Catania to Palermo by Bike: Four Days Across Inland Sicily
Catania to Palermo by Bike: Four Days Across Inland Sicily
Catania to Palermo by Bike: Four Days Across Inland Sicily: itinerary, stages and GPX tracks
Some journeys turn the distance between two cities into an opportunity to discover a whole region. Cycling from Catania to Palermo, approximately 259 km in four days, you cross inland Sicily among cultivated fields, the landscape of Lake Pozzillo and villages that accompany the climb towards the Madonie. The route then returns to the sea, following the Tyrrhenian coastal area to the heart of Palermo.
Regalbuto and Nicosia mark the first stops, among rural views and historic centres. Sperlinga introduces a landscape of rock-hewn architecture; Gangi and the Petralie precede the arrival in Polizzi Generosa. The final day changes scenery: descend from the hills towards the coast, pass through Termini Imerese and continue among seaside towns and urban roads to Palermo. A pastry-shop break or an evening walk through a village can be as much a part of the journey as the ride itself.
The surface is almost entirely asphalt or paved, but the effort varies from stage to stage: the third has over 1,000 m of indicative ascent and the last approaches 100 km. The route therefore calls for fitness and experience of full days in the saddle, including when riding an e-bike. Planning range, stops and visits helps you enjoy the transition from inland landscapes to the energy of Palermo.
Why choose this route?
- A four-day crossing: approximately 259 km from Catania to Palermo, through inland Sicily and the Madonie.
- Lake Pozzillo landscapes: the second day combines views around the reservoir, farmland and climbs towards Nicosia.
- Villages that tell the story of inland Sicily: Regalbuto, Nicosia, Sperlinga and Gangi offer cultural and gastronomic stops.
- Through the Madonie: the Petralie and Polizzi Generosa mark the mountain section before the return towards the sea.
- A Tyrrhenian finale: Termini Imerese, Trabia and San Nicola l’Arena accompany the approach to Palermo.
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 → Catenanuova → Regalbuto
64.2 km
Day 1 | Catania → Catenanuova → Regalbuto
Southern Catania area; Catania plain; Sferro countryside; Catenanuova; Regalbuto.
The journey starts south of Catania and crosses the plain, where roads open onto fields and farmland. The route passes through the Sferro area, without necessarily entering the village centre, and reaches Catenanuova: a pastry-shop stop can punctuate the day before the climb. The final section leads towards Regalbuto, with a change in scenery that introduces the inland hills. The approximately 64.2 km are almost entirely asphalt. On arrival, a walk through the village offers time to settle into the rhythm of the journey before the next stage.
2
Stage 2
Day 2 | Regalbuto → Lake Pozzillo area → Nicosia
43.3 km
Day 2 | Regalbuto → Lake Pozzillo area → Nicosia
Regalbuto; Lake Pozzillo area; inland agricultural landscapes; Nicosia.
The second day passes through Regalbuto before approaching the Lake Pozzillo area, where water, hills and farmland create a different setting from the previous day’s plain. Continue on asphalt and paved roads, alternating descents and climbs towards Nicosia. Known as the City of 24 Barons, its centre invites a pause among churches, palaces and historic streets; local sweets make a fitting arrival. At approximately 43.3 km, this is the shortest stage, but more than 800 m of indicative ascent calls for a measured effort throughout the day.
3
Stage 3
Day 3 | Nicosia → Sperlinga → Polizzi Generosa
56.5 km
Day 3 | Nicosia → Sperlinga → Polizzi Generosa
Nicosia; Sperlinga and its rock-hewn village; Gangi; Petralia Soprana area; Petralia Sottana; Polizzi Generosa.
From Nicosia, head towards Sperlinga, where the castle and homes carved into the rock offer a visit to plan around the day’s ride. The road continues through hills and countryside to Gangi, then approaches the Petralie: passing near Petralia Soprana and through Petralia Sottana introduces the Madonie landscape. On arrival in Polizzi Generosa, leave the bike for a walk through the village streets. Approximately 56.5 km and just over 1,000 m of indicative ascent make this the stage with the most climbing.
4
Stage 4
Day 4 | Polizzi Generosa → Tyrrhenian coast → Palermo
95.4 km
Day 4 | Polizzi Generosa → Tyrrhenian coast → Palermo
Polizzi Generosa; descent through the Scillato area; Campofelice di Roccella area; Termini Imerese; Trabia; San Nicola l’Arena; Ficarazzi; Palermo and its cathedral.
The final day leaves Polizzi Generosa and loses elevation towards the coast, as the landscape gradually changes from hills to sea. After reaching the Campofelice di Roccella area, continue towards Termini Imerese, Trabia and San Nicola l’Arena. Roads through the coastal area alternate sea views, settlements and rolling terrain before the approach to urban Palermo. The route ends by the cathedral, leaving time for a walk through the historic centre. At approximately 95.4 km this is the longest stage: despite the overall descent, it still includes climbs and about 680 m of indicative ascent.
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Catania to Palermo by Bike: Four Days Across Inland Sicily
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Bike-friendly hotels & accommodation
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