Self-guided Sicily Etna to Ionian Sea Bike Tour

Welcome to Nicolosi, a charming gateway town perched on the slopes of Mount Etna.

After you arrive and settle in, you’ll receive your bike along with detailed maps and a roadbook to guide your adventure.

Spend your first evening strolling through Nicolosi’s lively piazzas, perhaps stopping for a creamy granita or a hearty Sicilian meal. With the volcano looming quietly in the background, the sense of anticipation builds—tomorrow, the journey begins in earnest, and Etna awaits.

Start your day with a transfer to Rifugio Sapienza (included), an alpine resort located at an altitude of 1,920m (6,300ft) on Mount Etna’s slopes.

If you feel like it, you can choose to bike all the way up. However, this is a fairly difficult climb.

You can choose to ascend even further by funicular, four wheel drive and a guide to explore the volcano’s upper craters. (price not included).

Enjoy the downhill ride back to Nicolosi, coasting through black lava fields and fragrant pine forests. The surreal, lunar-like landscape offers unforgettable views over the island.

If weather isn’t ideal, head instead to Catania for a cultural detour through its elegant Baroque streets and vibrant markets.

99% paved surface, 1% unpaved surface

Set off from Nicolosi on peaceful back roads, cycling through rolling hills and fertile farmland. Most of the ride is gently downhill, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy the scenery.

Your first stop is the nature reserve "Forre Laviche del Simeto," where ancient lava flows form dramatic gorges. Don’t miss the Saracen Bridge, an arched stone crossing dating back to Arab rule in Sicily. As you continue, the terrain begins to change—groves of pistachio trees line the roads, welcoming you to Bronte, the pistachio capital of the world. You’ll spend the night in a tranquil country manor surrounded by these iconic green gems.

Take time to sample the local specialties—pistachio pesto, pastries, and even liqueurs. The peaceful setting is ideal for recharging. With the volcano in the distance and the scent of orchards in the air, it’s easy to forget the outside world.

99% paved surface, 1% unpaved surface

Today’s ride is full of charm and quiet beauty. Leave Bronte behind and cycle through open countryside toward Maniace, a small village steeped in history. Stop to visit Castello Nelson, once gifted to Admiral Horatio Nelson by the King of Naples, and explore the former monastery of Santa Maria di Maniace.

The atmosphere is serene, with stone buildings and mountain views creating a timeless feel. Continue on peaceful roads lined with olive groves and lava stone walls as you make your way to Randazzo. This medieval town, built almost entirely of dark volcanic rock, is full of architectural surprises.

Wander its winding streets, admire its Norman-style churches, and soak up the sense of history. With its location on the edge of Etna National Park, Randazzo is the perfect place to reflect on your journey so far—where every road seems to hold echoes of Sicily’s ancient past.

99% paved surface, 1% unpaved surface

Get ready for a scenic and rewarding day as you follow the “Strada del Vino dell’Etna,” cycling past terraced vineyards that thrive in the volcanic soil.

Stop for a tasting at a local winery or simply enjoy the views as the landscape opens up around you. In Castiglione di Sicilia, pause in the charming town square, then ride on toward the dramatic Alcantara Gorge. Here, icy river waters have carved deep canyons through lava stone, creating a cool, shady oasis—perfect for a refreshing break.

After soaking in the gorge's raw beauty, continue downhill to the coast. Your destination is Giardini Naxos, a lively seaside town where ancient Greek ruins meet sun-soaked beaches.

Take a dip in the Ionian Sea or relax with fresh seafood by the water. After a day of contrasts—vineyards, gorges, and coastal calm—you’ll sleep with the sound of waves nearby.

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Although today’s ride is shorter, it’s packed with awe-inspiring sights.

Begin with a scenic climb up to Taormina, one of Sicily’s most celebrated hilltop towns, often called the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Here, everything seems picture-perfect—from the elegant streets and blooming balconies to the ancient Greek theatre with Etna as a dramatic backdrop.

Stroll through boutique-lined lanes or relax in a café overlooking the sea. For those who want to explore further, an optional ride to Castelmola adds even more drama. This tiny medieval village sits high above Taormina and offers views that sweep from Calabria to the volcano’s summit.

Returning to Giardini Naxos, you can reward yourself with a swim or gelato on the beach. It’s a day that blends history, culture, and breathtaking beauty in true Sicilian style.

99% paved surface, 1% unpaved surface

Your final full day on the bike takes you south along Sicily’s glittering Ionian coast, often called the “Lemon Riviera.” The road hugs the shoreline, passing through small fishing villages and citrus groves that perfume the air.

A gentle climb brings you to Acireale, a city known for its Baroque architecture and stunning views over the sea. Take time to wander its elegant streets and visit its ornate churches before continuing to Acitrezza. This coastal village has a magical air, thanks to the Cyclopean Isles just offshore—legend says they were hurled by Polyphemus at Odysseus.

As the sun sets, enjoy a seafood dinner on the waterfront with the mythical rocks in view. It’s a fitting end to a tour that has taken you through Sicily’s landscapes, legends, and flavors.

99% paved surface, 1% unpaved surface

After breakfast, your cycling tour comes to an end. Consider heading into Catania, just a short drive away, to explore its vibrant markets, historic piazzas, and black lava stone buildings. You can plan your visit to coincide with your departing flight from Catania.

Or simply linger a little longer in Acitrezza, watching the fishing boats drift out to sea.

Whether you’re heading home or extending your stay, you’ll leave with vivid memories of volcanoes, vineyards, villages, and the open Sicilian road.