Sicily Coasts and Ruins Bike Tour

Arrive at 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. You’ll spend another night in Marsala after your ride.

Leaving the bustling seaside towns behind, head inland, gradually ascending via a succession of pastures and rolling wheat fields. This sparsely populated, vast expanse of beautiful nature dotted with old crumbling farmhouses is a joy to see. 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.”

Cruise along gently rolling hills 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 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.

Heading back towards the coast, wind your way through more hills and then speed down to the lively city of Trapani. Along the way, see a temple 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. 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.

This morning a short boat ride takes you to the island of Favignana, the largest of the 3 Aegadian Islands, set 7km off the western coast of Sicily and well known for its tuna fishing tradition. It’s a delight to cycle 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.

After breakfast, the tour ends. You may wish to pre-book additional days so you can spend some more time enjoying Sicily.