Route Summary:

We begin our journey in Scopello, one of Sicily’s most beautiful coastal villages. An idyllic place, it also provides the perfect start to your gastronomic tour of the country. Try the simple but tasty pane cunzato, a local, traditional tomato, herb and olive oil sandwich, before we set off towards the medieval hilltop town of Erice.

Enjoy stunning views of the sea from the tops of today’s climbs, and get close to the rugged Monte Cofano coastline. Colourful wildflowers line the stunning gravel paths and we pass working marble quarries. You have the opportunity to visit the pre-historic Mangiapane grotto and village, which offers a fascinating insight into a way of life that was still in existence until the 1950’s. Take some cash (€3) if you want to enter and walk around.

Then it’s back to the coast and Cornino Beach, before heading inland and upwards to over 600m above sea level, to the historic town of Erice. The town has an imposing presence and can be seen for miles before you arrive. Explore town before riding to our spa hotel and home for the night.

Ride Distance: 75km   Ride Elevation: 1800m   % Off Road: 50%   Difficulty: 4/5

Route Summary:

A long but relatively flat day today. We climb up out of our accommodation before exploring more of the rugged inland gravel paths, broken road and quiet back lanes. We eventually reach the sea and ride a fun gravel and sandy section right beside the aqua blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. We couldn’t resist a dip near Mazara del Vallo, the water just looks so inviting!

From the sea, we head inland on a mix of broken and quiet roads, past vineyards, all the way to our accommodation, set above Menfi on a peaceful vineyard and olive grove.

Ride Distance: 138km   Ride Elevation: 1,150m   % Off Road: 50%   Difficulty: 3.5/5

Route Summary:

Today is our Queen stage, so get your climbing legs ready! We hit a wild and overgrown cycle path just outside Menfi which eventually turns to gravel before it hits the coast. You can never tire of these views and the gorgeous clear water!

It’s time to hit the punchy and stunning gravel to climb up towards Sambuca di Sicilia, considered the jewel of the Sicani region of Sicily. Look out for the sambuco plant (elderberry), which is common in the valley below the town. After the quaint village of San Carlo, we’re off on the gravel again, with another leg snapper of a climb and some more rolling hills before our final broken road climb and a stunning descent into Corleone.

Ride Distance: 104km   Ride Elevation: 2,150m   % Off Road: 55%   Difficulty: 4.5/5

Route Summary:

Our final day’s riding is not to be underestimated! We hit the gravel early today, not far out of town. Beginning on a section of the Magna Via Francigena, a MTB and gravel track that retraces the old communication route which, until recently, was used by the Romans to move from Palermo to Agrigento passing through the interior of Sicily. This is a really rural and wild part of the country which is as charming as it is beautiful.

We cut across to the forest as we take on the shaded gravel tracks of the Bosco della Fucuzzo. Our route heads onwards to Piana degli Albanese, which has many Albanian influences, as well as the most delicious cannoli. Then we wind around the bright blue waters of Lago Poma before heading back to the coast for our final night by the sea and a celebratory Aperol Spritz at sunset.

Ride Distance: 110km   Ride Elevation: 1,900m   % Off Road: 50%   Difficulty: 4/5