A public bus also runs to Rifugio Sapienza, but it does not accept bicycles.
Excursion to Mount Etna: If you wish to explore the volcano further, alpine guides, the cable car, and the jeep tour must be pre-booked. Remember hiking shoes and warm clothing – this is particularly important in spring and autumn.
Cycle tours through Sicily's varied landscapes – from green vineyards to dramatic lava stone formations around Mount Etna
Excursion to Mount Etna – experience Europe's most active volcano up close
Taormina, the pearl of Sicily – a historic town with charming streets, outstanding views and a relaxed atmosphere
The taste of Sicily – enjoy local specialities, fresh seafood and sun-ripened wines from the volcano's unique soil
Mar – Nov, optional date
The program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make corrections for any typos, as well as modifications to prices and/or exchange rates.
The program is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to make corrections for any typos, as well as modifications to prices and/or exchange rates.
Arrival in Catania and transfer to your first accommodation in Nicolosi.
At the agreed-upon time, you will meet our local English-speaking partner for a briefing and review of the route, as well as a bike fitting.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Today's goal is Rifugio Sapienza at the foot of Mount Etna.
From the hotel, it is approx. 20 km and 1200 meters of elevation gain. In other words, A LOT of uphill. You can choose whether you want to cycle up, take the local bus (bikes cannot be brought along), or if you wish to book private transport.
Upon arrival at Rifugio Sapienza, there is the option to go further up Mount Etna by cableway, 4WD vehicle, and guide. NB! This must be pre-booked well in advance.
Plan B: In case of unfavorable weather conditions where the excursion up Mount Etna is not possible, public bus transport to Catania is offered, where you can go sightseeing in the city center.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
You leave Nicolosi on quiet backroads and cycle mostly downhill towards the "Forre Laviche del Simeto" nature reserve, and the famous 'Bridge of Saracens', a bridge from the 7th century. Along the way, you will pass endless pistachio plantations, letting you know that you are approaching the town of Bronte. Because it is widely known that the "world's best" pistachios come from the Bronte area. And as is only fitting – 'everything' in this town features pistachios – from cheese to ice cream, pesto, and cream. Delicious!
Now you are on the back side of Mount Etna, where you will find a slightly different terrain than in the previous days.
Overnight stay at a cozy agriturismo, which is of course surrounded by pistachio plantations.
Dinner at the agriturismo.
When you leave Bronte, you cycle along a scenic road stretching north towards Parco dei Nebrodi, one of Sicily's most pristine natural areas. Great scenery with fertile fields and characteristic lava stone walls.
Just after Bronte, you will reach Maniace, a small but historically significant village. Here you can visit the impressive Nelson Castle, which was gifted to Admiral Horatio Nelson by the Neapolitan king in 1799. The castle is located in quiet, rural surroundings and houses a small museum with interesting exhibitions about the site's history.
Close by, you will find the former Norman monastery of Santa Maria di Maniace, a beautiful and atmospheric ruin testifying to the region's rich medieval history.
After your visit to Maniace, you follow the same path back before continuing towards Randazzo, one of the most characteristic medieval towns in Sicily. The town's historical center features several buildings made of black lava stone and narrow cobblestone streets. Randazzo is strategically situated at the foot of Mount Etna and has been an important trading center for centuries. And it remains a town full of bustling life today. Perhaps you will spend the afternoon enjoying a coffee in one of the pleasant piazzas here, or visiting a local wine bar to taste some of the area's best Etna wines before cycling on.
Dinner at the hotel / agriturismo restaurant.
Today will be an easy downhill stage along the "strada del vino dell’Etna", with many wineries along the route. From the charming center of Castiglione, you get an amazing view over the Alcantara Valley, which separates Mount Etna from the Nebrodi forests, and which you will visit later in the trip.
Today's final point is the seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Here you can finally get the chance to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Just above Giardini Naxos, perched in the mountains, sits beautiful Taormina. Slightly higher up lies the charming mountain village of Castelmola. With both in sight, you set your course uphill.
After a few kilometers of climbing, you reach Taormina – the pearl of the east coast, a destination worth the trip alone. Continuing further, you will arrive at Castelmola, a picturesque medieval village 5 km above Taormina, with fantastic views of the entire bay – from Calabria to Mount Etna.
Castelmola is the perfect place for a lunch break (not included) before turning back the same way down to the hotel in Giardini Naxos.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
This easy stage runs along the coast, also known as the "Lemon Riviera". After a short climb, you will arrive in Acireale, known for its baroque "old town" from the 18th century. Today's final destination is Acitrezza. This is also the final destination of the entire tour.
It is time to return home, or perhaps you will choose to extend your trip by a few extra days?
Regardless, Expa Travel thanks you for the journey and wishes you a safe trip home!
The itinerary is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for typos / currency fluctuations.
Arrival in Catania and transfer to your first accommodation in Nicolosi.
At the agreed-upon time, you will meet our local English-speaking partner for a briefing and review of the route, as well as a bike fitting.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Today's goal is Rifugio Sapienza at the foot of Mount Etna.
From the hotel, it is approx. 20 km and 1200 meters of elevation gain. In other words, A LOT of uphill. You can choose whether you want to cycle up, take the local bus (bikes cannot be brought along), or if you wish to book private transport.
Upon arrival at Rifugio Sapienza, there is the option to go further up Mount Etna by cableway, 4WD vehicle, and guide. NB! This must be pre-booked well in advance.
Plan B: In case of unfavorable weather conditions where the excursion up Mount Etna is not possible, public bus transport to Catania is offered, where you can go sightseeing in the city center.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
You leave Nicolosi on quiet backroads and cycle mostly downhill towards the "Forre Laviche del Simeto" nature reserve, and the famous 'Bridge of Saracens', a bridge from the 7th century. Along the way, you will pass endless pistachio plantations, letting you know that you are approaching the town of Bronte. Because it is widely known that the "world's best" pistachios come from the Bronte area. And as is only fitting – 'everything' in this town features pistachios – from cheese to ice cream, pesto, and cream. Delicious!
Now you are on the back side of Mount Etna, where you will find a slightly different terrain than in the previous days.
Overnight stay at a cozy agriturismo, which is of course surrounded by pistachio plantations.
Dinner at the agriturismo.
When you leave Bronte, you cycle along a scenic road stretching north towards Parco dei Nebrodi, one of Sicily's most pristine natural areas. Great scenery with fertile fields and characteristic lava stone walls.
Just after Bronte, you will reach Maniace, a small but historically significant village. Here you can visit the impressive Nelson Castle, which was gifted to Admiral Horatio Nelson by the Neapolitan king in 1799. The castle is located in quiet, rural surroundings and houses a small museum with interesting exhibitions about the site's history.
Close by, you will find the former Norman monastery of Santa Maria di Maniace, a beautiful and atmospheric ruin testifying to the region's rich medieval history.
After your visit to Maniace, you follow the same path back before continuing towards Randazzo, one of the most characteristic medieval towns in Sicily. The town's historical center features several buildings made of black lava stone and narrow cobblestone streets. Randazzo is strategically situated at the foot of Mount Etna and has been an important trading center for centuries. And it remains a town full of bustling life today. Perhaps you will spend the afternoon enjoying a coffee in one of the pleasant piazzas here, or visiting a local wine bar to taste some of the area's best Etna wines before cycling on.
Dinner at the hotel / agriturismo restaurant.
Today will be an easy downhill stage along the "strada del vino dell’Etna", with many wineries along the route. From the charming center of Castiglione, you get an amazing view over the Alcantara Valley, which separates Mount Etna from the Nebrodi forests, and which you will visit later in the trip.
Today's final point is the seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Here you can finally get the chance to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Just above Giardini Naxos, perched in the mountains, sits beautiful Taormina. Slightly higher up lies the charming mountain village of Castelmola. With both in sight, you set your course uphill.
After a few kilometers of climbing, you reach Taormina – the pearl of the east coast, a destination worth the trip alone. Continuing further, you will arrive at Castelmola, a picturesque medieval village 5 km above Taormina, with fantastic views of the entire bay – from Calabria to Mount Etna.
Castelmola is the perfect place for a lunch break (not included) before turning back the same way down to the hotel in Giardini Naxos.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
This easy stage runs along the coast, also known as the "Lemon Riviera". After a short climb, you will arrive in Acireale, known for its baroque "old town" from the 18th century. Today's final destination is Acitrezza. This is also the final destination of the entire tour.
It is time to return home, or perhaps you will choose to extend your trip by a few extra days?
Regardless, Expa Travel thanks you for the journey and wishes you a safe trip home!
The itinerary is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for typos / currency fluctuations.
Arrival in Catania and transfer to your first accommodation in Nicolosi.
At the agreed-upon time, you will meet our local English-speaking partner for a briefing and review of the route, as well as a bike fitting.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Today's goal is Rifugio Sapienza at the foot of Mount Etna.
From the hotel, it is approx. 20 km and 1200 meters of elevation gain. In other words, A LOT of uphill. You can choose whether you want to cycle up, take the local bus (bikes cannot be brought along), or if you wish to book private transport.
Upon arrival at Rifugio Sapienza, there is the option to go further up Mount Etna by cableway, 4WD vehicle, and guide. NB! This must be pre-booked well in advance.
Plan B: In case of unfavorable weather conditions where the excursion up Mount Etna is not possible, public bus transport to Catania is offered, where you can go sightseeing in the city center.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
You leave Nicolosi on quiet backroads and cycle mostly downhill towards the "Forre Laviche del Simeto" nature reserve, and the famous 'Bridge of Saracens', a bridge from the 7th century. Along the way, you will pass endless pistachio plantations, letting you know that you are approaching the town of Bronte. Because it is widely known that the "world's best" pistachios come from the Bronte area. And as is only fitting – 'everything' in this town features pistachios – from cheese to ice cream, pesto, and cream. Delicious!
Now you are on the back side of Mount Etna, where you will find a slightly different terrain than in the previous days.
Overnight stay at a cozy agriturismo, which is of course surrounded by pistachio plantations.
Dinner at the agriturismo.
When you leave Bronte, you cycle along a scenic road stretching north towards Parco dei Nebrodi, one of Sicily's most pristine natural areas. Great scenery with fertile fields and characteristic lava stone walls.
Just after Bronte, you will reach Maniace, a small but historically significant village. Here you can visit the impressive Nelson Castle, which was gifted to Admiral Horatio Nelson by the Neapolitan king in 1799. The castle is located in quiet, rural surroundings and houses a small museum with interesting exhibitions about the site's history.
Close by, you will find the former Norman monastery of Santa Maria di Maniace, a beautiful and atmospheric ruin testifying to the region's rich medieval history.
After your visit to Maniace, you follow the same path back before continuing towards Randazzo, one of the most characteristic medieval towns in Sicily. The town's historical center features several buildings made of black lava stone and narrow cobblestone streets. Randazzo is strategically situated at the foot of Mount Etna and has been an important trading center for centuries. And it remains a town full of bustling life today. Perhaps you will spend the afternoon enjoying a coffee in one of the pleasant piazzas here, or visiting a local wine bar to taste some of the area's best Etna wines before cycling on.
Dinner at the hotel / agriturismo restaurant.
Today will be an easy downhill stage along the "strada del vino dell’Etna", with many wineries along the route. From the charming center of Castiglione, you get an amazing view over the Alcantara Valley, which separates Mount Etna from the Nebrodi forests, and which you will visit later in the trip.
Today's final point is the seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Here you can finally get the chance to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Just above Giardini Naxos, perched in the mountains, sits beautiful Taormina. Slightly higher up lies the charming mountain village of Castelmola. With both in sight, you set your course uphill.
After a few kilometers of climbing, you reach Taormina – the pearl of the east coast, a destination worth the trip alone. Continuing further, you will arrive at Castelmola, a picturesque medieval village 5 km above Taormina, with fantastic views of the entire bay – from Calabria to Mount Etna.
Castelmola is the perfect place for a lunch break (not included) before turning back the same way down to the hotel in Giardini Naxos.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
This easy stage runs along the coast, also known as the "Lemon Riviera". After a short climb, you will arrive in Acireale, known for its baroque "old town" from the 18th century. Today's final destination is Acitrezza. This is also the final destination of the entire tour.
It is time to return home, or perhaps you will choose to extend your trip by a few extra days?
Regardless, Expa Travel thanks you for the journey and wishes you a safe trip home!
The itinerary is preliminary, changes may occur. Expa Travel AS reserves the right to make corrections for typos / currency fluctuations.
This is a self-guided tour. We at Expa Travel have planned the routes for you, and using GPS as a tool, you cycle / walk / drive the stages at your own pace.
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This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.
This is only a recommendation – feel free to borrow gear from friends or use what you already have. Look at the list as a starting point, and adapt it to your needs and what you feel you will need on the trip.
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