OVERVIEW :

A circular cycling route through Eastern Sicily, from Catania to Siracusa and back, blending Greek history, Baroque towns, and volcanic landscapes. Discover myths, lava fields, and coastal beauty on two wheels.

This circular cycling adventure begins and ends in the vibrant city of Catania, nestled at the foot of Mount Etna and overlooking the Ionian Sea. From here, the route unfolds through a landscape shaped by fire and mythology — a land where ancient Greek ruins, lava flows, and rural traditions coexist in perfect harmony.

The journey starts along the Ionian coastline, skimming past the legendary Riviera dei Ciclopi and the archaeological treasures of Giardini Naxos, Sicily’s first Greek colony. As the terrain rises, the silhouette of Mount Etna dominates the horizon, guiding riders through towns like Linguaglossa and Randazzo, where black lava stone buildings and medieval churches speak of centuries lived in the shadow of the volcano.

The route continues to Bronte, world-renowned for its pistachios, cultivated in rich volcanic soil. Here, cyclists are immersed in a dramatic, rugged landscape that reflects the raw energy of Etna. Heading south, the scenery opens into the golden fields around Ramacca, offering expansive views and a quieter, pastoral rhythm.

Further into the Iblean plateau, the trail reaches Vizzini, a hilltop town with literary ties to Giovanni Verga and striking baroque architecture. The descent toward the coast leads to Pozzallo, where the scent of the sea and the relaxed atmosphere provide a welcome pause before the final stretch.

The route then curves northeast along the coastline to Siracusa, one of the Mediterranean’s most historically rich cities. Cyclists can explore Ortigia Island, with its ancient temples, Greek theater, and narrow lanes that pulse with life and history. From here, the final leg leads back to Catania, completing a loop through the varied soul of eastern Sicily — where mythology, nature, and culture come together on two wheels.