Description

Road Cycling Tour Eastern Sicily

Road Cycling Tour Eastern Sicily
Self-guided or guided – The self-guided is from €1590, the guided options are from €1890 (Price is based on 4 riders or more)
All year round

Total distance: 610 km Total elevation gain: 11.000 m

For guided options for 4 persons or more, send us an email to info@cycleclassictours.com

Only need a bike for your cycling holiday on Sicily Island? Please check: BOOK HERE

A road cycling tour through eastern Sicily is a unique experience, blending nature, culture, and history all together while pedalling through breathtaking landscapes. Mount Etna, Taormina, Palazzolo Acreide, Modica, Ragusa Ibla, Noto and Marzamemi are some of the charming places touched by our trip. This tour is perfect for cycling enthusiasts who also appreciate beauty and culture.

Cycling Adventure Across Eastern Sicily: From Mount Etna to the Ionian Coast

Embark on an unforgettable journey during this road cycling tour of Eastern Sicily, exploring diverse landscapes and rich history. Starting in Linguaglossa, cycle through both the southern and northern slopes of Mount Etna, with stunning views of vineyards and volcanic terrain. Continue to the medieval town of Randazzo before heading into the Nebrodi Mountains, where dense forests and serene lakes offer a peaceful retreat. Descend into the Alcantara Valley, marvelling at the Alcantara Gorges carved by the river’s crystal-clear waters.

Pedal towards the Peloritani Villages, enjoying the quiet charm of these traditional towns, and then head towards the coast to Taormina. Explore this iconic town with its ancient theatre and sweeping sea views, then ride down to Giardini Naxos. Follow the Ionian Coast to Palazzolo Acreide, a UNESCO site known for its ancient ruins and baroque architecture.

From here, cycle to Ragusa Ibla and Modica, two baroque gems with narrow streets and stunning views. Continue south to Pachino, Marzamemi, and Noto, where Sicily’s coastal beauty meets its baroque splendour. Finally, visit the ruins of Noto Antica before returning to Palazzolo Acreide. This route offers a perfect blend of Sicily’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and timeless landscapes.

What to wear and bring with you:

Comfortable clothes suitable for biking, at least 2 complete sets and gloves
Bike shoes or closed shoes (no flip-flops or sandals)
A rain/wind jacket
Sunglasses & sun cream
A camera or smartphone, if you want to take photos
A spirit of fun and adventure

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Day 1

Arrival

Transfer from Catania airport to Milo/Linguaglossa (Mount Etna) for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2

Linguaglossa – Southern and Northern slopes of Mount Etna - 90km

The tour begins in Linguaglossa, a charming town on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. The first challenge is to climb the north slope, cycling through oak and pine forests, before reaching the Altomontana trail and Rifugio Citelli. After a brief descent, the route continues uphill to the southern slope of the volcano, tackling the demanding ascent to Rifugio Sapienza (1,910m), the stage's highest point. Throughout the ride, the landscape constantly changes, from lush forests to expansive fields of black lava. After enjoying breathtaking panoramic views, a winding descent leads you back to Linguaglossa, passing by local vineyards and through small mountain villages. This stage sets the tone for the tour, offering a mix of physical challenge and unique landscapes, immersing cyclists in the grandeur of the volcano. Dinner and overnight stay in Linguaglossa (Mount Etna).

Day 3

Linguaglossa – Randazzo – Nebrodi Mountains – Alcantara Valley - 80km

The second stage starts in Linguaglossa, heading toward Randazzo, a medieval town known for its lava-stone churches and wonderful views of Mount Etna. After a brief stop to explore the historical center of the town, the route continues into the Nebrodi Mountains, an area of lush forests and rolling hills, offering a stark contrast to the volcanic scenery of the previous day. The quiet roads wind through nature, leading to panoramic viewpoints perfect for admiring Mount Etna from a distance. After crossing the Nebrodi foothills, the route descends into the spectacular Alcantara Valley, winding through river-carved gorges, past ancient vineyards and fragrant citrus groves. The stage concludes with a return to Linguaglossa, delivering a varied day combining history, nature, and the wild beauty of northeastern Sicily. Dinner and overnight stay in Linguaglossa (Mount Etna). The steady climbs reward riders with spectacular views of the Ionian coast and, on a clear day, even the Aeolian Islands. The route offers a mix of Mediterranean forests and rocky promontories overlooking the sea. The highlight of the day is arriving in Taormina, a Sicilian gem. This timeless town welcomes cyclists with its Greek Theater, lively streets, and stunning sea views. This stage combines sport and culture and ends in a stunning setting. Overnight stay in Giardini Naxos (Taormina).

Day 4

Etna – Peloritani Villages – Taormina - 100km

This stage begins with a gentle descent from Linguaglossa to the foothills of Mount Etna, passing by local vineyards and orchards. The route enters the heart of the Peloritani Mountains, climbing scenic roads through old villages such as Forza d’Agrò and Savoca, famous for their picturesque settings and film locations of The Godfather. The steady climbs reward riders with spectacular views of the Ionian coast and, on a clear day, even the Aeolian Islands. The route offers a mix of Mediterranean forests and rocky promontories overlooking the sea. The highlight of the day is arriving in Taormina, a Sicilian gem. This timeless town welcomes cyclists with its Greek Theater, lively streets, and stunning sea views. This stage combines sport and culture and ends in a stunning setting. Overnight stay in Giardini Naxos (Taormina).

Day 5

Giardini Naxos – Ionian Coast – Palazzolo Acreide - 130km

Starting in Giardini Naxos with its enchanting sea views, this stage follows the Ionian coast, passing golden beaches and charming seaside towns. Riders cycle through locations like Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, with their dramatic volcanic coastline, and Catania, the historic city, framed by Mount Etna in the background. Leaving the coast, the route moves inland, crossing the fertile landscape of the Iblei Mountains. The undulating roads lead to Palazzolo Acreide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic town offers a warm welcome with ancient palazzi, a Greek theater, and authentic Sicilian cuisine. This stage is long but not overly demanding, offering a delightful mix of coastal beauty and the tranquility of the rolling countryside, providing cyclists with a captivating experience. Dinner and overnight stay in Palazzolo Acreide.

Day 6

Palazzolo Acreide – Ragusa Ibla – Modica – Return - 100km

This stage explores the wonders of the Sicilian baroque architecture. From Palazzolo Acreide, the route heads toward Ragusa Ibla, winding through the Iblei countryside with its dry stone walls, olive trees, and carob groves. Ragusa Ibla itself, which is famous for its stone churches and narrow alleys, offers postcard-perfect views. Next is the town of Modica, renowned for its artisanal chocolate. The steep streets and baroque landmarks, such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio, make this an unmissable stop. After enjoying the famous chocolate, the route returns to Palazzolo Acreide through rural villages and rolling hills. This stage blends cultural beauty with physical challenge and an unforgettable taste experience. Dinner and overnight stay in Palazzolo Acreide.

Day 7

Palazzolo Acreide – Pachino – Marzamemi – Noto – Noto Antica – Return to Palazzolo Acreide - 120km

This final stage heads south, passing fertile plains dotted with olive groves and citrus orchards, before arriving in the town of Pachino, home of the famous Sicilian cherry tomatoes. Shortly after that, the route reaches Marzamemi, a charming fishing village with cobblestone streets, fishermen’s houses, and a central square located by the crystal-clear sea—a perfect spot for a refreshing Sicilian granita or delicious ice-cream. From Marzamemi, the route turns north toward Noto, passing by the Vendicari Nature Reserve, rich in wildlife and unspoiled scenery. Noto, the baroque capital of Sicily, welcomes riders with its honey-colored stone buildings and vibrant atmosphere. The tour continues onward to Noto Antica, an evocative archaeological site, before returning to Palazzolo Acreide. This stage combines nature, culture, and history, ending the tour on a high note with a memorable ride. Dinner and overnight stay in Palazzolo Acreide.

Day 8

Departure day

Transfer to the airport.

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All prices are based on double rooms
For bookings & inquiries: send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com

Extra Information

Fill out and submit the online booking request or send an email to info@cycleclassictours.com
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Please do not make travel plans until you receive our confirmation.
Please be advised that we make every effort to ensure that all the information given on this site is accurate. All statements and information have been researched and supplied by third parties.
The information given is accurate and reliable, to the best of our knowledge. Should errors be found, we will rectify them as quickly as possible. However, we accept no responsibility for errors or inaccuracies.

Included

6 road bike excursions
Qualified bike guide (Italian and English)
6 nights in 4-star Hotels/Agriturismo. Double or twin room. Half board accommodation, including water and house wine. Other beverages are not included.
1 night in 4 4-star hotel. Double or twin room. B&B accommodation in Giardini Naxos.
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
Van support
Transfer from/to Catania airport and hotels in the surrounding area

Not Included

Single room accommodation: €220 per person
Road bike rental (or e-bike) Giant TCR carbon: starting from €180 for the whole tour

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Road Cycling Tour Eastern Sicily

Cycle through eastern Sicily by road bike

Moderate

All year round

4* Hotels

Included

Included

From €220

From €180

From €180

Description

Road Cycling Tour Eastern Sicily