Duration
WEEK
AVERAGE KM
0
KM
height
800-1250 M
RIDING TIME
0
H
Duration
WEEK
Average km
45 KM
height
300-550 M
riding time
5 H
About the adventure
South Italy on MTB:
Discover the thrill of mountain biking in Sicily, where rugged volcanic trails around Mount Etna and the Madonie Mountains offer adrenaline-pumping descents and breathtaking coastal views.
Epic Trails
Ride through lava fields, ancient forests, and challenging single tracks on Etna, with options for e-MTBs suiting all levels, from intermediate climbs to expert downhill hairpins on Mount Inici.
Stunning Scenery
Pedal past sparkling Mediterranean shores, Nebrodi lakes, and wild nature reserves, blending heart-racing off-road adventures with Sicily’s rich history and volcanic landscapes.
Guided Experiences
Join certified guides for private tours exploring hidden caves, sulphur springs, and panoramic ridges, ensuring safe, eco-friendly rides with unforgettable sunset vistas.
Sicily
Sicily, Italy’s largest island in the Mediterranean, captivates with its sun-drenched landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture. Home to the towering Mount Etna, the continent’s tallest active volcano, it blends dramatic volcanic terrain with pristine beaches and Baroque architecture.
Iconic Sites: Explore Palermo’s bustling markets and Arab-Norman domes, Syracuse’s historic Ortigia island, and Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO gem.
Natural Beauty: From the Ionian Riviera’s fishing villages to the rugged northwest coast and Aeolian Islands, diverse scenery offers beaches, mountains, and vineyards.
Cuisine and Culture: Savor world-renowned food like arancini and cannoli, influenced by Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman legacies, amid year-round festivals.
This triangular island, separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina, draws millions for its Mediterranean climate and timeless allure.
ITINERARY
- Flights
- B&B accommodations at hotels 3 or 4 stars
- Airport shuttle service to and from airports
- Admission to riding parks
- Local guide or multiple guides for groups exceeding 8 riders
- 4 days of cycling adventure
- Rental of Full suspension – Giant E Bikes
- Lunches
- Alcoholic beverages
- Single room supplements
- Instructor tips
- Insurance costs
Mountain Bike Adventure on Mount Etna
Day Itinerary: Airport to Volcano
Morning: Arrival & Transfer
Your Sicilian adventure begins the moment you land at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (or from Catania city centre if you’re already based there). The airport sits just 7km from the coast, and from here, Mount Etna dominates the horizon—a brooding giant that you’ll be riding by afternoon.
The 90-minute transfer winds through Catania’s outskirts before climbing into a completely different world. You’ll pass through the Etna wine region, where black volcanic soil nurtures some of Italy’s most distinctive grapes, then through villages built entirely from dark lava stone. The landscape transforms as you ascend: lush citrus groves give way to ancient hardwood forests, then to the otherworldly volcanic terrain that makes Etna unlike anywhere else on earth.
By late morning, you’ll arrive at your base around 1,800-2,000 meters elevation. The air is noticeably thinner, crisper, carrying the faint mineral scent of volcanic rock. This is where you’ll gear up, meet your guide, and get fitted to your mountain bike.
Afternoon: Riding Europe’s Most Active Volcano
The afternoon ride begins around 2 PM, giving you 3-4 hours of incredible riding before sunset. Your guide leads you onto trails that cut through lunar landscapes—fields of hardened lava flows from eruptions past, some recent enough that you can still see the ropey texture where molten rock cooled mid-flow.
The terrain is technical but rewarding. Pumice and volcanic gravel crunch beneath your tires as you navigate between ancient craters and volcanic cones. The views are staggering: on clear days, you can see across to the Calabrian mainland, down to the Ionian Sea, and across the entire eastern coast of Sicily. The Mediterranean sprawls blue and infinite below while you ride across black moonscapes.
You might traverse the Valle del Bove, a massive horseshoe-shaped valley carved by ancient collapses and lava flows, or explore the Monti Sartorius—a chain of craters from the 1865 eruption. Each trail tells a story written in stone and ash. Pine trees struggle to reclaim the slopes, their roots gripping impossibly into cracks in the lava.
The riding is varied: flowing single-track through birch forests, technical rocky descents over aa lava (the sharp, jagged kind), and smooth cruising across pahoehoe flows (the smooth, ropey variety). Your guide adjusts the route based on your skill level and recent volcanic activity—yes, Etna is very much alive, occasionally rumbling and sending up plumes of ash from the summit craters.
As the afternoon light turns golden, the volcano reveals its magic. Shadows deepen in the craters, and the whole mountain seems to glow. You’ll finish the ride tired, dust-covered, and probably grinning, before transferring back down the mountain as the sun sets over Sicily.
Dinner : and overnight stay at Linguaglossa.
40 km with 800 metres of total ascent.
Organization
Reception and preparation of the bike after a luxurious breakfast at the hotel
Route
Mountain Bike Trip: Etna to Giardini Naxos
This is an exhilarating single-day descent from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna down to the beautiful coastal town of Giardini Naxos. The route combines technical mountain trails, rural paths, and some road sections through Sicily’s stunning landscape.
Morning: Etna Departure (1,800m)
Start after a quick shullet from the hotel to Rifugio Sapienza on Etna’s south side. The first section traverses volcanic moonscapes with black lava fields and ancient craters. The terrain is technical with loose volcanic rock, requiring good bike handling skills.
Key landmarks: Pass by Piano Provenzana or work your way through the forested areas around Linguaglossa, depending on your chosen route.
Mid-Morning: Through the Forests (1,200-800m)
As you descend, the barren volcanic landscape transforms into lush pine and chestnut forests. The trails here become more flowing, with some challenging switchbacks. Watch for hikers on popular trails.
Highlights: Views of the Ionian coast appearing through the trees, cooler temperatures under the canopy.
Midday: Agricultural Zones (800-400m)
The route passes through terraced vineyards and citrus groves. You’ll likely mix fire roads with some paved sections through small villages like Sant’Alfio or Piedimonte Etneo. This is a good area for a lunch break at a local trattoria.
Local tip: Try granita siciliana with brioche—perfect refreshment.
Afternoon: Final Descent (400m-0m)
The last section involves navigating through the foothills toward Taormina, then descending to Giardini Naxos. You may need to use the SP2 road for portions, though local trails exist if you have detailed maps or a guide.
Arrival: Giardini Naxos
Finish at the seaside promenade. The contrast from volcanic summit to Mediterranean beach is unforgettable. Take a swim in the clear waters—you’ve earned it!
Dinner and overnight at Giardini Naxos
55 Km with 800 metres of total ascent
Organization
Reception and preparation of the bike after a luxurious breakfast at the hote
Route
Starting Point: Alcantara Gorges (Gole dell’Alcantara)
Begin your adventure at the famous Alcantara Gorges, where you can explore the stunning basalt canyon formations before setting off. The cool morning air in the valley is perfect for starting your ride.
Stage 1: Valley Ascent (10 km)
From the gorges, follow the SP7 road northeast, then transition to dirt trails climbing through citrus groves and Mediterranean scrubland. The route gains approximately 400m elevation as you leave the valley floor. The morning light filtering through lemon and orange trees creates magical riding conditions.
Highlights:
- Views back down into the Alcantara Valley
- Traditional Sicilian farmhouses
- Fragrant citrus groves
Stage 2: Mountain Traverse (15 km)
Navigate through the foothills of Mount Etna’s eastern slopes on a mix of farm tracks, single track, and quiet country roads. This section takes you through small villages like Gaggi and Trappitello, where you can refuel with water and traditional Sicilian snacks.
Technical Notes:
- Mix of terrain: hardpack dirt, loose gravel, some rocky sections
- Several short, punchy climbs
- Watch for livestock on rural paths
Stage 3: Coastal Approach (10 km)
The final descent towards Taormina is thrilling, with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea emerging as you approach the coast. Wind through ancient olive groves and past Byzantine-era ruins before the final climb into Taormina’s historic center.
Dinner and overnight at Naxos
50 km and 1300 meters of total ascent
Organization
Reception and preparation of the bike after a luxurious breakfast at the hotel
Route
This spectacular route takes you through one of Sicily’s most dramatic landscapes, tracing the ancient Anapo River valley through limestone gorges, archaeological sites, and wild Mediterranean terrain before climbing to the baroque jewel of Palazzolo Acreide.
Starting Point: Sortino
Begin your morning in Sortino, a charming hilltown famous for its honey production. The early start is crucial – you’ll want cooler temperatures for the climbing sections and better light for photography in the valley. Fill your water bottles and pack energy food; services are limited once you enter the valley.
Into the Anapo Valley (km 0-15)
From Sortino, descend northward toward the Valle dell’Anapo nature reserve. The initial descent is exhilarating as you drop into the gorge system. The trail follows the old railway line (the Ferrovia della Val d’Anapo), abandoned since 1956, which now serves as a stunning bike path.
The valley walls rise dramatically on either side, carved from white limestone and draped with wild vegetation. You’ll ride through several tunnels hewn from the rock – bring a headlamp or strong bike light. The river below is often just a trickle in summer but swells after winter rains. Watch for the remains of old watermills and stone bridges.
Archaeological Interlude: Necropolis of Pantalica (km 15-22)
The valley is home to the Pantalica necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 5,000 cave tombs carved into the cliff faces between the 13th and 7th centuries BCE. Take time to explore on foot – lock your bike and scramble up to some of the more accessible chambers. The views across the gorge are phenomenal.
The terrain here becomes more technical with rocky sections and occasional stream crossings. It’s rideable but requires attention and decent bike handling skills.
The Climb Begins (km 22-35)
As you exit the protected valley area, the character changes. You’ll begin the gradual climb toward Palazzolo Acreide, leaving the river valley behind. The trail becomes wider, transitioning to gravel and dirt farm roads that wind through olive groves and almond orchards.
This middle section can feel remote and exposed under the Sicilian sun. The landscape opens up with sweeping views across the Iblean plateau. Small stone farmhouses dot the hillsides, many abandoned but photogenic. The climbing is steady rather than steep – pace yourself and enjoy the expansive views.
Final Push to Palazzolo (km 35-48)
The last 13 kilometers include the most sustained climbing as you approach Palazzolo Acreide, perched at 670 meters. The route joins paved secondary roads through agricultural land before entering the town’s outskirts.
The effort is rewarded spectacularly when you arrive in Palazzolo’s historic center. This baroque town, also UNESCO-listed, cascades down a rocky spur. Cool down with a well-earned granita in the main piazza and explore the Greek theatre ruins at Akrai, just outside town.
Dinner and overnight at : Palazzolo Acreide
at the hotel
48 km and 850 metres of total ascent
Organization
Reception and preparation of the bike after a luxurious breakfast at the hotel
Route
Starting Point: Palazzolo Acreide (670m elevation)
Begin your morning in this UNESCO World Heritage town. Fill your water bottles and grab some arancini for the road. The baroque architecture and ancient Greek theater make for a photogenic start.
First Section: The Descent (0-15 km)
Leave Palazzolo heading southeast on the SP14. The initial descent is exhilarating as you drop through the Iblei Mountains. You’ll pass through agricultural landscapes dotted with carob trees and ancient dry-stone walls. Watch for the occasional farm road that offers quieter alternatives to the main route.
Mid-Section: The Valle dell’Anapo Region (15-30 km)
This is the heart of your ride. You can detour slightly to explore the Cavagrande del Cassibile nature reserve if you’re feeling adventurous. The terrain here alternates between rolling hills and flat sections through almond and olive groves. The scent of wild herbs fills the air, especially after rain.
Key Stop: Around km 25, you’ll find the small hamlet of Noto Antica – the ruins of the old city destroyed by the 1693 earthquake. Take a break here to explore and refuel.
Final Approach: Into Noto (30-45 km)
The last stretch takes you through the famous Noto Valley, where you’ll see endless rows of almond trees. As you approach Noto, the imposing baroque cathedral comes into view on the hillside. The final 5 km feature a gentle climb into the historic center.
Dinner and overnight at : Noto
55 km and 750 metres of total ascent
Check-out and last breakfast at the hotel.
Trying to making it a relaxed day with plenty of scenic stops along the way comfortably before heading to your flight.
