sicile_velo_etna_italie_bandeau_ecf9fe27df

Italy

A cycling tour of Sicily: Mount Etna, Taormina and the Ionian Sea

The Lands of Legends

ref RN20

From

790€/person

Presentation of your trip

A breathtaking cycle route at the foot of Mount Etna and through the landscapes of its national park. This route takes you on a journey of discovery through ancient towns steeped in history and myth, and allows you to sample traditional flavours and exquisite wines.
You’ll visit Taormina, the ‘pearl of the Ionian coast’, the medieval towns of Randazzo and Castiglione, and the Baroque town of Acireale. You’ll cycle through areas that form part of Sicily’s most important nature reserves, such as the Etna National Park, the Alcantara Valley Park and the ‘Forre Laviche del Simeto’ nature reserve.

DestinationItaly
TypeFree
Length of trip8 days and 7 nights
ActivitiesCycling/All Terrain Biking
Physical level

Possible periods for this trip

Jan.
Feb.
March
Apr.
May
June
Jul.
August
Sep.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.

Departure: Every Saturday from March to November 2027. Road traffic may be heavier from mid-June to the end of August.

Download the technical sheet

Description Program Pratical information Dates and price Contact

Trip details

Highlights

Discovering Mount Etna, an active volcano
Taormina, one of the most beautiful towns in Sicily
Charming Sicilian villages
Arrival on the Ionian Sea

Complementary informations

8 days, 7 nights and 6 days of cycling
3-star hotels and guesthouses

Program

Day 1
Arrival in Nicolosi, at the foot of Mount Etna
You will arrive in Nicolosi, where you will be given your rental bikes, route notes and maps containing all the information you will need.
Day 2
Discovering Mount Etna by bike
- Distance : 20 km
You will travel by regular bus service or private transfer to Rifugio Sapienza, located at an altitude of 1,910 metres, after an ascent of 700 metres in elevation. Once there, you can explore Mount Etna independently, by cable car, 4x4 vehicle or on foot, with or without a guide. You will then cycle back down to Nicolosi, on a route that is downhill all the way.

If the public bus to Rifugio Sapienza cannot carry bicycles due to lack of space, your accommodation provider in Nicolosi will arrange a private transfer: €35 per person, for a maximum of 2 people.

In the event of unfavourable weather or volcanic conditions, a public bus journey to Catania will be offered instead.
Day 3
From Nicolosi to Bronte, pistachio country
- Distance : 49 km
Leaving Nicolosi, you will follow a small secondary road that is almost entirely downhill to the Forre Laviche del Simeto Nature Reserve, where you can discover the famous Saracen Bridge. The slopes of Mount Etna, covered with pistachio trees, herald your arrival in Bronte. Tonight, you will stay at an estate nestled among pistachio plantations.
Day 4
From Bronte to Randazzo via Maniace
- Distance : 36 km
Before leaving Bronte, take time to visit one of the many local farms specialising in the cultivation and production of pistachios. After a few kilometres by bike, you will reach Maniace, where you can visit the famous castle of Admiral Nelson, an emblematic figure in the Battle of Trafalgar, as well as the former Norman Abbey of Santa Maria di Maniace. You will then continue along small secondary roads through Sicilian landscapes until you reach Randazzo. Its history-filled old town is one of the city’s great attractions.
Day 5
From Randazzo to Giardini Naxos via the Alcantara Valley
- Distance : 44 km
Today, enjoy a gentle descent along the “Strada del Vino dell’Etna” (Etna Wine Road), where you will encounter many winegrowers. From the charming town centre of Castiglione, you will enjoy a beautiful view over the Alcantara Valley, which separates Mount Etna from the Nebrodi forests that you will visit a little further along the route. Your final destination is Giardini Naxos, on the Ionian coast, where you can swim in its beautiful waters.
Day 6
Taormina and Castelmola by bike
- Distance : 20 km
After just a few kilometres of climbing, you will reach Taormina, the Pearl of the Ionian Coast, which is well worth the visit in its own right. You can visit Castelmola, a picturesque medieval village perched 5 km above Taormina, where you can admire breathtaking views across the entire bay, from Calabria to Mount Etna, before returning to Giardini Naxos.
Day 7
From Giardini Naxos to Acitrezza along the Ionian coast
- Distance : 37 km
This easy stage follows the Ionian coast, also known as the “Riviera of Lemons”. After a short climb, you will reach Acireale and its Baroque town centre, which is well worth a visit. The stage ends in Acitrezza.
Day 8
End of your trip in Sicily in Acitrezza
After breakfast, you can either travel home or extend your stay. The tour ends at this point.
End of trip

Pratical information

Luggage
We offer a package that includes luggage transport.
To help you travel light, we offer a package that includes the transport of your main luggage from one stage to the next (one piece of luggage per person, weighing up to 20 kg). This means you’ll only need to carry your personal belongings for the day and your picnic.
Formalities
Identity documents: Bring a valid national identity card or passport, depending on your nationality. A visa may also be required.
Supporting documents: Please bring proof of medical insurance. If you are a citizen of a European country, remember to bring your European Health Insurance Card.
Travel insurance: We recommend taking out travel insurance covering medical expenses, assistance, repatriation and cancellation.
Departure and meeting point
Start of your trip
Your holiday begins in Nicolosi, at the foot of Mount Etna. The first day is set aside for your arrival, when you will be given your bikes, your route guide and all the information you need to ensure your tour runs smoothly.
How to get to the starting point?
There are several ways to get to Nicolosi:
By plane: there are direct flights from France to Catania and Palermo airports. Catania airport is the closest to your starting point.
From Palermo, you can travel to Catania by coach with SAIS Autolinee (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours) or by train with Trenitalia (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes). There is also a shuttle bus from the airport to Palermo railway station, with regular departures every 30 minutes and a journey time of approximately 55 minutes.
For added comfort, you can book optional private transfers between Catania Airport and Nicolosi, as well as between Acitrezza and Catania Airport at the end of your stay.
Return to the airport
At the end of your tour, you can travel to Catania Airport from Acitrezza using an optional transfer service.
Accommodation
Bed and breakfasts and 3-star hotels.
Throughout your stay, you will be accommodated in bed and breakfasts and 3-star hotels that have been carefully selected for their comfort and the quality of their hospitality. You will stay in a double room with an en-suite bathroom. Bed linen and towels are provided
Food
There is no need to go without! Breakfasts are included in your stay, leaving you free to choose restaurants and food stops as you wish. Take the opportunity to discover and enjoy the richness of the local cuisine. Picnics and dinners are not included.
Attendees
The departure is guaranteed for a minimum of 2 participants.
Difficulty level
This tour is designed for travellers who wish to explore Sicily at their own pace and independently, whilst benefiting from services designed to make their cycling holiday easier.
It is suitable for anyone in good physical condition who has some cycling experience and cycles regularly. The route mainly follows quiet back roads, with flat sections, gentle climbs and a few more challenging ascents. With the exception of the outskirts of major towns and cities, you will mainly be cycling on back roads where traffic is generally light.
Please note: traffic may be heavier during the summer months, particularly from mid-June to the end of August.
Accompanying
Self-guided tour.
Set off on your cycling holiday on a date that suits you and enjoy complete peace of mind. We take care of everything, from booking your accommodation to transporting your luggage and planning your itinerary. All you have to do is cycle! Using your roadbook and our navigation app, you can follow a route that we have designed for you at your own pace and entirely independently. This is an ideal package for those who want to combine freedom, comfort and peace of mind while discovering the most beautiful cycling routes.

Dates and price

Information

Self-guided tour
Set off on the date of your choice. Departures available every Saturday from March to November. Please note that traffic may be heavier during the peak season, from mid-June to the end of August. So that you can cycle with peace of mind, we’ll take care of booking your accommodation and transporting your luggage. You’ll then follow your cycling route using a road book and a navigation app. You won’t have to worry about the logistical details. An ideal package for combining independence and peace of mind, and enjoying a holiday at your own pace!

Practical information for your cycling holiday in Sicily
During the Nicolosi/Etna stage, should the public bus taking you to Rifugio Sapienza be unable to carry bicycles due to lack of space, a private transfer will be arranged by your accommodation in Nicolosi. €35 per person for up to two people.

When is the best time to cycle in Sicily?
Spring and autumn are generally good times to explore Sicily by bike, with temperatures often more pleasant for cycling.

Can we visit Mount Etna during the tour?
Yes, one day is set aside for exploring Mount Etna. From Rifugio Sapienza, situated at an altitude of 1,910 metres, there are several options available to you: the cable car, 4x4 excursions or hiking, with or without a guide.
Anyone wishing to go on independent excursions on Mount Etna (guided tours, cable car, off-road vehicles) must wear walking boots. In any case, whether you simply want to relax and have a drink at the Rifugio Sapienza ski resort or explore Mount Etna by cable car or 4x4, you’ll always need to wear warm clothing in spring and autumn.

Is luggage transport included?
Yes, luggage transport between accommodation options is included in the package. This means you’ll only be cycling with your day’s belongings.

Can you hire an e-bike in Sicily?
Yes, e-bike hire is available as an option. Hybrid bikes and tandems are also available.

Freedom Package Rates

Price TTC per person

3* hotels / chambre d'hôtes, double room (8 days)

	Dates A*	Dates B*
2 people and +	790 €	890 €

* Travel periods

Dates A: 1 March to 30 June | 1 September to 30 November
Dates B: 1 July to 31 August

Options

Upon registration, if you wish, you can also choose additional services.

Accommodation

Accommodation in a single room (7 nights)

240 € /

Additional nights

Extra night in a double room in Nicolosi

45 € /

Extra night in a single room in Nicolosi

65 € /

Extra night in a double room in Acitrezza

55 € /

Extra night in a single room in Acitrezza

80 € /

Meals

Half-board package (excluding drinks)

270 € /

Bike rental

Fitness bike/hybrid bike hire

130 € /

E-bike hire

220 € /

To ensure that we can prepare your bike, please remember to provide us with your height when booking.

Other

Print version of the roadbook

7 € /

Transfers

Payment directly on site, minimum 2 people.

- Catania Airport – Nicolosi: €40 per person
- Acitrezza – Catania Airport: €40 per person

Please contact us for rates for groups of more than 4 people.

The price includes

accommodation in a double room in 3-star hotels and guesthouses
breakfasts
transport of one piece of luggage per person
access to our smartphone navigation app
a personalised itinerary in PDF format
tracking of your booking via your My La Rébenne account
full organisation and logistics for your stay
24-hour telephone support

The price does not include

Lunches and dinners
Drinks and personal expenses
Bicycle hire and accessories
Admission fees (visits to monuments and museums)
Transport to the starting point and from the finish
Transfers to and from the airport
Bus ticket or private transfer from Nicolosi to Rifugio Sapienza (first stage) or public bus transfer from Nicolosi to Catania (first stage)
Insurance (assistance, repatriation, cancellation)
Anything not mentioned under ‘The price includes’

A cycling tour of Sicily: Mount Etna, Taormina and the Ionian Sea

The Lands of Legends

Presentation of your trip

Possible periods for this trip

Trip details

Highlights

Complementary informations

Program

Arrival in Nicolosi, at the foot of Mount Etna

Discovering Mount Etna by bike

From Nicolosi to Bronte, pistachio country

From Bronte to Randazzo via Maniace

From Randazzo to Giardini Naxos via the Alcantara Valley

Taormina and Castelmola by bike

From Giardini Naxos to Acitrezza along the Ionian coast

End of your trip in Sicily in Acitrezza

Pratical information

Luggage

Formalities

Departure and meeting point

Accommodation

Food

Attendees

Difficulty level

Accompanying

Dates and price

Information

Freedom Package Rates

Options

The price includes

The price does not include

Request for quote or information

The destination

See also

Cycling Holiday in Menorca

Cycling along the Canal de Garonne from Bordeaux to Toulouse

Cycling the Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète