dossier
Secrets of Sicily Cycling
Day 1: Arrive in Scopello
We meet you at Palermo airport and take you to Cinzia’s seaside hotel (40 mins) spectacularly situated above the Golfo del Castellamare.
Day 2: At Scopello
Maybe spend the day discovering the pristine Zingaro nature reserve on foot, with miles of coastal tracks and perfect coves lapped by sapphire waters. Leave time in the early evening for a pre-dinner aperitif in the tiny Moorish village of Scopello - it’s a gorgeous jumble of cobbled lanes and alleys radiating off the central square - fantastic sea views too!
Day 3: Scopello to Buseto Palizzolo 45km/27mi
Gentle pedalling along pine-scented roads dotted with pink bougainvillea before an exhilarating whiz to Castellamare del Golfo. Leaving the sea behind, you cycle inland through an enchanting landscape of swaying vines, palms and citrus groves to reach Segesta - a stunningly preserved 2500 year old Doric temple with breathtaking sea views. Then onto signor Di Vito’s lovely farmhouse hotel; time for a drink on the rooftop terrace before dinner.
Day 4: At Buseto Palizzolo
Almonds, olives and oranges are farmed by our hotelier in this wonderfully warm climate and the oils are used for massages at the hotel – a perfect excuse to ease any aching muscles! Nearby is the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, a towering limestone mass with a vaguely African landscape, dotted with fig, carob and lentisk trees. Here you’ll find the Grotta Mangiapane– an incredible cave containing a rural hamlet complete with chapel and cobbled street - as well as a lovely beach at Custonaci.
Day 5: Buseto Palizzolo to Nubia 30km/mi
As you freewheel away from Buseto, you drink in breathtaking views of the three Egadi islands as they glimmer on the horizon. You pedal through a string of tranquil hamlets before reaching a beautiful flat stretch next to the sea, lined with sparkling mounds of salt and crumbling windmills – perhaps you’ll spot flamingos bathing vividly in the warm waters – which leads to our stunning four-star baglio.
Day 6: At Nubia
Medieval Erice is easily visited – its cobbled narrow streets seem to cling to the hillside and amazing balcony views sweep across to the Mediterranean and Trapani. Maybe visit the 12C Norman castle, dedicated to Venus or enjoy an icy granita, flavoured with fresh lemons or mint, in the bustling piazza. For a lazier day, our hotel has a gorgeous pool nestling in verdant vines.
Day 7: Nubia to Marsala 45km/27mi
First pedalling inland through a delicately perfumed landscape of melon groves, vines and palm dates before reaching the coast again. Maybe savour a fresh fish lunch al frescoin the salty sharp air before taking a wooden boat to fascinating Mozia – ruins of a strategic Phoenician settlement dating back to 1300 BC on San Pantaleo island. It’s then an easy cycle along the seafront to reach Marsala – time to try the eponymous sweet wine before dinner!
Day 8: At Marsala
Favignana, the largest (and flattest!) of the Egadi islands, is just a short ferry hop away. A cyclist’s paradise with pine-scented tranquil lanes leading to secret coves and archaeological ruins – lots of choice for lunch in the bustling harbour-side town. Plenty to discover in Marsala too; the historic centre has a colourful market and butter coloured Baroque churches.
Day 9: Leave Sicily
We take you to the airport (75 mins) in time for your return flight – or how about spending a couple of nights in lively Palermo?