Road bike Etna Wine Route

The Etna Wine Route is a suggestive guided road bike excursion
that will take you by bicycle on the wine roads of the Etna volcano.

Le vigne del vino dell’Etna

The Etna Wine Route is a suggestive travel itinerary along Mt. Etna, created with the aim of enhancing and promoting the Etna wine-growing areas. This route crosses wine production areas which have now become the flagship of agricultural production around Mt. Etna. Thanks to lava stone walls and rows of vineyards , the scenery we will cross will be completely fascinating and engaging.

A guided road bike excursion that will also allow us to discover the area between the two regional natural parks of Etna and Alcantara, characterized by large green valleys dominated by the view of the volcano.

Due to the volcanic ash, and various eruption, the territory is very fertile and rich of water.

ITINERARY

Calatabiano

Technically, we are talking about a 60 km route with an overall drop of 900 meters and a maximum altitude of 800 meters, characterized by slopes not too demanding.

Generally the starting point is our bike store in Giardini Naxos, but on request it is possible to pick you up at your hotel. After a brief explanation of our agenda, and a check of bikes and equipment, we will start our tour. We will cycle south, on SS 114 for about 3 km on a regular plain till we will reach the town of Calatabiano.

On this trip you will be surrounded by luxuriant citrus fruit crops and you will be able to admire the beautiful Arab-Norman castle of Calatabiano while biking.

The Alcantara River

Alcantara Gorges

When we reach Calatabiano, we will follow the Alcantara river biking in the opposite direction to the flow of its waters. A gentle climb, 2 to 5%, will lead us to the town of Francavilla di Sicilia.

Here your tour guide will tell you the history mixed with a bit of mythology of this important watercourse, whose name means Il Ponte, the Bridge, having been, over the centuries, an important communication route.

We will also stop and admire this crossing bridge, and the raging water below.

Francavilla of Sicily

Francavilla of Sicily

The road will continue uphill, always keeping on slopes that can be pedaled with the exception of a few hundred meters where we will arrive at around 8% gradient.

The second interesting village in our excursion will be Francavilla di Sicilia, a name deriving from the ancient French dominations, and with origins dating back to the Greek-Roman era.

At this point we will be about 340 meters above sea level.

Castiglione of Sicily

Castiglione of Sicily

We leave Francavilla and biking for another 5 km, this time the slope will begin to increase: the SP 71 will take us to the center of what has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, namely Castiglione di Sicilia. The characteristic attraction of this town is the castle of Lauria, perched on a hill to protect and control the Alcantara valley.

Leaving Castiglione, there are still 4 km of climbing before reaching the highest point of our trip, about 800 meters above sea level. Now we have another descent ahead of us on the north-east side of Etna of about 20 km

We will thus have created, at the end of our itinerary, a ring route for a total of about 60km and a total elevation gain of about 900 meters.

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).