Mountain Biking In Sicily: A Complete Guide

Let's tackle the first question anyone has when looking at mountain biking in Sicily – is it any good? The short answer is yes. But the long answer is yes because:

• It packs four mountain ranges onto one island: Sicily has Etna (3,300m), the Madonie (Pizzo Carbonara, 1,979m), the Nebrodi and the Peloritani.
• You can ride across lava fields: There are lava fields, black volcanic sand and terrain that you can’t find anywhere else.
• It has a long season: You can ride from March through to December.
• The trails are quiet: Ride Sicily’s interior and you’re more likely to bump into a goat or a shepherd than a fellow rider.

In fact, we’d probably say that Sicily is right up there among Europe’s best mountain biking destinations.

Whether you’re chasing awe-inspiring sea views, lung-bursting climbs or technical descents, Sicily delivers. Below are some of the best places to ride on the island, including two areas within easy reach of our resort in Sciacca.

1. Parco Dell'Etna: Riding an active volcano

Nothing compares to the volcanic near-lunar landscapes of Mount Etna. The terrain can be testing, but biking with a smoking summit overhead and the sea beyond is bucket list stuff.

One of the most iconic places to ride in Parco dell'Etna is the Pista Altomontana, a dirt track that loops around the volcano's upper slopes at between roughly 4,600 and 6,000 feet. It's around 40km end to end, but you don't have to ride the lot. Pick a section and you'll roll past black lava fields, old stone refuges and thick pine forest, with views that make every pedal stroke worth it.  

For other, shorter routes up the volcano, the signposted Parco Ciclistico dell'Etna (Etna Cycle Park) offers several mapped options. These routes largely follow paved roads for a smoother ride. Choose one or several to explore different sections of the volcano. Nicolosi, Ragalna, Linguaglossa and Rifugio Sapienza are all great jump-off points, and the Circumetnea railway can shuttle you and your bike between the trailheads.

You can cycle Mount Etna almost all year round, with only a handful of snow days closing the trails. The higher climbs are a blissful escape from Sicily's summer heat. Bear in mind that temperatures can drop significantly as you gain altitude, so layers are essential.  

2. Around Sciacca: Riding on Neilson's doorstep

The rolling hills rising directly behind Sciacca's coastline creates a little playground for your mountain bike that's a little easier than the slog of cycling around Etna. There's a network of trails that range from coastal paths to rural inland landscapes that overlook the Mediterranean.  

You can start at Monte Kronio, known for its natural steam caves and panoramic views. From there, head into the Sicani Mountains, a proper mountain biking playground with everything from rolling XC loops to more demanding descents. For trails that won’t leave your forearms screaming from gripping the handlebars too tightly, explore the near-deserted provincial roads.

Looking for a base to explore Sciacca? Our Beach Club, Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort, is the perfect base to come back to after a hard morning of riding. Trails in the morning, sea views in the afternoon, and plenty of good food in between.

3. The Madonie: Sicily's mountain biking heartland

A mountain range that deserves its reputation amongst mountain bikers, the Madonie is a proper massif that has extensive peaks, ridgelines and valleys to explore.

Starting inland from Cefalù, the range tops out at Pizzo Carbonara, just under 2,000m above sea level. Dirt roads, forest singletrack and old mule paths criss-cross the mountains, with stony surfaces ensuring you'll have entertaining riding. Wildlife sightings are common as you pass through woods and clearings. Look out for grazing herds of fallow deer, critters moving through the undergrowth and birds of prey wheeling overhead.  

When your legs are starting to feel cooked there are plenty of hillside towns that are perfect for mid-ride cafe stop. 

4. The Nebrodi: Remote, wild and wonderfully empty

Nebrodi is Sicily's backcountry, where you're surrounded by the island's largest forest and feel like it's just you, the whirr of your hub and not much else.

Routes combine roads and rocky surfaces, with a few steep and technical sections. There are some tasty climbs leading to mountain lakes such as Lago Biviere and Lago Maulazzo, as well as others that lead to 360° views of Etna and the Aeolian Islands.

Encounters with other cyclists can be rare, so be prepared for solitude. More often, your company will be grazing cattle, wildlife and the staggering scenery around you.  

5. The Iblei and the Baroque south-east

The undulating terrain of the Iblei plateau is friendlier on the legs than the at-times brutal northern ranges, giving you great scenery without the suffering. You also have the chance for culture in some of Sicily's most beautiful historic settlements.

The eight UNESCO Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto are the highlight, conveniently linked by quiet country lanes and dry-stone-walled tracks providing safe and easy riding. Each is a considerable architectural achievement, with spectacular features like staircases and alleyways, wide piazzas, cathedrals, magnificent palazzos and ornate buildings decorated with gargoyles.  

Add some countryside to the cultural highlights by following smooth coastal loops around Sampieri and the Vendicari nature reserve. Only the occasional hike-a-bike section will pull your attention away from the sea. Inland, explore Cava d’Ispica, a dramatic river gorge and archaeological site with ancient cave dwellings.

Prefer a roadie to a mountain bike? Check out our complete guide to cycling in Sicily.  

6. The west coast and Palermo's mountains

The west coast and Palermo are fantastic starting and finishing points if you’re flying in and out of the city. The area is also a gateway to the Madonie, where bigger and tougher trails await.

In the city itself, you've got the panoramic climb up Monte Pellegrino. There's a choice of trails, all leading to the best viewpoint for sweeping sea and city views. We recommend finishing your holiday with a visit to the dramatic limestone headlands in north-west Sicily. Follow a rugged off-road mountain biking route and relax afterwards at the San Vito Lo Capo, one of the island's best beaches.  

Inland of Trapani, there are hills with a host of unique places to explore. Move through vineyards in Segesta, Alcamo and Scopello, discover ancient temples and relax in hot springs. You can also find some proper climbs, if that's what you're after. Bike rental and local guiding are available around Partinico and Palermo.

Not all months are the same when it comes to cycling in Sicily. The summer months can become baking hot in the midday sun and winter can result in snow higher up the mountains.  

Here's a breakdown of what each month offers:

• April to May: The best time to go. Warm temperatures and long days.  
• September to early November: Another sweet spot, with similar conditions.
• June to August: Too hot for hard riding at lower elevations. Etna's slopes stay cool. Early starts are recommended to help you beat the heat.
• December to March: Coastal routes and the lower hills remain very rideable. High ground, including Madonie, Nebrodi and upper Etna, can experience some snowfall.  

Want Sicily's best riding without the planning? Mountain biking is included at Neilson x Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort, a luxurious base on the coast near Sciacca. Quiet lanes, rolling hills and vineyard tracks lead to big Mediterranean views. You can join our expert bike team on graded guided rides, or explore on your own with mapped self-guided routes. We have Trek Pro-Caliber 6 mountain bikes and e-bikes ready to go, plus family-friendly routes and inclusive kids' clubs. When you're done for the day, unwind in the spa or try tennis, padel, sailing or e-foiling.

Explore our holidays in Sicily for more details. 

With unique terrain, varied trails and mouthwatering food to keep you fuelled, Sicily is exceptional to explore on two wheels. Whether you choose gentle coastal routes linking cultural sites or technical tracks through Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes, mountain biking adds an extra dimension to a classic Sicily holiday.  

Choosing a Neilson Beach Club holiday gives you time, space and facilities for relaxation between the activities that make our family holidays so memorable. This will ensure that everyone can fully enjoy discovering all Sicily has to offer – one pedal or paddleboard at a time.

Looking for more content on Sicily? Check out our posts on the best outdoor activities to do in Sicily, Sicily in May the best things to do, cycling in Sicily a complete guide.