Catania to Palermo via Agrigento by Bike: Temples and Villages

Leave Catania as the urban landscape opens onto the Simeto Valley and inland farmland. Fields, rural roads and hills change colour with the seasons. Ramacca offers a first stop before the climb towards Raddusa, among open views and glimpses of Sicily’s grain country. The route also passes through the Torre Albospino area; the building’s accessibility is not assumed.

Enter central Sicily on hilly roads towards Piazza Armerina. The historic centre invites a break before approaching Villa Romana del Casale: its mosaics depict hunting scenes, myths and daily life, making it a cultural highlight. Entry requires a separate stop and checking the connection from the track. Continue through the Barrafranca area without assuming the route enters the town centre, then reach Pietraperzia. The village and Barresi Castle ruins accompany arrival after approximately 53 km of rolling terrain.

From Pietraperzia reach Caltanissetta, where farmland gives way to town streets and a possible stop. Continue south-west through hills and countryside towards Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. The Doric architecture of ancient Akragas provides the day’s main cultural attraction; continue to Porto Empedocle, where the stage ends.

Leave Porto Empedocle through the southern coastal area. Early on, the pale Scala dei Turchi cliffs invite a scenic stop; visits and access require separate planning. Sea, farmland and hills alternate on the way to Sciacca, a port and ceramics town whose historic centre invites a walk. Continue to the Menfi coastal area, the stage finish.

Start from the Menfi coast and head first towards the Selinunte area, adding another chapter of ancient history. The Greek temple remains deserve a separate visit. Leave the sea behind and climb through vineyards, olive groves and Belice countryside. Sambuca di Sicilia welcomes you with lanes, courtyards and inland views. Approximately 55.4 km make this a day of coast, archaeology and hills rather than a direct connection between Menfi and Sambuca.

Leave Sambuca through farmland and hills towards the Poggioreale Vecchia area. Continue towards Corleone through rural landscapes and climbs on one of the tour’s more demanding days. Churches and town streets offer time to discover Corleone; a visit to CIDMA can explore its work on memory and the anti-mafia movement. Approximately 58.6 km and over 1,000 m of indicative ascent call for a steady pace.

Leave Corleone and cross the hills of the Palermo hinterland. The pace changes on approaching Monreale, where a stop allows time for its cathedral and mosaics, part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman heritage. Continue to Palermo: arrival completes approximately 54.5 km, but may also begin a walk among the cathedral, squares and markets, giving the city time to tell its story.