Sicily Biking
Ancient Civilizations & Mediterranean Sensations
An island almost as close to Africa as to Europe. How does it hang on through history? With passion. That's Sicily. Where the people are some of Europe's friendliest hosts. Where artistic and architectural monuments hail from every century. Where you'll ride among orange groves above the Mediterranean Sea as Mount Etna simmers on the horizon. Savor seafood that forever raises the bar. Grilled swordfish. Snapper prepared cipollata in a vinegar and sugar sauce. Sip dry white Vino dell'Etna and admire vibrant local ceramics. Ready to surrender to an island's passions? Let it be Sicily.
- Fantastic biking in the shadow of Mount Etna
- Ascend the 142 tiled stairs in Caltagirone
- Incredible Sicilian Baroque architecture at World Heritage sites of Scicli, Módica, Donnalucata and Ragusa
- Marvel at archaeological treasures
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Fantastic biking in the shadow of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano 
A feast of traditional Sicilian cuisine awaits at a centuries-old agriturismo, nestled among Catania's rolling hills Ride quiet roads through the Late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto to the 15th-century Castello Camemi, our home for two nights.
Days 2-3 Ascend the 142 tiled stairs in Caltagirone, inhabited since the Bronze Age and renowned for intricately painted ceramics Catching the scent of fragrant orange blossoms, pedal a route lined with windmills, orchards and olive groves Taste distinctive organic olive oils, produced the old-fashioned way (by hand and in small batches) Discover the pleasures of Sicilian wines during a festive dinner.
Day 4 Incredible Sicilian Baroque architecture at World Heritage sites of Scicli, Módica, Donnalucata and Ragusa Dessert lovers rejoice! First it's home-made gelato by the sea, then remarkable chocolate at Sicily's oldest cioccolataio.
Days 5-6 Marvel at archaeological treasures in historic seaside Siracusa Travel back in time during a visit to the ancient Greek theater in Akrai, founded in 664 B.C. Dine on seafood antipasti, sardines and other local favorites at a typical Siracusan pescheria Soak up stunning views of the sea in the soft morning light during a final spin.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Sicily Biking
Premiere Inns
Castello Camemi
Vizzini Scalo (2 nights) An beautifully restored 15th-century fortified castle that was once home to a noble family. (pool, spa)
Eremo della Giubiliana
Ragusa (2 nights) With expansive ocean views and orchards of almonds, figs and olives, this elegant inn dates back 900 years when it was a hermitage and fortress. (pool, spa)
Hotel des Etrangers et Miramare
Siracusa (1 night) With a great location in the center of Ortygia, a Sicilian Neoclassical-style inn with sea views from the guest rooms and rooftop terrace. (indoor pool, spa)
Sicily Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 12 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 29, 45, 62 miles
- 430 - 4750 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 24, 50, 67 miles
- 600 - 2800 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 39, 50 miles
- 2500 - 3200 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 34, 65 miles
- 3100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain