Cycling while islands hopping

Catania - Malta - Catania

Country

Italy, Malta

Region

Sicily, Malta, Gozo

Distance

537km

Time

8 days

Elevation

6630hm

Difficulty

Hard

Contributor

Roger S.

Short Description

Embark on an exhilarating 8-day cycling odyssey through Sicily and Malta, from the vibrant city of Catania to the awe-inspiring Mount Etna. Marvel at ancient ruins in Syracuse, cross the Mediterranean to explore the living museum of Valletta, and experience the rural charm of Gozo. Discover the baroque beauty of Ragusa, indulge in culinary delights, and explore the artistic treasures of Caltagirone. The journey culminates with a challenging ascent of Mount Etna, offering panoramic views of smoking craters. This adventure weaves together history, nature, and gastronomy, creating an unforgettable experience for cycling enthusiasts.

Route overview

Insights

Adjustability route

Easy to adjust

Recommended time of year

All year possible, can be windy in winter

Anything to consider?

Book ferries before hand and check the schedule.

Travel to start

Flight to Catania

Travel from finish

Flight from Catania

Highlights

Mount Etna

Food

Easy to get

Road Surface

Mostly good, there are some off-road parts.

Recommended Bike Type

All possible

Stage

Catania

Siracusa

66km

460hm

Embarking on my long-awaited 8-day cycling journey through Sicily and Malta, the day unfolds in the vibrant city of Catania, nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Etna. The rhythmic hum of excitement pulses through me as I pedal along the coastal road towards Syracuse.

Stage

Siracusa

Pozallo

96km

390hm

Syracuse enchants with its ancient charm, and exploring the labyrinthine streets of Ortigia, an island in itself, is a journey through history. After visiting the Archaeological Park, I continue along the coast towards Pozzallo. There, I caught the ferry to Malta.

Stage

Valletta

Victoria

64km

990hm

Continuing the adventure, cycling on the left side, I hop on a ferry to Gozo, Malta’s greener sister island. The rural charm and friendly locals in Victoria, Gozo’s capital, transport me to another world.

Stage

Victoria

Valletta

46km

790hm

After a leisurely morning in Gozo, I return to Valletta. Cycling through Malta’s picturesque landscapes, I rediscover the unique blend of culture and nature. Climbs on Malta are never long, but part wise incredibly (sometimes even stupidly) steep.

Stage

Pozallo

Ragusa

65km

740hm

In the morning, I took the ferry back to Sicily. Today’s route leads Ragusa. I did’t take the direct road. First I stayed at the coastline to then make a turn inland.

The baroque architecture and the maze of narrow streets make Ragusa an unforgettable destination.

Stage

Ragusa

Caltagirone

61km

1010hm

The journey to Caltagirone is adorned with citrus groves and olive orchards. The city is famous for its handmade ceramics, and I find myself captivated by the intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Additional Information: The famous Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, a staircase with 142 steps, is adorned with hand-painted ceramic tiles. The ascent not only rewards with a breathtaking view but also offers a glimpse into local craftsmanship.