Discover the nature reserves on the Sicilian west coast as well as Greek temples and small fishing villages of Arab origin!
This cycling tour will skirt the fabulous Tyrrhenian coastline of western Sicily for the most part but it will also allow you to ride inland through a countryside boasting olive trees, vineyards and history in abundance. You will be cycling through Val di Mazara, one of the three administrative emirates into which the island was split during the Arab domination and its highlights are numerous: from trekking along the hilly footpaths of Riserva naturale dello Zingaro overlooking the sea to visiting the Greek roots of the island in the archaeological site of Segesta; from Trapani, the City of Salt to Marsala, the City of Wine, with its evocative landscape made of salt pans and old windmills; and finally from Mazara del Vallo, a renowned fishing port town with a strong Arabic influence to Selinunte with its beautiful beaches and spectacular Greek ruins.
Day 1: Individual arrival to Castellammare
Castellammare is an idyllic fishing hamlet, locally known as ‘baglio’ (from the Arabic word bahal for farm). The village was built in the 17th century around a paved square. The old tuna factory is located a few miles outside in a small bay, surrounded by high cliffs. Handover of the bikes and tour information.
Day 2: Hike through the Nature Reserve ‘Zingaro’, ~28 km (17 miles)14 by bike and 14 km (9 miles) hiking
Only a few kilometers from the pretty village of Castellammare, stretches the wonderful Nature Reserve 'Zingaro'. You will have the chance to explore it on foot allowing yourself to linger on all the aromi and scents which this untamed landscape has to offer. Trekking along its undulating footpath you will find yourself between two very different scenes: on one side the enchanting view of the Tyrrhenian sea, with its coves and bays (calette) where you can swim and snorkel in the limpid water, on the other, the vibrancy and colors of the flora and fauna typical of this mountainous environment.
Day 3: Castellammare > Segesta > Trapani, ~57 km (35 miles)
After leaving Castellammare, you will have a fantastic view over the Gulf of Castellammare. The first cycling tour takes you to the interior of Sicily through olive groves and vineyards. After about 25 km (slightly hilly) you reach the ancient site of Segesta, founded by the Elymians 2,500 years ago. From here you continue on secondary roads to Trapani, also called the city of salt.
Day 4: Loop tour to Erice, ~37 km or excursion to Favignana, ~25 km (16 miles)
Today you have two options, which are very different, but both very attractive. Either you can visit the small medieval town of Erice, which is 750 m high on the mountain of the same name and can be reached by bicycle over an 11 km long slope (or more easily by cable car). Or you can relax on the largest island of Favignana, which can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil. Favignana will charm you with its many small sandy coves and its marine atmosphere. Of course, this little paradise is best explored by bike.
Day 5: Trapani > Marsala along the Salt Road, ~43 km (27 miles)
Today's itinerary is completely flat and mostly along the coastline. Windmills and salt mines with small salt mounds dominate the panorama today. You will have the possibility to visit the small island Mozia that was a significant Phoenician-Punic settlement and can be reached in a few minutes by motorboat. The tour ends in the town of Marsala, known for its wine of the same name, and Garibaldi's landing point with its 'Expedition of the Thousand' in 1860.
Day 6: Marsala > Mazara del Vallo, ~30/50 km (19/31 miles)
Today’s stage continues along the enchanting Tyrrhenian coastline until it winds inland through the typical countryside of this parts of Sicily with its numerous vineyards and bagli (old centers of farming activities). It will end in Mazara del Vallo, seat of the most important Italian fishing fleet and located at the mouth of the river Mazaro which divides the town in two. The Arab influence is as dominant as you stroll through the narrow alleyways of the Kasbah (Arabic quarter) with its bright colors and powerful scents, that you will be reminded of the African continent just across the sea.
Day 7: Mazara del Vallo > Selinunte, ~34/41 km (21/25 miles)
After leaving Mazara you will cycle to the nature reserve „Lago Preola and Gorghi Tondi„. In a small valley there are several small lakes of karstic origin. This wetland is a paradise for nature lovers. Continue towards Campobello di Mazara on a slightly hilly road to the „Cave di Cusa„, ancient quarries from which all the material for the construction of the temple of Selinunte comes from. After another 13 km you will finally reach the archeological site of Selinunte, founded in the 7th century BC by the Doric Greeks and one of the most important poles of Sicily in the 3rd century BC. Numerous well-preserved temples testify to this.
Day 8: Individual departure
Transfers to the airport can be reserved on request.
