Cycling Through Sicily: A 460-Kilometer Journey to Discover the Island’s Hidden Gems
Sicily, with its millennial culture, breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, offers a unique bike touring experience. Sicily Divide is an extraordinary route that takes cyclists on a journey to uncover an unseen and authentic side of the island, from Trapani or Palermo to Catania.
This 460-kilometer cycling adventure reveals Sicily’s lesser-known facets.
Sicily Divide by Bike
An Unforgettable Cycling Experience
Sicily Divide is much more than a simple bike tour—it’s an adventure that captures the hearts and souls of those who embark on it. As cyclists traverse Sicily, their eyes are filled with beauty at every turn. Leaving the sea behind, the route ventures into agricultural and pastoral lands, where fields painted in nature’s colors shift with the seasons. These landscapes bear the imprints of history—from the Greeks to the Arabs and Normans—offering explorers a chance to uncover the secrets of an island steeped in ancient traditions.
The Route
The journey begins at the salt pans of Trapani, with the sea as a companion. For those starting from Palermo, a variant leads to Gibellina, where travelers can explore areas affected by the 1968 Belice earthquake. At the Cretto di Burri, Italy’s largest land art installation, cyclists witness a symbol of resilience and renewal.
The path continues to the village of Sambuca di Sicilia, transitioning into rolling hills and mountains until reaching Enna, Italy’s highest provincial capital. Along the way, the imposing silhouette of Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, appears in the distance, providing a dramatic backdrop. The adventure concludes in Catania, where cyclists can dismount and explore the historic city center.
A Cyclist’s Challenge: Tips for the Journey
Sicily Divide is a challenging route, featuring significant elevation changes, uneven terrains, and off-road sections. A gravel or mountain bike is highly recommended for this adventure. The route is divided into seven stages, mainly on secondary roads with little or no traffic. Cyclists can adjust their pace and timing to suit their preferences.
Planning and Preparation
Planning this cycling journey is made easier with a comprehensive guide that includes GPS tracks, equipment recommendations, information on bike-friendly services and transport, maps, altitude profiles, and points of interest. The guide also provides valuable details about the route, road surfaces, repair shops, essential gear, and suggested baggage.
Extras
The guide features a “Pedal at Your Own Pace” section, offering short detours to discover landmarks such as the Temple of Segesta or the ascent to Mount Etna, located near the main trail.
The Author
Giovanni Guarneri started cycling at sixteen and has been exploring Sicily’s roads for over thirty years, weaving them into bike touring routes and stories to share. He is president of the Ciclabili Siciliane association. For Terre di Mezzo Editore, he authored The Perimeter of Sicily by Bike and curated the cycling section of The Magna Via Francigena.
The guide is available in bookstores or on the Terre di Mezzo website.
