Cycling in Western Sicily: Coastlines, Greek Temples & Arabic Heritage
Ride through one of the most fascinating corners of Sicily. This cycling tour blends coastal nature reserves, ancient Greek temples, and seafarer villages with Arabic origins.
You will follow the stunning Tyrrhenian coastline and also explore inland routes filled with vineyards, olive groves, and centuries of history.
The tour crosses the Val di Mazara, once one of the three Arab emirates of Sicily. Highlights include the wild footpaths of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, the impressive Greek temple of Segesta, the salt pans of Trapani, and the warm Arabic soul of Mazara del Vallo.
Your journey ends in Selinunte, home to spectacular archaeological ruins and long sandy beaches.
Other cycling itineraries in Sicily are also available. Just ask!
ITINERARY
Day 1 — Castellammare del Golfo
Arrival in Castellammare del Golfo, a charming coastal town with ancient origins.
Bike fitting and tour briefing.
Day 2 — Zingaro Nature Reserve (28 km by bike + 14 km hike)
Start cycling from Castellammare towards the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Then continue on foot along panoramic trails overlooking crystal-clear bays.
Enjoy swims, snorkeling, and a peaceful coastal atmosphere.
On the way back, stop in Scopello, a lovely hamlet known for its small square and historic “baglio”.
Difficulty: Short steep climb at the start, then easy.
Day 3 — Castellammare → Segesta → Trapani (56 km)
Ride through quiet inland roads surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.
After 25 km, reach Segesta, an ancient Elymian city with a majestic Greek temple.
Then continue on country roads until you arrive in Trapani, the City of Salt.
Enjoy an evening stroll in its elegant old town.
Difficulty: Medium.
Day 4 — Trapani → Erice (38 km) or Favignana (25 km)
Today you choose your adventure:
Option 1 — Visit Erice
Reach the medieval village of Erice by bike or by cable car.
The climb is demanding, but the view from the top is unforgettable.
Difficulty: Easy by cable car; difficult by bike.
Option 2 — Explore Favignana
Take a ferry to Favignana, the biggest of the Egadi Islands.
Ride along quiet roads, swim in turquoise bays, and enjoy the island life.
Difficulty: Easy.
Day 5 — Trapani → Marsala (45 km)
Today the route is completely flat.
You ride along the coast through La Via del Sale, a landscape of salt pans, lagoons, and old windmills.
You can also visit Mozia, an ancient Phoenician site located on a small lagoon island.
Your day ends in Marsala, famous for its wine and history.
Difficulty: Easy.
Day 6 — Marsala → Mazara del Vallo (30–50 km)
Continue along the coastline, then move inland through vineyards and rural “bagli”.
Arrive in Mazara del Vallo, one of Italy’s most important fishing ports.
The old Kasbah district, with its narrow alleys and Arabic vibes, is a highlight.
Difficulty: Easy.
Day 7 — Mazara del Vallo → Selinunte (35–41 km)
Ride along a quiet inland road to the Preola and Gorghi Tondi Nature Reserve, a peaceful area with small karst lakes.
Then reach Cave di Cusa, the ancient quarry used for the temples of Selinunte.
Finally, arrive at the Selinunte Archaeological Park, one of the most impressive Greek sites in Europe.
Enjoy a swim at the nearby beaches.
Difficulty: Medium-easy.
Day 8 — Departure
Breakfast and individual departure.
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