This is the review of the bike tour named “Bike tour in Eastern Sicily The secrets of Sicily“. It will take you around the immense landscape of the Noto valley and the Iblei mounts.

Natural reserves, ancient archaeological sites, Greek atmospheres will accompany your adventure trip through the moust ancient and famous island of the Mediterranean sea.

Land of past conquests, Sicily preserves the influence of different cultures met during the history, giving you the feeling of living a eclectic cultural union.

N days: One week

Skill level:: Middle-high

Itinerary

1. On the arrival day from Catania airport to Palazzolo Acreide
2. From Palazzolo Acreide-Cavagrande-Noto antica-Return to Plazzolo Acreide - Route length: about on 58 Km
3. From Palazzolo Acreide to Modica - Route lenght: about on 40 Km
4. From Modica to Ragusa Ibla along the Iminio river’s Valley and return to Modica - Route lenght: about on 30 Km
5. From Modica-Marzamemi-to Noto - Route lenght: about on 43 Km
6. From Noto-along the Vendicari Natural Reserve-return to Noto - Route lenght: about on 60 Km
7. From Noto to Syracuse - Route lenght: 45 Km
8. Departure day: transfer from Syracuse to Catania airport

Attractions

Palazzolo Acreide Dome - credit: pallotron

Palazzolo Acreide, an important village on Iblei Mounts because its San Paolo and San Sebastiano Churches are included in Unesco World Heritage list.

Cavagrande Canyon. Here the Cassibile river has created canyon and splendid waterfall where you can have a relaxing bath after hard biking.

Noto Antica ruins, an archaeological site of the ancient village of Noto destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. Here you can see necropolis and the rests of the old village.

credit: pallotron

Modica. The best thing after a long biking is tasting the Modica Chocolate. It is made with an old secret Aztecan recipe arrived here during Spanish domination.

Visit the centre of this beautiful village. Here you can enjoy the beautifulness of the great village visiting the Dome and the Churches of an ancient atmosphere.

Ragusa Ibla, another site included in Unesco. Here visit the centre of the city.

Marzamemi, famous for its tuna fisheries.

Vendicari - credit: senìd

Vendicari Natural Reserve, where you can admire the beautifulness of a rare beach and different types of birds.

Syracuse. In this site you will find another ancient scenario: Apollo temple, Greek theatre where have place INDA shows (National Institute for Ancient Drama) and Roman Amphitheatre used for gladiators fights. Visit Ortigia, the island in centre of the City where there is Aretusa Source.

Irminio river’s Valley

Who can do this type of trip?

You have to consider:

• if you really like to bike
• if you haven’t health problem at your heart or legs
• if you are ready to long bike rides, because the long distances of the trip

Enjoy level: High

This trip will offer you the possibility to live a variegated vacation experience, because you will join your prefered sport to the visit of natural and historic places.

Relax level: Low-medium

Benefits Sicily offers to you:

• Breathtaking panoramas;
• History, memories of Greek and Arabic culture;
• Easy biking land;
• Folkloristic attractions;
• Mild climate;
• Fabulous beaches and mountains

Drawbacks

• Very high temperatures and high humidity in summer months
• High thermal range, specially if you across different altitude
• Roads condition are not easy in the mounts as they’re good in the coast
• Absence of cycling tracks

Suggestions

• Choose spring or autumnal months
• Be careful to roads condition, specially in inland places
• Take with you a topographic map

You’ll need of this type of equipment:

• Bike (you can rent it or carry yours)
• Water proof jacket and trousers
• Sun Cream
• All you need to repair your bike
• All you need for first aid

Draw out your trip

Sea Coast near Catania - credit: letneo

You can prolong your trip visiting Catania and Taormina or the Etna villages

What other tourists say

• “Ragusa and Modica are two amazing Baroque towns, steeped in history and culture.”
• “April weather was great. Mid summer — pretty hot by all reports.”
• “The area around Siracusa is flat and very conducive to cycling. There’s also flat coastal areas around Ognina and Arenella that are good for cycling.”

Dominating the east coast and well worth a visit is Mount Etna, soaring at a staggering 3,350 metres. It remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and its woods and hidden trails can be explored either on foot or by guided cycle tour. Famous for its dramatic eruption of 1664 which severely damaged many of its surrounding villages and attractions, Etna remains a fascinating tourist site with lava remains in many of its gorges and valleys.

The charming historical city of Palermo, Sicily’s capital, contains a host of fascinating museums and galleries for the culture-seeking tourist. Galleria Regionale is the largest, housing mainly medieval works of art including the Bust of Eleanor of Aragon by Francesco Laurana – considered the embodiment of Renaissance Sicilian sculpture. A favourite for children is the Marionette Museum which houses a unique collection of antique puppets - an age-old form of traditional Sicilian entertainment, complete with free shows in the summer.

Also worth a visit is the Monreale Cathedral, located about 5 miles from the city centre high on a mountain slope. This 12th century architectural gem boasts 68,243 square feet of spectacular mosaics covering the cathedral’s dome and interior walls, leaving its visitors utterly awe-struck.

Your holiday in Sicily is not complete, however, without indulging in some much-needed R&R in one of the island’s many exclusive hotel resorts, and better way of combining a relaxing stay than with a gentle round of golf in the beautiful Sicilian countryside.

The prestigious La Madonie Golf Resort located in Collesano ticks all the boxes, combining a renowned championship course with breathtaking views of the ocean and luxurious 5* accommodation. Designed by Luigi Rota Caremole, the resort is positioned high on the cliff top, boasting a challenging par-72 layout spanning 6,570 yards. Under the delightful Sicilian sunshine, guests can enjoy a spot of golf amongst the immaculate undulating lawns scattered with lakes and trees, or simply relax in one of the resort’s private villas facing the aqua blue waters of the Bay of Cefalù.

So whether it’s a relaxing game of golf, an eye-opening trip to Mount Etna, or a cultural visit to one of the Sicily’s many museums and galleries, you can be sure to have a memorable stay whilst visiting this charming island.

N days: One week

Skill level: High

This itinerary requires a high fit level, necessary condition to face the long distances and the hard slopes.

You have to keep attention if You have heart or legs problems.

This trip has a high enjoy level because the particularity of the route, with the amazing view from the height of the Etna and its villages.

Mt. Etna from Catania - credit: CyboRoZ

1. Catania to Etna

• Arrival day at Catania airport
• Transfer to Rifugio Sapienza on the volcano Etna at 850 metres on sea level
• The bike trip starts from here, in the west mountainside. The panoramic route that overlooks an amazing view
• Crossing Bronte, famous for its pistachio’s plantations
• Arrival in the ancient medieval village of Randazzo, where you will take your accommodation

Total Lenght: 60 Km

Alcantara Gorges - credit: niky81

2. Alcantara Gorges Tour

You will visit:

• Alcantara rivers and its gorges
• Francavilla di Sicilia and Castiglione di Sicilia
• Return to Randazzo

Total Lenght: 60 Km

3. Total Climb of the Volcano Etna

• Starting from Linguaglossa (Piano Provenzana), at 188 metres on the sea level
• From Piano Provenzana crossing Fornazzo, a very small mountain village, to arrive in Zafferana Etnea, famous village for its honey production.
• Take your accommodation in Santa Venerina, a village bordering on Zafferana

Total Length: 75 Km

Giardini Naxos Sea - credit: Brka

4. Taormina - Giardini Naxos - Sant’Alfio - Milo

Return to Santa Venerina
Total Length: 75 Km

5. The Ionic coast

Visit:

• Acireale, one of the most important Sicilian village
• Timpa natural reserve
• Acicastello
• Acitrezza, a fishermen village famous as setting of “I Malavoglia” of Giovanni Verga

Total Lenght: 75 Km

Departure day: Transfer to Catania ariport

Zafferana Etnea Dome - credit: areta

Attractions and landscape

Villages:

• Zafferana Etnea
• Santa Venerina
• Randazzo, ancient medieval village
• Bronte, famous for pistacchio’s plantation

Nature:

• Natural and lunar places on the volcano.
• From here you will enjoy an amazing view of the ionic coast and the Aeolian islands
• Pine forests near Linguaglossa and Piano Provenzana
• Alcantara river

Draw out your trip

Yo can visit Catania and Syracuse

Benefits: The attractions of the variegated itinerary that join natural places with historic places

Drawbacks: Very difficult routes, hard slopes and long distances.

Suggestions

• Choose spring or autumnal months
• Be careful to roads condition
• Take with you a topographic map

Equipment

• Bike clothes
• Water proof jacket
• Sun glasses
• Sun cream
• All you need to repair your bike
• All you need for first aid

Weather

The height difference and range will be the problems you have to face by taking with you the appropriate clothing

Here you can find some useful suggestion to organize your Sicily bike tour.

As first step you have to decide if your trip will be guided or self-guided.

If you decide for a guided tour it is better chooseing the tour operator depending on the service and price.

Don’t search only low cost tour operators and organizations, in fact often a very low price is never joined with a satisfying service.

Look the rewies of other tourists that has done their trip with them, and verify if what they say is real.

Don’t read only good things about them, but search all the rewievs that underline the deficiencies. Generally an organization of tour declared only with overdone positive adjectives, is not well-founded. And an operator that has few deficiencies can be positive for many other things and satisfying your trip.

How to organize bike tour

Search information about the region and its attracions.

• You can choose the natural or historic attractions itinerary
• You can choose a combined itinerary, for example archaeological sites and amazing landscapes
• You can choose to bike through Natural Reserves
• You can bike in the Necropolis of Greek Sicily
• You can combine your bike tour with tasting sicilian food: pastries, pasta, pistachio, all the tour cross important local food destinations.

The next step is to decide if you will take your personal bike or if you have to rent bike.

I suggest to take a MTB, because the most itineraries rae on hilly places

Bike Train Transport

Most regional trains in Italy take bikes. There will be a bike symbol on the list of departing trains at the station and also on the TrenItalia website (www.trenitalia.com)

You’ll just have to pick a destination and see which trains accept bikes.

In addition to your train ticket, you will need to purchase a ticket for the bike of 3.50 euro on regional trains.

The ticket is in two parts; one you attach to the handlebars of your bike using the adhesive strip and the other you keep with your train ticket. The ticket is 24 hours valid.

Suggestions:

Remember that in small town stations the train stops only for a few minutes, so you’ll want to be ready with your bike to get off.

How can i move in Sicily?

The main airport of Sicily is the Fontanarossa airport. From here every part of the east Sicily is easy to reach, in fact it is connected with the main ways of Catania such as Catania-Palermo highway (A19), the city centre of Catania, and all the ways the connect to south ways of Sicily.

How can i arrive to Taormina?

From THE airport you can take the circumferential way and arrive to Catania- Messina highway (A18). After 40 Km exit to Taormina tollgate.

How can i arrive to places of Noto valley?

From the airport you can take ss 114 to Syracuse. Along the way you will meet the various crossroads to reach the different villages and sites.

Is it easy moving by bike in Sicily?

Sicilian cities haven’t real cycle tracks. The only exception is Messina seafront, where you can find a cycle tracks 2 Km long

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t ride through Sicily roads. The villages you will cross (Etna villages or Noto Valley villages) are place with low traffic cars, and the street are so small and narrow that are more suitable for bicycle transit rather than cars.

If you ride through natural attractions you will find natural bicycle path. Many of them are more difficult because the presence of slopes, such as for Etna climbing, but others are easier and of a medium level, such as those of Noto Valley.

The real problems are in great cities such as Catania, where bicycle tracks are non-existent, but along the city centre it is poosible to find pedestrian areas practicable by bike, such as Via Etnea. Consider to bike along playa beach in the south of the city where you will find a cycle road long less than 1 Km.

Take information about the attractions and roads itinerary

What about Sicily events?

• Carnival in Misterbianco, Acireale, Sciacca on February
• Sant’Agata festivity on the 5th February in Catania
• Many food festivals:

• “Pistachio town festival” in Bronte
• “Ottobrata” in Zafferana Etnea. Every Octobers exposure and tasting of local food
• “Orange town festival” in Adrano on February and in Palagonia on Mach
• “Wine town festival” in Randazzo on the 1th May
• “Fish and Sea town festival” in Giardini Naxos (in the south part of Taormina) between the last week on June and the first week of July.
• “Strawberry town festival” in Maletto on the first week of June
• “Pear and and peach town festival” in Maniace on the first week of August
• “Octopus town festival” in Acicastello on the first week end of August

What do i need to travel in Sicily?

• Map of the natural and historic itineraries
• Water provision
• waterproof
• Medicine chest
• All the things you need to repair your bike
• Provide to your lunch bag
• Carry with you some medications: Anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, extra tampons, travel packages of Kleenex, antibacterial hand cleaning gel.

Check to see if the package vacation includes health insurance policy covers illness or injury overseas.

What is the best time to visit Sicily?
Spring is the best period. Summer is good too, but be careful because the temperature is very hot.

What about the weather conditions?

• Mild climate in the coast
• In the inland there could be misty rain
• If you climb Etna take with you waterproof because in the higher points there is the possibility of rains

Stromboli is a volcanic island in the archipelago of Aeolian Islands. The highest point of the volcano (”I Vancori”) is high about 925 metres on sea level. The island has 400 Inhabitants.

Stromboli is a persistent activity volcano. Most of this activity is moderate, consisting of brief and small bursts of glowing lava fragments.

Twice during the 20th century (in 1919 and 1930) there have been large eruptions that caused significant damage and killed people.

Several explosions in the past few years have surprised groups of tourists who were in the summit area.

Although Stromboli’s activity is mainly of minor scale and its effects are restricted to the crater area, this volcano is capable of potentially devastating eruptions.

Eruptions like those in 1919 and 1930 are likely to occur every few tens of years and should be expected at any time in the future, without any premonitory signs earthquakes.

[Sciara del Fuoco - credit: calabrotto]

Stromboli has never stopped its activity, but there are some more important eruption phenomenon that have to be reminded

In the early times of the XX century the eruptions were hard, such as those of 27 Apr 1907, that have caused some damage to buildings on the island.

But the most dramatic was that on 22 May 1919: a great explosion, large bombs and blocks on Stromboli and Ginostra villages, tsunami and great damage.

The same thing happened in the eruption on 11 Sep 1930: six the number of dead people

The last eruption happened on 2003: strong explosions followed by lava flows into the sea, the collapse of a part of the Sciara del Fuoco created a tsunami that causes serious damages.

Sicily is the destination of many tourists. History prove this, in fact in the XVIII century the aristocratics came here to do their cultural travel. But the trend to visit Sicily has never set: nowadays many people from all over the world are attracted from this Mediterranean Paradise.

Aside the general travels that are possible here, the most important is that doing a Sicily tour bike has given to many riders unforgettable experiences.

Here are some reviews of “who has done it”.

[Summit Crater in the South of Mt. Etna - credit: jmg378s]

Paul and Mary said: “One of the main sightseeing in Sicily is Etna. The ascent of Etna is an experience which should not be missed. The driver took us to Refugio Sapienza passing through a views of the lava fields. A stop to Zafferana Etnea was included . It was possible to see the lava-flow in 1992 which reached the outskirts of the town.

To make our day more unforgettable we stop in a winery where it was possible to taste an excellent local wine . Everything was superbly organized and this trip made our holiday special

It was an excursion, full of interesting facts, surreal landscapes and a wonderful experiences. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in nature, or this lovely planet we call earth.”

[Bike show in Catania's Dome square - credit: fazen]

Anna and Phil said: “Me and my boyfriend went to Sicily at the end of August and stayed there for a week. That was a unforgettable experience for us. I want to thank Sicily Life for organizing our transport from Catania airport to Taormina and our tour to Mount Etna.

We learned many interesting facts about Mount Etna, Taormina and Gardini Naxos. I recommend Taormina and the neighboring towns to all the people who would like to visit Sicily and have the time of their lives.”

[Sicilian Countryside - credit: fazen]

Rose and Mel said: “Two things impressed us the most about Sicily. The first was how green the countryside was; the last time we were in Sicily it was November and everything was brown and dead. In the spring Sicily is green and lush, with craggy hills and mountains, and gently rolling hills, although with few trees (different from Vermont!). The scenery was beautiful.”

[Catania Dome - credit: PhotoLab XL]

Mark said: “The city of Catania is a museum in itself. Churches (the Cathedral, the Church of San Giulano, the Benedictine Monastery, the church of Saint Nicola) and palaces like Palazzo Biscari.

The Piazza del Duomo surrounded by Baroque buildings and enclosing the mountain with the Elephant, a lava-made sculpture, the Porta Garibaldi, the Teatro Massimo Bellini with its impressive façade, Villa Bellini park, the Chiesa dei Benedettini with Neoclassical features, the Greek theatre of the Odeon, the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre takes the visitor to a journey through centuries of history.

A museum that you shouldn’t miss is the Museo Civico that gives the visitor a view of Catania’s history. It is housed in the 13th century fortress of Castello Ursino, the only medieval building to survive the 1693 earthquake. The churches are museum pieces from the Baroque; some of these include Saint Maria del Gesu, the Collegiata and Saint Agatha that houses works by Vaccarini.

Other museums are: the Casa-Museo Giovanni Verga, Museo dello Studio, Museo di Palaeontologia, Museo di Zoologia, and the Museo Emilio Greco”

[Greek theater of Syracuse - credit: vic15]

Monika said: “The area around Siracusa is flat and conducive to cycling. The Riserva Caine would be great for cycling. There’s also flat coastal areas around Ognina and Arenella that are good for cycling.”

Roger said: “Tour Etna, and enjoy some mountain biking! The flora and fauna of Etna makes it an interesting place for biking. Bike rentals are available with many itineraries.”

[Modica baroque Dome - credit: il CAMA]

Franky and Jemma said: “Ragusa and Modica are two Baroque towns, steeped in history and culture. We were based in Modica in a Bed n Breakfast and that’s where we started our tours from everyday. We went on different tours, some days by the coast through towns like Samperi, which were quaint, with views of the bright turquoise seas and beaches. Then other days we went inland which was different in terrain and sometimes weather.

You must remember that Sicily is a mountainous island, and there is almost nearly no flat land. So the weather can drop noticeably when you are going to places high above sea level, but going up the mountains or small hills, do surely warm you up!”

Linguaglossa is one of the most characteristic villages of Etna. It is 560 metres on sea level, and placed in a strategic point from wich it is possible reaching Etna and the sea:

• Linguaglossa-Piano Provenzana (1800 m sl) 15 Km
• Linguaglossa-Fiumefreddo beach 14 Km

The villages was built up seven lava layer. The ancient buildings were built in lava stone. This represents the ability of man transforming the death material of lava in some of useful for his community.

Attractions

Talking about Linguaglossa attractions means consider the beautifulness of Etna and its paths.

credit: dariorin

The “Ragabo” pine forest ranges until Piano Provenzana, and it is the destination of many hikers. You can reach Ragabo with your bike starting from Linguaglossa and climbing for 10 Km. After you’ll arrive you could enter in its pine forest by bike. You can also have a picnic, as many Sicilian families do every Sundays. Another possibility is to visit its historic centre.

[Linguaglossa'a Dome Church - credit: Neil Weightman]

Wine road

Linguaglossa is famous for its wine production, because this zone is rich of vineyards that produce high-quality wine thanks to the volcanic terrains.

Wines you can taste:

• Etna Rosso (Etna Red wine), called also “Fire Wine”
• Etna Rosato (Rosè Etna wine)
• Etna Bianco superiore (upper grade Etna White wine)
• Etna Bianco (Etna White wine)

Linguaglossa has the only Wine Road of Sicily. So you can’t lose the experience to combine a tour bike with wine tasting.

You can see also the other Etna villages such as Bronte, so you can taste Pistachio Link Etna villages

Etna is the Europe’s largest active volcano

Its summit elevation is 3340 metres, but this number changes because the eruption phenomenons.

The name

About the name’s origin there are diverse hypothesis.
For someone it comes from Greek and Latin languagges, other refer to the Phoenician word “athana”, which means “furnace”.

In Sicily the volcano is known as “Mongibello” that means “Mountain”.

Eruptions

Etna has a long eruption history of thousands years.

-The first documented eruption was on 1500 BC, but Etna is remembered for the dramatic eruption of 1669: many etna villages as Misterbianco were completely destroyed or severely damaged, and some of these were never rebuilt and their ancient locations are unknown.

The West part of Catania was hit and all the centre with Castello Ursino were encircled by lava flows.
A small part of the city was destroyed, and important historic attractions as church of San Nicolò l’Arena and the Benedictines monastery suffered heavy damages.

-The more recent eruption started on october 2002 and ended on january 2003.

Before the real eruption there were seismic phenomenons under the soil of etna villages on semptember.

The eruption began at midnight on 26 october 2002.

The situation was very difficult because of the fall of vulcanic sand. Catania and etna villages have suffered the effect of the volcano activity: the International Airport of Catania Fontanarossa had to be closed, and getting out from own home was a difficult thing to do.

The tourist structures were destroyed and the seismic events demaged the village of Santa Venerina.

Nowaday by climbing Etna is possible to see the damages of lava flow of 2002-2003.

Live near Etna

What it is the risk of living near a volcano as Etna?

Etna’s eruptions represent a real threat to human properties because the eruption and the fall of volcanic sand.

But an important characteristic of this volcano is that it hasn’t explosive eruption, but implosive one. Etna’s typical activity is not Plinian, that is the most violent type of explosive eruption. Explosive eruptions on Etna are rare and limited to the summit area.

Etna rarely kills people, and one of the benefits of living near the volcano is that volcanic soil is very fertile.

The “Valle del Bove”.

This valley was formed because the Etna’s eastern flank suffered a catastrophic sector collapse.

Nowaday the most part of the floor of the Valle del Bove is covered by lava erupted during the 20th century, making it one of the most hostile and least accessible areas on Etna, such as a lunar landscape.

Landscape
Volcano Etna has many woods with hidden trails, and they are magical places to visit.

But you should be careful: during your hiking you have to hear what
your guide tell you about the place for your safety.

You can hike on the eruption places and admire that wild scenario. So wild that
some scientists have made astronomical experiment useful for moon’s studies
because the characteristics of Etna soil are similar to Lunar soil.

The eruption places
are in the higher points of Nicolosi, Linguaglossa, Belpasso and Zafferana, where you
can admire the wonderful Bove Valley, a valley full of lava.

Legend

Climbing Etna is possible to see Philosopher Tower, a high refuge seat in a place
where a long time ago was attended a rudimentary construction that legend ascribes
to Empedocle, a philosopher from Agrigento lived about V century a. C.

The Legend tells that he hurled himself inside the crater to demonstrate his divine nature.

Well, the ancient construction visible until XVIII century the was the Empedocle refuge for his studies about Etna nature.

But another explanation tell us more, in fact maybe the Emperor Adriano ordered
to build a refuge because he liked to hike on Volcano Etna.

The unique attestation of this ancient bulding is that one of the artist Jean Houel, that made a work incision art of this object when he climbed on Etna.

Bike on Etna

There are many itinerary for Etna bike tour:
-You can do a Etna tour bike link
-It is also possible bike along the Etna cycle track in Castiglione di Sicilia LInk Sicily cycle tracks
-You can do a tour along the way that connects the Etna villages visiting Zafferana, Santa Venerina, Randazzo, Bronte, Nicolosi, Linguaglossa their beautiflu attractions
LInk Etna villages one day bike tour
But the best is Etna tour bike, along the Alcàntara valley and Amazing landscape of Volcano. Link Etna tour bike
Biking to reach the refuges of Linguaglossa and Nicolosi to see the effect of lava eruption of 2002-2003.
A very hard itinerary that must be joined with hiking, because beyong 2000 m of altitude using bike will be very difficult.

This magic place is situated on the Syracuse province, between Noto and Marzamemi.

The bogs of this place are useful as a break place for the migratory birds that come from Africa and are directed to other Europe places.

Landscape
-Rocky coast, sandy coast, Mediterranean scrub, bogs, salt mines, cultivated areas.

What to see
-Archaeological settlements, Necropolis
-Ruins of Byzantine period such as churches, catacombs, small houses and Necropolis
-Other hisotic symbol is the Sveva Tower, built under Pietro d’Aragona order.
-Vendicari Tonnara, a old bulding dated at XVIII century around.

Birdwatching
A particular activity to do in Vendicari is Birdwatching of that species of birds that take a break in Venidacri during their travel from Sarah to North Europe.

What kind of birds?
-Wading birds
-Storks
-Gulls
-Herons
-Cormorants

When?
The best period to do this activity is the month of December

Other animals are here visible, such as Green Toad, Biacco snake, turtles, fox, wild rabbit.