Two-wheeled Tour of Sicily: From Athens to Ortigia

  • Day 1: Palermo
    From Athens: ferry to Palermo (approx. 12 hours)
    Palermo Cathedral (1 hour) - 1.8 km

    The beautiful Palermo Cathedral, a blend of Arab-Norman architecture, is the perfect place to start your journey. A testament to the island's rich past, the cathedral is home to a massive bell tower and the Royal Tombs, where generations of the Norman-Swabian and Spanish royal families were buried.

  • Day 2: Agrigento
    Valley of the Temples (3 hours) - 130 km

    The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is an incredible archeological site filled with temples and ruins from the ancient Greek civilization. The stunning Temple of Concordia dominates the site and is considered one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world.

  • Day 3-4: Cefalù
    Cefalù beach (2 days) - 110 km

    Relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Cefalù. The town's old quarter is charming with narrow, cobbled streets leading to a stunning Norman cathedral filled with Byzantine mosaics. No visit to Cefalù is complete without sampling fresh seafood at one of the fine restaurants facing the sea.

  • Day 5-6: Mount Etna
    Exploration of Mount Etna (2 days) - 200 km

    Take a scenic drive to Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. Explore the rugged landscape, scenic villages, and unique flora and fauna. For adventure seekers, hike to the summit for amazing views of the surroundings.

  • Day 7-8: Syracuse
    Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (2 days) - 65 km

    Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage site with incredible Greek and Roman ruins in the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis. Visit the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre, and take a walk along the charming Ortigia Island with its narrow streets filled with boutiques and cafes.

  • Day 9-10: Taormina
    Taormina's Townscape and Greek Theater (2 days) - 70 km

    Taormina's grand Greek theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina, is a must-see attraction. Explore the historic town's winding streets and ancient ruins, and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean from the town's hilltop location.

  • Day 11-12: San Vito Lo Capo
    Torre Salsa (2 days) - 250 km

    San Vito Lo Capo is a charming, laid-back seaside town. The Torre Salsa nature reserve is a breathtaking highlight, along with the stunning white sand beaches, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

  • Day 13: Ragusa and Modica
    Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum (5 hours) - 210 km

    Visit the Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum and learn about Sicily's rich history. Ragusa and Modica are two beautiful baroque towns close by each other that are perfect for walking and enjoying the truly authentic Sicilian atmosphere.

  • Day 14: Ortigia
    Ortigia (3 hours) - 110 km

    End your trip with a visit to the charming and historic island of Ortigia. Stroll around the island's narrow streets, enjoy breathtaking views of the Ionian sea, and visit the stunning Cathedral of Syracuse, one of the most elaborate Baroque structures in the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Palermo Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Valley of the Temples (3 hours, €10)
  • Cefalù beach (2 days, free)
  • Exploration of Mount Etna (2 days, €65)
  • Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (2 days, €10)
  • Taormina's Townscape and Greek Theater (2 days, €15)
  • Torre Salsa (2 days, free)
  • Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum (5 hours, €36)
  • Ortigia (3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €136

Transportation

To make the most of your visit, renting a motorbike is a convenient and efficient way to get around. Public transport may be limited in remote areas, so be sure to plan your journey well and budget for travel costs. Estimate approximately €50 per day for fuel and bike rental.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore the Aeolian Islands or take a boat tour along the coast. If you have less time, reduce the amount of time spent on relaxing on the beach or visiting the nature reserves. Additionally, give yourself plenty of time to explore each city and don't rush.

Airports

Palermo Airport (PMO) is the main airport in Sicily and located 35 km northwest of Palermo. There are several transport options to get to the city such as bus, taxi or car rental. Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is another major airport located on the east coast of the island, 65 km south of Taormina. It has good transport connections to the rest of the island.

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