Sicily’s Wild West

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Among coastal nature reserves, Greek Temples and picturesque seafarer villages of Arabic origins

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.

Arrival in Castellammare del Golfo, a beautiful portal town whose history goes back to the classic antique era when it was the harbour of the towns of Segesta and Erice. Handover of the bikes and the tour information.
From Castellamare you start cycling to the wonderful Nature Reserve “Zingaro”. You will have the chance to explore it on foot, trekking along its undulating footpath offers an enchanting view of the Tyrrhenian sea, with its coves and bays (calette) where you can swim and snorkel in the limpid water. On the way back you stop in the pretty village of Scopello, a lovely, old hamlet (locally known as baglio from the arab bahal: courtyard) dating back to the 17th century. Around its small square you will find most of the houses and shops of the entire village.

Level of difficulty: short steep climb at the beginning of the stage, then easy.
The ride of this stage will allow you to explore the hinterland of the Sicilian countryside where olive trees and vineyards are in abundance. 25 km into this landscape, alternating ascents to flat parts, you will reach the archaeological site of Segesta, an ancient city founded by the Elymians more than 2500 years ago. From here, following secondary country roads, you will finally arrive in Trapani, known in Sicily as the city of Salt. Don’t miss an evening stroll in its pretty old town.

Level of difficulty: medium.
The options for today are very different one from another but both very attractive.

You may decide to visit Erice, an old medieval village perched onto its homonym hill rising 750 meters asl, which you can reach either by cable car or cycling. From Trapani 11 kilometers of hairpin bends separate you from its summit, where you can enjoy a stunning view stretching all the way to the Egadi islands.

Level of difficulty: easy by cable car; difficult by bike.

Or you may choose to spend a day relaxing in Favignana, the largest of the Egadi islands which you can reach by ferry or hydrofoil. It will certainly not disappoint you with its beautiful calette and its seafaring atmosphere. Favignana is best explored by bike!

Level of difficulty: easy.
Today’s itinerary is completely flat as you will skirt the beautiful coastline the whole time. You will cycling along La via del sale (The Salt Way), a series of lagoons and salt pans where salt is still extracted nowadays with the use of old windmills. Salt pans and mounds of freshly extracted salt will be the backdrop to an unmatchable landscape. You will also have the chance to visit Mothia island, the ancient cradle of Phoenician- Punic civilization which can be reached by motorboat from the lagoon within few minutes.

Today’s stage ends in Marsala, a city famous for its homonym wine and for the landing of Garibaldi with his expedition of the Thousand.

Level of difficulty: easy.
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 so dominant as you stroll through the narrow alleyways of the Kasbah (Arabic quarter) with its bright colours and powerful scents, that you will be reminded of the African continent just across the sea.

Level of difficulty: easy.
After leaving Mazara, you will continue along a road which runs only a kilometer in parallel to the coast and will take you to the Nature Reserve “Lago Preola e Gorghi tondi”. Immersed in a valley, a series of small lakes of karstic origins will appear without warning. Anyone passionate about watching fauna and flora typical of a swampy habitat, will find this rewarding.

Riding on a hilly road in direction of Campobello di Mazara, you pass by Cave di Cusa, famous because from here all the material necessary to the building of the temples of Selinunte, was extracted. Only 13 kilometers further down the road you will have the opportunity to visit the archeological site of Selinunte, the ancient Greek city which will take you back few thousand years. Relax and swim at Selinunte’s beaches.

Level of difficulty: medium-easy
After breakfast individual departure.

Start dates for individual tours with a minimum of 2 participants
Every Saturday from January 15th to November 3rd, 2024. On request departures on other days for groups of min. 4 participants are possible.

Route:
Depending on your personal preference and fitness, on days 4 and 6 you can choose between two different tracks varying in elevation profile and/or distance covered.

Tour characteristics:
The route follows mainly less frequented secondary roads. Most of the parts are flat, some are light uphill sections, but still easy to manage. This tour is suitable for all healthy persons with a little bit of bike practice.