Sicily. From Etna to Favignana between history and nature

Walking in Sicily in winter means discovering an island that is always welcoming and varied, where the climate helps to appreciate the richness of a territory (beaches, old villages, nature reserves, archaeological sites, gastronomic tradition) that offers routes for all types of cycling enthusiasts, from quiet coastal roads overlooking the sea to hilly itineraries among olive groves and almond trees to dirt roads ideal for gravel, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The island's climate is also ideal for cycling in winter, with its many beaches, old villages, nature reserves, archaeological sites and gastronomic traditions

Sicilia, Via dei Tramonti, Marsala. Credit Westofsicily

Decidedly fascinating is the Via dei Tramonti, a cycling network suitable also for beginners that links Palermo to Agrigento along the west coast of the island. In about seven days of travel, it crosses iconic places such as Scopello, the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the Valley of the Temples, with the sea always as a cycling companion and sunset becoming the most eagerly awaited moment of the day. No less evocative is the Via dei Marmi, in the surroundings of Custonaci, where you pedal among quarries and marble flakes to the Grotta Mangiapane, guardian of an ancient village set in the rock. You can also follow the Magna Via Francigena inland or choose to cycle between the salt pans of Trapani and the temples of Selinunte and discover the beauty of nearby Favignana, perfect for a day in the saddle.

Sicily Divide: oltre 450 chilometri di percorsi che collegano Trapani a Catania

For the more energetic, finally, the appointment not to be missed is with the Sicily Divide: over 450 kilometres of trails connecting Trapani to Catania through mountains, small inland villages and the lunar landscape of Etna. A journey that the New York Times has listed as one of the 52 travel destinations not to be missed.

https://sicilydivide.it/