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Cycling the Western Coast of Sicily
Cycling the Western Coast of Sicily is an 8-day, 7-night self-guided bike tour from San Vito lo Capo to Sciacca, following the western coast of Sicily at an easy-to-moderate level. Along the way you walk the Zingaro Nature Reserve, ride past the windmills of the salt pans to Marsala and the island of Mozia, and finish among the Greek temples of Selinunte and the seafront of Sciacca.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
San Vito lo Capo
Arrival in San Vito lo Capo, a fishing village famous for its long white-sand beach, its Cous Cous Festival and the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve. Take time for a first swim and an evening stroll by the sea. Overnight in San Vito lo Capo.
- Day 2
Riserva dello Zingaro
A self-guided walk of about 6 hours (+500 m) from the northern entrance of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The path winds through Mediterranean scrub above a string of coves, with plenty of chances to stop for a swim, and opens onto wide views across the gulf. Overnight in San Vito lo Capo.
- Day 3
San Vito lo Capo – Trapani
65 km · +900 m
The first cycling day is also the most scenic, and the most demanding of the tour. You ride along the western coast above a turquoise sea, passing the old tonnare, where tuna fishing once took place, and the Saracen watchtowers that guard the shore. Overnight in Trapani.
- Day 4
Trapani – Marsala
50 km · +320 m
A relaxed, panoramic ride along the sea, with the windmills of the salt pans as a backdrop. Take the boat to the small island of Mozia, an ancient Phoenician-Punic settlement with an archaeological site and a private museum, then continue the last few kilometres to Marsala. Round off the day with a visit to one of the wineries that produce Marsala wine. Overnight in Marsala.
- Day 5
Marsala – Mazara del Vallo
29 km · +100 m
A short stage leaves the morning free: explore Marsala, join a wine tasting at a local winery, or take the ferry to one of the Egadi Islands. An easy ride then brings you to Mazara del Vallo, with its Arab-style Kasbah quarter and the bronze Dancing Satyr, the town's best-known treasure. Overnight in Mazara del Vallo.
- Day 6
Mazara del Vallo – Selinunte
40 km · +220 m
A varied stage between coast and countryside: sea views towards the Egadi Islands, then quiet roads through vineyards and olive groves. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, one of the largest in Europe, whose temples and ruins stretch for about 1,300 metres from east to west. Overnight in Selinunte.
- Day 7
Selinunte – Sciacca
38 km · +390 m
The last cycling day ends in Sciacca, another seaside town. It is known for its ceramics, its thermal baths, its religious festivals and its large fishing fleet: a lively place to celebrate the end of the ride. Overnight in Sciacca.
- Day 8
Sciacca
Departure after breakfast. End of services; a transfer to the airport can be arranged on request.
Tour details
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Tour type
- Self-guided, with navigation app
- Area
- Western Sicily
- Distance
- 222 km
- Level
- Easy / Moderate
- Departures
- Daily from April to 15 November, except August
- Participants
- Minimum 2
- Accommodation
- A combination of B&Bs, 3- and 4-star hotels and agriturismi (farm stays)
- Meals
- Bed & breakfast
- Bikes
- Touring bike, E-bike
Prices and services
Price per person
| StandardB&Bs, 3- and 4-star hotels and agriturismi | € 1,415 |
Included in the price
- 7 nights' accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Touring bike rental
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- GPX tracks
- Roadmap
- Telephone assistance
Not included
- Lunch and dinner
- Drinks
- Helmet (available on request)
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance tickets and extras
- Tourist taxes
- Anything not listed under “The price includes”
Supplements
| E-bike rental | € 255 |
| GPS rental | € 45 |
| High season supplement (July and September) | € 170 |
| Arrival and departure transfers | on request |
Price per person in a double room. Minimum 2 participants.
Bikes available for this tour
Touring bike
E-bikeRoute map
Questions about this tour
How long is the tour and how much does it cost?
8 days and 7 nights, from €1,415 per person in a double room. The price is the same all season, with a €170 supplement for departures in July and September.
Where does the tour start and end, and how do I get there?
It starts in San Vito lo Capo and ends in Sciacca, on the western coast of Sicily. You can fly into Palermo airport, which has direct flights from most European destinations; arrival and departure transfers can be arranged on request.
How difficult is it and how many kilometres do I ride?
Easy to moderate: 222 km over five cycling days, plus one walking day in the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The only demanding stage is the first, San Vito lo Capo – Trapani (65 km, +900 m); the others range from 29 to 50 km.
When can I go?
Every day from April to 15 November, except August. Departures in July and September carry a €170 high season supplement.
Which bikes are available? Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes. A touring bike is included in the price, and you can upgrade to an e-bike for €255. A GPS unit is available for €45.
What is included?
7 nights with breakfast, touring bike rental, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel, GPX tracks, a roadmap and telephone assistance. Lunches, dinners, drinks, entrance tickets and tourist taxes are not included.
