Cycling Collection by guido gazzaniga
Sicily Divide – an adventure through Sicily
7 days
4-5 h/day
456km
8,290m
8,310m
Goethe was fascinated by the island’s extraordinary variety, which is still striking today. Sicily is like a precious stone with a thousand facets. No place in the world offers such a vast number of archaeological sites (from Greek temples to Norman palaces via Arab and Roman architecture) and places that reveal the passage of different peoples and cultures through these fertile lands.
This multiculturalism also influenced the delicious Sicilian cuisine. The region’s dishes reflect the culinary traditions of various countries of the Mediterranean basin. The nature here is as diverse as the people who shaped it: from the sea to mountains and sun-baked plateaus to verdant valleys. It’s not surprising that an experienced traveller like Goethe was impressed by this magnificent island.
This Collection, however, doesn’t follow Goethe’s itinerary, but the more adventurous route known as the Sicily Divide. The Sicily Divide was born from the idea of rediscovering the lesser-known part of Sicily – its interior. The trail cuts the island from west to east, from Trapani to Catania. You can find more tips to help you organise your trip, such as accommodation and repair shops en route, here: at sicilydivide.it.
A gravel or mountain bike is best as some sections are unpaved secondary roads. The route is demanding: almost every single Tour exceeds a 1,000 metres (3,200 ft) of elevation gain in under 70 kilometres (44 mi). Take particular care when planning your trip: the interior of the island is less inhabited than the coast and pre-planning your water and food is essential. You can, however, count on the fabulous hospitality of the Sicilians, always ready to lend a hand in case of need: you stop to ask for some water and leave with a ricotta cheese sandwich in your stomach and cannoli in your bag.
Another thing to consider is the time of year you choose to ride. Summer in Sicily can be very hot, especially inland, where there’s no sea to mitigate temperatures. At the same time, in winter, the rare but abundant and sudden rains turn the dirt roads into expanses of mud that are difficult to negotiate, even on foot. Autumn and spring are the best times, especially the latter, when nature offers a fantastic spectacle of rebirth.
Get on your bike and explore this unique and fascinating island.
Visibility:
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Sicily Divide – full tour
454km
8,280m
8,280m
Last updated: June 19, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
1. Stage 1: From Trapani to Gibellina – Sicily Divide
70.9km
05:04
870m
650m
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2. Stage 2: From Gibellina to Sambuca di Sicilia – Sicily Divide
66.0km
05:12
1,190m
1,110m
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3. Stage 3: From Sambuca di Sicilia to Santo Stefano di Quisquina - Sicily Divide
56.7km
05:19
1,330m
930m
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4. Stage 4: From Stefano di Quisquina to Montedoro – Sicily Divide
64.8km
05:07
1,390m
1,670m
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5. Stage 5: From Montedoro to Enna – Sicily Divide
70.1km
05:46
1,590m
1,110m
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6. Stage 6: From Enna to Regalbuto – Sicily Divide
62.8km
04:43
1,150m
1,550m
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. Stage 7: From Regalbuto to Catania – Sicily Divide
64.2km
04:15
760m
1,280m
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
456 km
Duration
35:27 h
Elevation
8,290 m
8,310 m
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