Sicily coasts and temples

Arrive to the town where Marsala wine comes from and spend the afternoon mingling with the locals as they promenade on marble cobbled streets from one piazza to the next, chatting and admiring the numerous imposing baroque churches.

Head North along the coast to the spectacular Inversa salt flats, a patchwork of shallow coastal lakes lined with ancient windmills and home to many migratory birds and a small salt museum. 

Challenge: 22.7 km / 14 mi, 30m ascent, 30m descent

Leaving the bustling seaside towns behind head inland, gradually ascending via a succession of pastures and rolling wheat covered fields that gently sway in the wind. This sparsely populated, vast expanse of beautiful nature dotted with old crumbling farm houses is a joy to the eye and a pallet of contrasting colours that change with every season. Spring is ripe with the lush green wheat that turns bronze yellow in summer then ochre and brown as the fields are plowed. 

Our destination for the next 2 nights is a small family run farm serving wonderful home grown and locally sourced Sicilian specialties prepared by the “mamma”.

Challenge: 41 - 52 km / 25 - 32 mi, 480/620m ascent, 300/300m descent

Contouring the gentling rolling hills ride to the archeological site of the ancient Elimian town of Segesta where, perched atop of a hill overlooking a deep canyon, an unusually well preserved though unfinished 5th century BC Doric temple stands in full glory. A pleasant walk up the hill along a series of buildings dating back to various ages takes you to the ancient Greek theater carved into a natural rock hollow. Extend the day’s ride to the local hot springs for a dip or return to the farm to relax by the outdoor pool.

Challenge: 16 - 34 km / 10 - 21 mi, 120/330m ascent, 120/300m descent

Heading back towards the coast wind our way through some more hills and then speed down to the lively city of Trapani where you spend 2 nights. Along the way see looming high above the ancient town of Erice said to have been founded by exiled Trojans. This was also an important religious site and a famous temple dedicated to Aphrodite come Venus in Roman times allegedly stood here. Spend the afternoon mingling with the locals enjoying stroll and people watching through the pedestrian historic center or head up to Erice via the cable car.

Challenge: 34.5 km / 21,5 mi, 260m ascent, 450m descent

This morning a short boat ride takes you to the Island of Favignana, the largest of the 3 Aegedian Islands, set 7km / 4,5 mi off the western coast of Sicily and well known for its tuna fishing tradition. It’s a delight to cycling on the flat coastal roads bordered by the inviting turquoise colored sea. Stop for a dip in one of the many secluded coves and bays and enjoy the slow pace of life people watching on the village square.

Challenge: 24 km / 15 mi, 40m ascent, 40m descent

The trip and our services end after breakfast unless you have booked extra nights.