Western Sicily

This tour explores Western Sicily, a region where authenticity still defines the landscape and daily life. Beyond the better-known destinations, quiet roads lead through a territory shaped by centuries of history, from ancient Greek settlements to coastal towns and rural inland villages.
Riding at a moderate pace, we cross a varied landscape of vineyards, saltpans, fishing villages, and open countryside, discovering a side of Sicily that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Guided by local knowledge, the journey combines natural beauty, cultural depth, carefully selected accommodations, and traditional cuisine, creating an immersive cycling experience through one of the island’s most fascinating regions.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

Arrival in Sicily, transfer to Castellammare del Golfo (when included), bike fitting and welcome meeting.

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Day 2 – From Castellammare del Golfo to the Nubia Salt Pans (Trapani) | 56 km | 1,216 m elevation gain

The first stage features a medium difficulty level, with rolling terrain leaving Castellammare del Golfo and constant ups and downs for the first part of the ride. A long and scenic hairpin climb then leads to Erice, a beautifully preserved medieval village perched above the coast and considered one of the most charming towns in Italy.
A stop in Erice is the perfect moment for a cappuccino and a taste of the local Genovesi pastries before a sweeping descent brings us down to Trapani. The final kilometers ride through the salt pans of the Trapani and Paceco Nature Reserve, where centuries-old salt production has shaped both the landscape and local culture. Overnight in the Saline di Nubia area, surrounded by one of Sicily’s most iconic coastal settings.

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Day 3 – From Trapani to Selinunte | 92 km | 315 m elevation gain

This stage unfolds entirely along the coastline of Western Sicily, offering long stretches by the sea and a constantly changing horizon. Leaving Trapani, the route reaches Marsala, a historic coastal town known worldwide for its fortified wine and for being the landing point of Garibaldi’s Expedition of the Thousand, a key moment in Italian history.
Continuing south, we arrive in Mazara del Vallo, a lively port town shaped by centuries of cultural exchanges, where Sicilian and Arab influences blend in its historic center, fishing traditions, and local cuisine. The final kilometers follow the coast toward Selinunte, where the ride ends among the impressive ruins of ancient Greek temples overlooking the Mediterranean, setting the scene for one of the most evocative stops of the tour.

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Day 4 – From Selinunte to Sambuca di Sicilia | 72 km | 1,185 m elevation gain

Leaving Selinunte, the route enters one of the wildest and most evocative areas of Western Sicily, crossing the rolling countryside of the Belice Valley. Scenic roads wind through vineyards and open farmland in a region deeply marked by the devastating earthquake of 1968, whose traces are still visible in the landscape and in the memory of local communities.
Passing through small villages and quiet roads, the ride reaches the Cretto di Burri in Gibellina, a striking land artwork created as a memorial over the ruins of the old town, forming a vast white concrete labyrinth that follows the original street layout. The stage then continues through important wine-producing towns such as Poggioreale, Salaparuta, and Santa Margherita del Belice, before ending in Sambuca di Sicilia, where we spend the night surrounded by vineyards and history.

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Day 5 – From Sambuca to Corleone | 77 km | 1,418 m elevation gain

Today’s stage is one of the most demanding of the tour, crossing one of the wildest and least populated areas of Sicily. Leaving Sambuca di Sicilia, the route follows a continuous sequence of climbs and descents through the Sicani Mountains, reaching Chiusa Sclafani, a small agricultural village known for its cherries, olives, and other Mediterranean products.
The ride continues toward Palazzo Adriano, a village founded by Albanian settlers in the 15th century and famous as the filming location of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso. A stop here is the perfect chance for a cappuccino and a taste of local pastries before heading back into nature.
From Palazzo Adriano, the landscape becomes increasingly remote, with roads winding through pastures, cultivated fields, and forests until reaching Corleone, a town known worldwide for its complex history and strong local identity, offering an intense and thought-provoking end to the day.

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Day 6 – From Corleone to Piana degli Albanesi (Masseria Rossella) | 58 km | 1,120 m elevation gain

This shorter stage crosses the green heart of Western Sicily, riding through the Ficuzza Nature Reserve, the largest forested area on the island. The route runs beneath the impressive limestone massif of Rocca Busambra, a dominant peak that rises above the surrounding hills and has long been a natural landmark of this region.
Passing through quiet countryside and the small town of Marineo, the ride continues toward Piana degli Albanesi, an area known for its strong cultural identity and pastoral landscapes. The day ends at Masseria Rossella, a historic rural estate surrounded by nature, where traditional Sicilian hospitality, local cuisine, and a peaceful setting provide the perfect place to rest and recharge.

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Day 7 – From Piana degli Albanesi to Palermo | 54 km | 780 m elevation gain

The final ride is a shorter stage leading us toward Palermo. The route reaches Piana degli Albanesi, one of the most important Arbëreshe communities in Sicily, where Albanian language, traditions, and religious rites are still preserved. A stop here wouldn’t be complete without tasting the famous local cannoli, a true symbol of the town.
Continuing toward the Palermo area, the landscape gradually opens up, revealing the sea and the coastline. Before reaching the city, we pass through Monreale, home to its magnificent cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval Sicily and a remarkable blend of Byzantine, Islamic, and Romanesque influences. The ride ends in Palermo, where our hotel is located in the heart of the city.

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Day 8 – Free day in Palermo

The tour concludes with an extra free day in Palermo, offering time to discover the many layers of Sicily’s vibrant capital. From historic markets and monumental churches to elegant squares and seaside promenades, Palermo reveals a city shaped by centuries of cultural exchanges.
This final day is dedicated to slow exploration, local flavors, and the lively atmosphere of a city where history, daily life, and the Mediterranean spirit come together, providing a memorable and fitting end to the journey.

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Day 9 – Departure

Transfer to the airport (when included in the package) and end of services

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What’s included in each package

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