Sicily Divide
bike Trail

A Bikepacking Adventure across Sicily

Ride the Sicily Divide Bike Route and explore Sicily from west to east!

This is not a race nor an organised tour. No schedules, no pre-booked hotels, no pressure. Take as much or as little time as you need, grab your bike and set off for your next bicycle adventure across Italy’s southernmost region!

We help you find the best route and where to eat and sleep along the way, but you decide when to go, how many miles to ride each day and where to stop for the night.

Gear up for your bikepacking adventure and take in the spirit of Sicily!

What is Sicily Divide from Trapani to Catania by bike?

Looking for an epic bike route for gravel bikes, mountain bikes or trekking bikes? Then put the Sicily Divide Bike Route on your bucket list! With a perfect balance of backcountry adventure and Italian small-town atmosphere, a mix of paved roads, abandoned rail-trails and dirt tracks, some challenging climbs and speedy descents, the Sicily Divide route is a great way of exploring the biggest island in the Mediterranean by bicycle.

The Route

Start from Trapani, Palermo or Catania and finish whenever you want. We provide all the information you need for your biking trip across Sicily along the most scenic backroads.

Main Route from Trapani to Catania

Distance 460 km | 286 miles
Total Climb 8,912 m | 29,239 ft.

Alternate Route from Palermo to Catania

Distance 466 km | 290 miles
Total Climb 9,252 m | 30,354 ft.

Request your Divider's Pass

The Divider’s Pass is used to collect stamps along the trail, take advantage of the special prices reserved for Dividers in partner hotels and inns and earn your completion certificate upon your arrival.

Sicily Divide Bike Hotels and Bike Inns

Plan and book your accommodation on your own! We provide the GPS tracks and the links to the bike-friendly inns along the route. Our hosts will be thrilled to have you and your bicycle as their guests.

Join the Sicily Divide Club!

The Sicily Divide Club Members are those riders who biked all the way from Trapani (or Palermo) to Catania past the checkpoints along the Sicily Divide Route and earned their Sicily Divide certificate.
Whenever you stop for a quick bite or for the night at one of the bike-friedly inns you support the small communities in inland Sicily that are at risk of depopulation. You and your fellow riders can make a difference, so gear up for your adventure and support our mission!

Find the Sicily Divide Checkpoints Closest to You

As you ride along the Sicily Divide trail you can collect your stamps at our partner shops, bars and hotels or inns to earn your certificate upon your arrival. Click on the button below to find the official checkpoints along the trail.

Rent a Bike in Sicily

Don’t worry about shipping your bike to Sicily. We got some great gravel bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes to rent. Bring your own bags or rent some on the spot. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that a local is there to help.

Trapani to Catania by bike

ride the original Sicily Divide route

This is the original version of the Sicily Divide Bike Route: set off from Trapani on the West Coast and ride across the biggest island of the Med towards Catania in the east, set on the foothills of Europe’s highest active volcano, the mighty Mount Etna! Enjoy a nice warm-up ride on day 1 before tackling more challenging climbs on the following days.

Overview

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Distance: 460 km

Elevation gain: 8,912 m

Highest point: 988 m

Average grade: 4,1%

Bike type: Gravel / Mountain bike

Stage towns: Trapani, Nuova Gibellina, Sambuca di Sicilia, Santo Stefano Quisquina, Montedoro, Enna, Regalbuto, Catania

Map & Elevation Profile

Palermo to Catania by bike

ride the version from Sicily's capital

The alternate route of the Sicily Divide from Sicily’s capital Palermo to Catania is a bit more challenging than the regular route as there are some tough climbs to tackle before reaching the main track in Nuova Gibellina. From day 2 onwards you’ll follow the same route on a mix of paved and dirt roads until you reach Catania and Mount Etna.

Overview

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Distance: 467 km

Elevation gain: 9,252 m

Highest point: 988 m

Average grade: 4,2 %

Bike type: Gravel / Mountain bike

Stage towns: Palermo, Nuova Gibellina, Sambuca di Sicilia, Santo Stefano Quisquina, Montedoro, Enna, Regalbuto, Catania

Map & Elevation Profile

Unique Vistas

The Sicily Divide trail runs across the most remote areas of inland Sicily. This is rural Sicily at its best, with amazing landscapes and unforgettable rides.

Intense Emotions

Ride among seemingly endless wheat fields and vineyards, rugged hills and magnificient valleys. Take in the beauty of the wild Mediterranean countryside.

Unexpected Sicily

Uncover Sicily's true heart on ancient rail trails, quiet back roads and small towns with ancient traditions and friendly locals.

Timeless Beauty

Explore Sicily's ancient towns and roads and dive into the beauty of a land where time seems to stand still.

Friendly Locals

Meet genuine people who are curious about travellers on bikes and always happy to chat or help. As a Divider you are part of the community, not just a visitor.

This is Challenge

Riding the Sicily Divide trail means tackling some steep climbs and hilly terrain. Conquer the heart of this beautiful island and live an adventure that you will cherish forever.

Adventure Galore

Once you finish the Sicily Divide you'll feel like you've lived a dream. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will never forget.

Quiet Roads

Ride on ancient rail trails, quiet back roads and dirt tracks. You will hardly encounter cars outside the towns.

How it works

Get the Divider's pass

The Divider’s Pass allows you to collect stamps at checkpoints all along the way

Download the GPX tracks

Download the GPS tracks from Trapani to Catania or from Palermo to Catania.

Plan your stay and trip

Book your room at our partner bike hotels with a safe bike deposit and enjoy special prices.

Get the certificate

Upon your arrival, collect the free completion certificate from our partners.

A life-changing Bicycle Adventure

What is the idea behind the Sicily Divide bike route?

Sicily is famous for its stunning coastline and beautiful, mostly flat or gently graded coastal roads with only the occasional short steep climb. One of the classics for bicycle travellers and road cyclists is the ride around the island, possibly anti-clockwise to enjoy more tailwinds than the other way around.

Inland Sicily, however, is definitely more challenging and off the beaten path so this is the place to go for adventure seekers who wish to explore authentic towns, villages and meet genuine people while enjoying amazing landscapes and delicious food. The more riders will visit the small towns and villages in Sicily the fewer locals will need to leave to make a living elsewhere in Italy or abroad. So, join us in our mission to promote cycling and bicycle touring in Sicily’s remote areas and set off for your biking trip across Sicily.