Etna sud – Road bike tour

Guided road bike tour in Sicily, on the southern side of the Etna volcano.
From the sea of Giardini Naxos to the Sapienza Refuge.

Etna Sud, Rifugio Sapienza

This guided excursion on the southern side of Mt. Etna is an itinerary proposed to road cycling enthusiasts with a good level of technical preparation.

Roads that cut into ancient lava flows, through a landscape overlooking the blue of the sea, villages, and finally up to Nicolosi, at the famous Rifugio Sapienza.

112 km in about seven hours, with a total altitude difference of 2,669 m and a maximum altitude of 1,898 meters above sea level.

Since this is a lengthy trip, it requires a morning departure that we normally plan from our bike point in Giardini Naxos (ME), but obviously the Etna staff is always available during the booking phase to evaluate departures from other locations, such as your hotel.

Once we meet, and after a brief explanation of our agenda, we will setup the bikes and our adventure is finally beginning.

ITINERARY

Zafferana Etnea

The first kilometers, on the plain, will be used for warming up: this first part, which flanks the Ionian coast, will be the only concrete stretch of the plain of the day.

So let’s start the climb. After the town of Fiumefreddo, we will cycle along the “Ma.ci.med.” up to the seaside village of Riposto. From the port of Riposto, not surprisingly called “Porto dell’Etna”, we will begin to increase the slopes.

The scenery around us will be full of citrus trees and prickly pears that thrive on volcanic soils.

The Etna villages

Zafferana Etnea

The picturesque villages that we will cross in this phase will be those of Giarre, Santa Venerina and Zafferana.

In the latter, a refreshment stop is normally made: Zafferana is in fact a renowned center for the production of honey, oil and Etna red wines, and certainly there will be the opportunity to drink a good coffee in the bars of the historic center, which also offer traditional sweets made following ancient recipes.

Rifugio Sapienza

Etna Sud – Rifugio Sapienza

Leaving the village of Zafferana Etnea, we will reach Rifugio Sapienza, the highest point of the day, the last part of the climb. Once we arrive at Rifugio Sapienza, at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level, we will have time to have a drink and to wear anoraks or dry clothes. Afterwards we will prepare to face the long descent that will lead us to the starting point, along the coast.

A challenging itinerary that will certainly leave you tired but satisfied.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any information. We answer the phone from 8-13 and from 15-20 or write to info@etnaexclusive.com (answer within 12/24 hours) or whatsapp at the following number: (+39) 333 6815630

For the type of effort that must be faced we must always consider the physical conditions of all participants.
We understand that based on interpretation and intensity, this excursion can be a complete workout with a considerable exercise load.

It is recommended
Technical / sports clothing suitable for sport pedaling on mountain bikes, trekking / tennis shoes (we also have the possibility to mount SPD pedals to give you the opportunity to use your technical bike shoes, but the request must be made at the time of booking), gloves, sunglasses or cycling glasses, sunscreen (summer period).