Magna Via Francigena by Bike: Palermo to Agrigento
Magna Via Francigena by Bike: Palermo to Agrigento
Magna Via Francigena by Bike: Palermo to Agrigento: itinerary, stages and GPX tracks
Leave Palermo behind and, after the first climbs, find yourself among fields and inland villages: cycling the Magna Via Francigena is a journey through rural Sicily. This approximately 212 km itinerary links Palermo to Agrigento in three stages, via Monreale, Corleone and Sutera, on a mix of asphalt, paved sections and natural surfaces.
The route follows an ancient north–south connection across the island, documented in medieval times. The mosaics of Monreale give way to the Sicani hills, hilltop villages and the countryside around Agrigento. Prizzi, Castronovo di Sicilia and the Cammarata area accompany the middle section; beyond Sutera, the journey continues through Milena, Racalmuto, Grotte, Comitini and Aragona before reaching Agrigento.
This itinerary is for riders who enjoy observing the landscape and allowing time for encounters in the villages. Cultural stops should be balanced with the demands of each stage. The route ends in Agrigento; a visit to the Valley of the Temples or a continuation towards the sea can be arranged separately.
An e-MTB can be a valuable companion on the climbs, helping you enjoy the journey.
Why choose this route?
- Follow a historic route across Sicily on a three-stage cycling journey.
- Travel from Arab-Norman Palermo and Monreale into the agricultural landscapes of the interior.
- Discover villages such as Corleone, Prizzi, Castronovo and Sutera, beyond the coastal destinations.
- Reach the Agrigento area through villages and countryside, with opportunities to explore local culture.
Perfect for anyone looking for an authentic outdoor adventure built on nature, cycling and local discovery.
Detailed Itinerary
Plan your adventure day by day with clear information on what to expect — distance, terrain and highlights for every stage.
1
Stage 1
Day 1 | Palermo → Monreale → Corleone
66.6 km
Day 1 | Palermo → Monreale → Corleone
Palermo; Monreale Cathedral; Santa Cristina Gela; Corleone.
Leaving Palermo, the journey immediately introduces a contrast that continues throughout the trip: from the city, the route climbs towards Monreale before entering an increasingly rural landscape. Monreale Cathedral, part of the Arab-Norman UNESCO site, deserves a planned stop before the rest of the day’s ride. Continue through Santa Cristina Gela towards Corleone, alternating asphalt and less even surfaces. Countryside and hills replace the urban setting, while the effort remains steady through to the finish.
2
Stage 2
Day 2 | Corleone → Prizzi → Castronovo → Sutera area
72.4 km
Day 2 | Corleone → Prizzi → Castronovo → Sutera area
Prizzi; Castronovo di Sicilia; Cammarata and San Giovanni Gemini; Acquaviva Platani area.
Resume from the rural point where the first GPX ends and reach Prizzi, with climbs and views across the countryside. Continue towards Castronovo di Sicilia and the Cammarata and San Giovanni Gemini area: a succession of inland villages and roads gives the day a different character from the Palermo departure. Beyond Acquaviva Platani the journey approaches the Sutera area. The distance and repeated changes in elevation call for a steady pace, even on asphalt.
3
Stage 3
Day 3 | Sutera → Racalmuto → Aragona → Agrigento
73.4 km
Day 3 | Sutera → Racalmuto → Aragona → Agrigento
Sutera; Milena; Racalmuto; Grotte; Comitini; Aragona; Agrigento.
From the starting point north of the village, reach Sutera, nestled below Monte San Paolino. Return to the countryside and pass through Milena and Racalmuto, birthplace of Leonardo Sciascia. Grotte, Comitini and Aragona mark the journey towards Agrigento, on a day alternating villages and rural stretches. The finish is not simply a final descent: hills and changing surfaces demand energy until the last kilometres, when Agrigento’s urban landscape brings the crossing to a close.
Explore the Map & Elevation Profile
Magna Via Francigena by Bike: Palermo to Agrigento
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Bike-friendly hotels & accommodation
Bike-friendly hotels along your route with safe storage and easy access to the tracks. Rest, recharge and set off again!
