sicily cycling tour
Sicily Cycling Tour: A Coast to Coast Adventure
Ride from the west coast to the east and take on Mount Etna as you traverse Sicily’s most spectacular landscapes on this unforgettable 10 day cycling tour.
What to Expect on Your Cycling Holiday in Sicily
Sicily is both a distinct land and culture; a land of wild natural beauty, breathtaking wonders, and extraordinary architecture. A culture shaped by a patchwork of different civilisations and cultures dating back to the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Steeped in history and tradition, the unique identity of the island is at the very heart of our cycling tour in Sicily, both on and off the bike.
Ancient cultures have left their mark on the architecture, language, and cuisine, however today the Sicilian culture and way of life is very much Italian. It is a culture filled with warmth and passion for all things Sicilian first and Italian second, captivating you in so many different ways as you traverse its deep agricultural heart. Soak in the scenes around every windswept turn and up every rock-walled climb, of what often feels like a forgotten land in Southern Italy.
Traveling coast to coast, and from west to east, expect beautiful Spring days on daily rides during this cycling holiday of Sicily; guiding you across the stunning and diverse landscape. From the sea to the mountains, across rugged hills, rolling farmlands, and the wildflower-lined backroads in between.
While cycling Sicily, you’ll ride your bicycle through the countless beautiful villages and towns dotted across the landscape. This includes the captivating towns of Ragusa, Caltagirone, and Palazzolo Acreide (known for their stunning baroque architecture), navigate delightful seaside towns from Trapani and Siracusa to San Vito and Avola, and find yourself immersed in the enchanting and timeless piazzas of Ortigia and Taormina. Many of these towns, such as Palazzolo Acreide, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting their cultural and historical significance. You’ll spin past olive trees and pistachio groves on this cycling holiday in Sicily; orange orchards and green-hued vineyards, ancient Roman hilltop villages, fields filled with black lava rocks, and Greek temples that have been standing for 2,500 years. Your cycling holiday will culminate in a challenging ascent of Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano, followed by a rewarding 30km downhill journey.
Our cycling holiday in Sicily is more than just a bike tour… it’s a true adventure; a feast for your senses where every day delivers unexpected vistas, journeys through the distinctive and diverse food and wine cultures of the island, a multitude of unique Southern Italian tastes, and a level of interaction with the locals that only Sicily’s distinct, warm and open-hearted community offers.
Over the 10 magical days of this cycling holiday in Sicily, you’ll experience a taste of the best that the island has to offer.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime – both on and off the bike.
Our Sicily Cycling Tour Itinerary
Immerse yourself in variety and diversity landscapes on this cycling holiday in Sicily, Italy.
Our daily rides through Sicily ensure you experience the diverse landscapes it has to offer. From turquoise seas along coastal roads, through the ancient ruins, olive groves, and citrus orchards; up beautiful climbs to mountains of volcanic rock, and through towns with their own mark on the ancient history of Italy.
You’re guaranteed to enjoy cycling in Sicily, with its wild beauty and stunning, rugged landscapes. Following each day’s ride, you’ll have some downtime to relax and truly enjoy the beautiful places we stay.
Welcome to Sicily, ItalyAn utterly spectacular start with a beautiful climb up to discover a charming and ancient Roman hilltop village. This will give you the opportunity to make micro adjustments to your bike fitting as you stretch the legs after your travels
Highlight: The vista of the rugged mountain toward San Vito Lo Capo from the hairpin corners.
Distance: 38.2km
Elevation: 819m
Along the Coast RoadRolling out of our seaside village, we hug the coastline before heading into the rock-strewn rugged hills and through quiet villages on our way to one of Sicily’s iconic seaside spots
Highlight: The contrast of the vivid turquoise waters against the rugged backdrop.
Distance: 86.9km
Elevation: 981m
Valle dei TempliWe will start the day with a short transfer in the van to our start location. From there we’ll proceed around the Sicani mountains and beautiful arid country dotted with olive groves as far as the eye can see, before changing tact and heading for the Valley of Temples.
Highlight: Rolling past Greek temples that have been standing for 2500 years.
Distance: 101.9km
Elevation: 1686m
Into the Ceramic heartAn undulating day through the agricultural heart of Sicily on our way to Caltagirone and then on to our Masseria. We’ll wind our way through a landscape of open golden fields, patches of olive groves, roads lined with spring wildflowers and cacti, and punctuated with small villages and hills.
Highlight: The landscape’s golden vastness and silence.
Distance: 83.1km
Elevation: 1499m
Heading for the HillsA beautiful undulating loop taking in the surrounding hills and the picturesque villages below, with a mix of open roads and hairpin-laden descents, provides a day that is a feast for your senses.
Highlight: The rugged landscape in what feels at times like a forgotten land.
Distance: 95.4km
Elevation: 1546m
All Roads Lead to OrtigiaA seriously sensational day on the quiet rock-wall-lined roads as you traverse the eastern part of the coastal route through the Iblei mountains and the beautiful baroque towns that sit atop them.
Highlight: The vista of the final km as we roll into our hilltop village for the night.
Distance: 104.1km
Elevation: 1264m
Seaside Coffee RideYou’ll awaken to the sounds of the sea and after a leisurely breakfast, we’ll start with a flat spin past small beaches, national wildlife and natural reserves, and views of Ortigia from the East & West and Greek ruins and all before our mid-ride espresso.
Highlight: The continual view of Mt Etna through the changing landscapes.
Distance: 44.4km
Elevation: 338m
Giro Della EtnaA short 75 minute transfer to our start location. From here we’ll ride around Mt Etna volcano, with the gentle giant always visible over our shoulder. We’ll roll through orange orchards, pistachio groves, the black lunar landscapes from previous lava flows and past ancient hilltop towns, before a final 10km descent into our stunning mountain-side resort
Highlight: The continual view of Mt Etna through the changing landscapes.
Distance: 68.5km
Elevation: 1952m
What Goes up Must Come DownThe pinnacle of the tour is where we’ll tackle the gentle giant Etna volcano. We’ll ease into the ascent and steadily climb for the first 27km through forests and old lava flows, before reaching the rifugio at the road’s end. Enjoy the view as we take in some refreshments before we have an utterly amazing descent back to our volcano-side hotel
Highlight: A 30+km descent!
Distance: 76.6km
Elevation: 1945m
Sicily Bike Tour Pricing & Dates
Show Price As
9395
per person twin share / Maximum 14 guests
2026
2027
Start Location & Details
City: Palermo, Italy
Pick Up Location: Piazza Verdi
Pick Up Time: 11:00am
Finish Location & Details
City: Catania, Italy
Drop Off Location: Taormina or Catania-Fontanarossa Airport
Drop Off Time: 11:00am
Cycling Tour Sicily Inclusions & Details
This isn’t just a typical Sicily bike tour… this is an all-encompassing cycling holiday. Take a look through the inclusions and additional details below.
Accommodation & Meals
- Our cycling tour in Sicily includes 9 nights accommodation, twin share with a private bathroom.
- Single occupancy is available. Talk to us when booking
- All breakfasts are included, along with all lunches on the road.
- All dinners at a range of our favorite restaurants and osteria’s, including local wines at each dinner*. Enjoy traditional Sicilian dishes such as Pasta alla Norma, Sicilian cannolo, and Arancine, which reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region.
- *wine provided at dinner is to accompany meals / beverages ordered by guests and will incur additional charges
Ride Support in Sicily
- Professional and bilingual cycling guides with extensive experience, local knowledge, and first aid training. This ensures your cycling tour in Sicily is truly local and guides you to hidden gems in this spectacular and diverse region.
- Unique GPS routes are provided on tour as part of the tour in Sicily.
- Support van on daily rides, with mechanical support and your safety as our priority.
- Nutritious snacks and water are provided
Transfers & Activities
- All transfers / transportation from pick up to drop off, including baggage and bike transportation.
- Entrance fees to sites and tours / activities are included in non riding partner program
A Ride Kit
- Receive a 2-piece, Italian made A'QTO Cycling Kit, including a jersey and bib shorts.
- Laundry is included for your cycling clothing.
Not Included
- Airfare.
- Bike rental.
- Travel & International Medical Insurance
- Guide Gratuities
- Specific gels and energy bars
Bike Hire & Gear
Carbon Road Bike with Electronic Shifting
You can choose to hire a Wilier Cento 10SL carbon road bike with Sram Rival Etap, a compact crankset, with a 32 rear cassette & disc brakes.
Carbon Road Bike with Mechanical Shifting
You can choose to hire a Bianchi Sprint bike with a mechanical Shimano Ultegra groupset, a compact crankset, with a 32 rear cassette & disc brakes.
Non-Riding Partners on Our Cycling Tour in Sicily
As part of our cycling holiday in Sicily, non-riding partners enjoy an active and dedicated travel program, designed to deliver a diverse range of activities and the best experiences Sicily has to offer.
From beautiful hikes in national parks and on Mt Etna, guided walks of historic towns and unique architecture – including the medieval old town of Erice, or the maze-like, narrow streets and expansive piazzas of Ortigia – to exploring olive groves and enjoying private olive oil tastings and cooking classes; non-riding partners experience the beauty and uniqueness of each area we visit.
With an itinerary curated by one of your tour hosts, Nancy, and delivered together with a range of partners and guides whom she personally selects, it’s sure to be a holiday in Sicily that you’ll never forget.
As our non-riding partner program is an active adventure, there is a minimum walking requirement for non-riding guests for each tour. Please enquire when booking.
Accommodation on Your Sicily Cycling Tour
Enjoy our personally and carefully selected range of authentic Sicilian accommodation.
From staying in an architecturally restored Masseria with a ‘window’ overlooking ancient sites, to beautiful seaside villas with views over turquoise seas, and historic locandas across the old town and the quiet countryside where family-run farms are still producing wine and olive oil, this diverse experience brings together the beauty of ancient, historic Sicily with the rustic, modern and sometimes chic Sicily.
Food & Wine Experiences
Cannolo, Caponata, Pistachio Gelato, and Pesce Spada; Sicilian classics are always on the menu. We’ll sample these tastes and a whole lot more as we venture further and deeper into the diverse Sicilian cuisine.
We’ll delve into the very local specialties and grape varieties of every region in which we stay while cycling Sicily, and dine in a diverse range of settings as we sample a wide range of flavors. Of course, we’ll start with seafood, either “crudo”, cooked on charcoal, or in the sweet and sour “agrodolce”. Progressing through the specialty pasta of each region (with a long list of local ingredients that are often only grown in the rich volcanic soils of Sicily or in the warm Tyrrhenian seas surrounding the island), you’ll also indulge in local sardines and prawns, pistachios and almonds, carciofi, wild fennel and pomodori daterini, and of course the famous Sicilian citrus. It’s on your cycling tour in Sicily that you’ll enjoy a full seasonal menu on this Spring tasting adventure.
Pair your food with some wines that you may not have had before while cycling Sicily – including Etna Bianco, Insolia, Grillo, and Catarratto. Frappato, Perricone – and some that you may have tried, including Nero d’Avola and the sensational Etna Rosso.
Our food and wine experiences on this cycling holiday in Sicily will feel like a tour within the tour.
Why Choose Us for Your Cycling Holiday in Sicily
We have extensive experience delivering unforgettable cycling tours in Sicily and across Italy.
Our small-group tours mean that you are getting expert guidance, personalised support, and a truly authentic experience.
What Makes our Sicily Cycling Tour Unique?
- Expertise: We have 10 years of guiding riders through Italy’s most iconic cycling regions, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience.
- Small Group Sizes: We limit our group sizes to 14 people. This means you will have a fully personalised riding experience with one guide for every 4-5 riders and full van support.
- Authentic food and culture: We take you to our favourite local so you can enjoy authentic Italian food, with access to hidden local gems off the tourist path.
- Safety: Experienced guides, support, and well-planned routes ensure you can relax and enjoy your cycling experience in Sicily.
- Unforgettable Memories: from the incredible scenery, the daily reward of challenging climbs, to the authentic off-the-bike experience, you’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime.
What Travellers Say About Our Cycling Tours in Sicily
A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE
10 days of challenging cycling across Sicily was a fantastic experience made even better by the care and attention Damian and Nancy took to ensure that we stayed in great accommodation and enjoyed a fine range of Sicilian food and wine. The logistics and cycling guides were outstanding and Damian has worked out some really interesting cycling routes that kept us off the busier roads and took us to some wonderful rural places and hidden towns and cities. The trip was physically challenging with 10 days of riding culminating with a ride up Mt. Etna; a good level of fitness is required and so the more pre-ride training the more enjoyable this tour is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re planning a cycling tour in Sicily, or just simply want to know more, find the answers to some frequently asked questions about our Sicilian adventure below.
Our routes are meticulously planned, providing you with turn-by-turn comfort and safety on this cycling holiday in Sicily. You’ll also have access to GPS files on tour to support your guided rides throughout your cycling adventure.
The routes are designed to cater to experienced riders, with options to ride sections of our more challenging rides on your cycling tour of Sicily. Our guides will provide support, and we can adjust the difficulty of each day’s ride as required.
We provide detailed pre-trip information, including tips on what to pack and how to prepare for Sicily’s diverse terrain. Our team is also available to answer any specific questions you may have before your departure.
Sicily’s culture has been influenced by many cultures, and on this trip, you’ll explore its rich history influenced by Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman civilisations. From architecture to cuisine, you’ll experience a variety of cultural delights.
The best time for a cycling holiday in Sicily is during the spring (May to early June) and autumn (late September to October). These seasons offer milder weather, making it ideal for cycling and exploring the island’s diverse cultures and landscapes. To read more about the best time to visit, check out our Cyclist’s Guide on The Best Time to Visit Italy.
Absolutely! From riding along the ocean that frames this picturesque Mediterranean island, to the food, people and natural wonders that make it truly special, this cycling tour in Sicily is one that will stay with you forever. Pedal between the enchanting villages and witness incredible architecture on this truly unique adventure.
Yes. It is a fantastic culmination to our tour, and although it can be a difficult ride, we’ll climb up Mount Etna – the highest Mediterranean island mountain – towards the end of your cycling tour in Sicily. After soaking in the views at the top of our climb, we’ll enjoy an amazing descent back down to our hotel located on the mountain.
