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Daily Tour
14 people
English
8 days / 7 nights
Discover southeastern Sicily by bike on an independent cycling holiday through some of the island’s most fascinating landscapes and historic towns. The route begins in the hilltop town of Palazzolo Acreide and leads through the spectacular Baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli before continuing towards the Mediterranean coast, Portopalo di Capo Passero and Marzamemi.
The journey combines quiet country roads, rolling landscapes, coastal scenery and Sicily’s remarkable cultural heritage. With a self-guided format, you can explore at your own pace while following a carefully designed cycling route through the southeastern corner of the island.
Your cycling holiday begins in the historic hill town of Palazzolo Acreide. Arrive independently and take part in the welcome briefing and bike fitting.
Overnight in Palazzolo Acreide
Approx. 35 km / 500 m elevation gain
Today’s circular cycling route takes you from Palazzolo Acreide into the beautiful Anapo Valley. Part of the route follows a former railway line that has been converted into a cycling path, offering a particularly enjoyable way to experience the surrounding countryside.
There is also the opportunity to make a detour to Ferla, a charming village with a distinctive Sicilian character.
Overnight in Palazzolo Acreide
Approx. 53 km / 650 m elevation gain
Leave Palazzolo Acreide and cycle through the characteristic Iblean countryside. The route crosses a landscape of gentle hills and rural scenery before reaching Giarratana.
From here, continue towards two of southeastern Sicily’s most impressive historic destinations: Ragusa Ibla and Modica. Both are renowned for their Baroque architecture and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage heritage of the Val di Noto.
The day’s cycling stage ends in Modica.
Overnight in Modica
Approx. 65 km / 430 m elevation gain
Before setting off from Modica, there is an excellent opportunity to sample the town’s famous traditional chocolate.
The route then descends through a picturesque valley towards Scicli, another outstanding Baroque town of southeastern Sicily. Continue onwards to Pozzallo, an important port with ferry connections towards Malta.
From Pozzallo, the route follows the Mediterranean coast towards Portopalo di Capo Passero. This former fishing village lies at the southernmost point of Sicily and provides a spectacular setting for the end of the stage.
Overnight in Portopalo di Capo Passero
Hier ist die eigenständig formulierte Fortsetzung im gleichen Stil wie bei Tag 1–4, mit allen wesentlichen Angaben und ohne 1:1-Übersetzung:
45 km / 400 m elevation gain or 55 km / 400 m elevation gain
The route begins with a visit to Marzamemi, a picturesque fishing village whose history is strongly influenced by its Arab heritage. From here, you leave the coast and follow peaceful country roads towards the Vendicari Nature Reserve. The protected area is an important refuge for migratory birds and is also home to the atmospheric remains of an old tonnara, the traditional Sicilian tuna fishery.
Depending on the chosen route, the shorter option includes a stop at the Villa Romana del Tellaro, known for its remarkably preserved 4th-century AD floor mosaics.
The day’s cycling finishes in Noto, one of Sicily’s most impressive Baroque towns and the cultural highlight of the southeastern part of the island.
Overnight in Noto.
45 km / 750 m elevation gain
Today offers the choice of another cycling stage or a relaxing day in Noto.
For the cycling option, the route heads uphill into the countryside above Noto towards Noto Antica, the ancient site of the city that was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693. The ride continues through the rolling landscape of the Iblei plateau towards Cavagrande del Cassibile, a spectacular canyon and one of the deepest gorges in the area.
The return journey leads back towards the Mediterranean on a scenic descent with a series of winding switchbacks and impressive views over the coast.
Overnight in Noto.
55 km / 300 m elevation gain
The final cycling stage follows an easy, predominantly flat route along the coast towards Siracusa, one of Sicily’s great ancient Greek cities.
Your accommodation is located just across the bridge from Ortigia, the atmospheric island forming the historic heart of Siracusa. Its compact old town combines centuries of history with elegant Baroque architecture. Highlights include the impressive Piazza Duomo and its cathedral, built on the site of an ancient Greek temple, as well as the legendary Fountain of Arethusa.
After returning the bicycles, there is plenty of time to explore Ortigia on foot, enjoy its narrow streets and squares, and discover the historic centre at your own pace.
Overnight in Siracusa.
After breakfast, the cycling tour comes to an end. You can arrange an individual transfer to Catania Airport or extend your stay in Sicily independently.
During July and August, cyclists should expect higher temperatures and increased traffic, particularly on coastal sections of the route.
The itinerary and accommodation locations may occasionally need to be adjusted due to local conditions or operational requirements.
The tour can also be organised between November and March. Weather conditions are generally stable through December, while some rainfall should be expected from January to March. During the winter months, certain hotels may be closed, which can require changes to the accommodation and route. Portopalo, for example, may not be available during the winter season.
Example hotels:
Palazzolo Acreide Domus Hyblae
Modica B&B L’Orangerie
Portopalo di Capo Passero Hotel Vittorio
Noto Hotel Netum
Siracusa Dimora delle Zagare al Molo
Difficulty level: 3 out of 5
This self-guided cycling tour is designed for riders who are comfortable cycling through rolling countryside. Most stages feature moderate hills, while Days 2 and 6 include some longer climbs. The gradients are generally manageable and the climbs are not particularly steep.
Self-guided tour – minimum 2 participants
€990 per person sharing a double room
Single room supplement: €370
Several bicycle options are available for the tour, allowing you to choose a bike that best suits your riding style and experience:
| Bike | Rental price |
|---|---|
| Fitness bike | €150 |
| E-bike | €275 |
| Gravel bike, aluminium | €185 |
| Gravel bike, carbon | €275 |
| Road bike, carbon | €275 |
| Garmin GPS device | €20 |
Bike rental includes delivery and collection, helmet, repair kit with spare tube and tyre levers, pump and lock. Fitness bikes and e-bikes are also supplied with one pannier.
Airport and regional transfers per person:
A 20% deposit is payable when the tour is confirmed. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 4 weeks before arrival.
The following cancellation fees apply depending on how far in advance the tour is cancelled:
