Catania to Palermo by bike

The itinerary begins by crossing the lowland of Catania, the largest plain in Sicily, considered one of the most fertile of the Mediterranean. We will cross the hamlet of Sferro, a small town inhabited by about fifty people, and Catenanuova, where we suggest a stop in a typical pastry shop where you can enjoy the delights of our region. The last part uphill will take us to Regalbuto, a village of ancient origins that enjoys a spectacular view of Etna and the surrounding mountains.

The second stage is short in kilometers but has significant differences in altitude, with some rather challenging climbs. Leaving the accommodation facility, we cross the village of Regalbuto, descend towards Lake Pozzillo, and from here take a path that caresses the shores of the lake. After begins an ups and downs that through fields and farms leads us to Nicosia, the “City of 24 barons” full of churches and historical palaces, but also famous for pastry and ice cream.

Leave Nicosia and head west, after a few kilometers we will reach Sperlinga, a rocky village lying at the base of an imposing rocky spur. Its charm comes from the characteristic houses carved into the rock, the ruins of the castle, and the typical dialect spoken by the inhabitants. From here we leave the province of Enna to enter the province of Palermo. Continuing we arrive in Gangi, an authentic medieval village, awarded as the most beautiful burg in Italy in 2014. The visit is optional, only for the more daring who decide to climb Monte Barone, on which the village is perched. Continuing towards the panoramic and little busy “ss 120” we head towards the Madonie, the Apennines of Sicily, until we reach Polizzi Generosa, a medieval village rich in tradition, which will impress us for the hospitality of its inhabitants. 

The last stage of this cycle trip will be very long but mainly characterized by descents and plains. After leaving Polizzi Generosa we start downhill towards the sea, once we reach the Tyrrhenian coast which through a long up-and-down leads us to the magnificent Palermo.