Eastern Sicily by Bike: Greek Myths and Lava Flows
Eastern Sicily by Bike: Greek Myths and Lava Flows
Eastern Sicily by Bike: Greek Myths and Lava Flows: itinerary, stages and GPX tracks
From Catania’s lava stone to the sea at Taormina, from Etna’s landscapes to the squares of Noto and Ortigia, this cycling journey through eastern Sicily changes scenery every day. An approximately 563 km loop in seven stages links the Ionian coast, the volcano’s slopes, inland countryside and Baroque towns, starting and finishing in Catania.
Ride among seaside villages and hilly roads, visiting Randazzo and Bronte before descending towards Ramacca. Caltagirone’s ceramics introduce the way to the Hyblaean Hills; Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli accompany the return to the sea at Pozzallo. Marzamemi, Noto and Syracuse follow before the return through the Syracuse hinterland. The myths of the Cyclops Riviera, local architecture and flavours give the route an identity beyond any single destination.
This is a demanding journey, with days approaching 100 km and substantial climbs. Mostly asphalt surfaces alternate with urban paving and dirt sections.
Why choose this route?
- Seven days and approximately 563 km: a large loop starting and finishing in Catania, through very different landscapes.
- Sea and Etna in one journey: the Cyclops Riviera, Taormina and volcanic scenery precede farmland and the Hyblaean Hills.
- Villages and art cities: Randazzo, Caltagirone, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Noto and Syracuse mark the route.
- Culture at the table: Bronte pistachios, Modica chocolate and seafaring traditions offer reasons to stop.
- A week for those who love cycling: long stages, climbs and changing landscapes suit well-prepared cycle tourists.
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 | Catania → Taormina → Piedimonte Etneo
74.5 km
Day 1 | Catania → Taormina → Piedimonte Etneo
Catania and Piazza Duomo; Aci Castello; Aci Trezza and the Cyclops sea stacks; Acireale; Riposto; Giardini Naxos; Taormina.
Leaving Catania, head straight towards the sea. Aci Castello and Aci Trezza introduce the Cyclops Riviera, where volcanic rock meets the Ionian Sea and recalls the stories of Polyphemus. Continue along the coast through Acireale and Riposto to the Giardini Naxos area. The climb to Taormina changes the pace and offers sea views; then return south towards the Piedimonte Etneo area.
2
Stage 2
Day 2 | Piedimonte Etneo → Randazzo → Bronte
45.6 km
Day 2 | Piedimonte Etneo → Randazzo → Bronte
Linguaglossa; northern Etna landscapes; Randazzo; Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta; Bronte area.
Leave the Piedimonte Etneo area and climb towards Linguaglossa and the volcano’s northern landscapes. Dark lava, vegetation and mountain views accompany a day that calls for strong legs, although it is the shortest of the trip. Randazzo invites a stop among stone streets and lava-built architecture, with the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta at the heart of its historic centre. Continue towards the Bronte area, known for pistachio growing.
3
Stage 3
Day 3 | Bronte → Centuripe → Ramacca
82.2 km
Day 3 | Bronte → Centuripe → Ramacca
Bronte area; Ponte dei Saraceni; Simeto Valley; Centuripe; Ramacca countryside.
Descend from the lava landscapes around Bronte towards the Simeto and encounter Ponte dei Saraceni, a historic bridge that adds a glimpse of local history to the rural setting. The road leads up to Centuripe: the elevated village opens onto valley views and reveals how much the landscape has changed. After the climb, return to more open scenery, fields and inland roads on the way to Ramacca.
4
Stage 4
Day 4 | Ramacca → Caltagirone → Grammichele → Vizzini
70.5 km
Day 4 | Ramacca → Caltagirone → Grammichele → Vizzini
Ramacca countryside; Paliké area; Caltagirone and the Santa Maria del Monte staircase; Grammichele; Vizzini.
Ramacca’s countryside gradually gives way to hills and Caltagirone’s craft heritage. Ceramics appear throughout the town and on the Santa Maria del Monte staircase, worth admiring on foot. Continue to Grammichele, whose hexagonal layout offers a different urban perspective, before reaching Vizzini and the landscape associated with Giovanni Verga’s stories. Any visit to La Cunziria should be arranged separately.
5
Stage 5
Day 5 | Vizzini → Ragusa Ibla → Modica → Scicli → Pozzallo
93.4 km
Day 5 | Vizzini → Ragusa Ibla → Modica → Scicli → Pozzallo
Monterosso Almo area; Giarratana; Lake Santa Rosalia; Ragusa Ibla; Modica; Scicli; Pozzallo.
Cross the Hyblaean landscape, passing near Monterosso Almo and through Giarratana before approaching Lake Santa Rosalia. Winding roads and hills lead to Ragusa Ibla, where a stop reveals the relationship between its architecture and the valley. Modica and its chocolate shops follow, then Scicli nestled among the hills. The final stretch returns to the sea at Pozzallo.
6
Stage 6
Day 6 | Pozzallo → Marzamemi → Noto → Syracuse
95.6 km
Day 6 | Pozzallo → Marzamemi → Noto → Syracuse
Marzamemi; Vendicari and former tuna fishery area; Noto and Porta Reale; Avola; Gelsomineto area; Fontane Bianche; entrance to Ortigia.
From Pozzallo head east towards Marzamemi, whose square and fishing-village atmosphere invite a stop before following the coast north. Beyond the Vendicari area reach Noto and its eighteenth-century architecture, then continue through Avola towards the Syracuse coast. Gelsomineto and Fontane Bianche precede arrival at the bridge into Ortigia.
7
Stage 7
Day 7 | Syracuse and Ortigia → Syracuse hinterland → Catania
101.0 km
Day 7 | Syracuse and Ortigia → Syracuse hinterland → Catania
Ortigia and sea views; Castello Maniace area; Syracuse hinterland towards Sortino; Simeto river-mouth area; Playa; Catania.
The last day begins with a ride around Ortigia, among sea views and historic architecture. Leave Syracuse for the Sortino area, alternating rural landscapes, hills and road connections before returning towards the Catania plain. The final section reaches the coast at Playa and enters Catania, where Piazza Duomo concludes the journey.
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Eastern Sicily by Bike: Greek Myths and Lava Flows
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