Sicily’s Wild West from Scopello to Selinunte

Arrival in Castellammare del Golfo, a beautiful portal town whose history goes back to the Classic antique era when it was the harbour of the towns of Segesta and Erice. Handover of the bikes and the tour information.



From Castellamare you start cycling to the wonderful Nature Reserve “Zingaro”. You will have the chance to explore it on foot, trekking along its undulating footpath offers an enchanting view of the Tyrrhenian sea, with its coves and bays (calette) where you can swim and snorkel in the limpid water. On the way back you stop in the pretty village of Scopello, a lovely, old hamlet (locally known as baglio from the arab bahal: courtyard) dating back to the 17th century. Around its small square you will find most of the houses and shops of the entire village.

Level of difficulty: short steep climb at the beginning of the stage, then easy.

Distance : 28km Hiking (17mi) + 14km Cycling (9mi)

Elevation : 571m



The ride of this stage will allow you to explore the hinterland of the Sicilian countryside where olive trees and vineyards are in abundance. 25 kilometers into this landscape, alternating ascents to flat parts, you will reach the archeological site of Segesta, an ancient city founded by the Elymians more than 2500 years ago. From here, following secondary country roads, you will finally arrive in Trapani, known in Sicily as the city of Salt.

Level of difficulty: medium.

Distance : 56 Km (35 mi).

Elevation : 631m

Option 1: You may decide to visit Erice, an old medieval village perched onto its homonym hill rising 750 meters asl, which you can reach either by cable car or cycling. From Trapani 11 kilometers of hairpin bends separate you from its summit, where you can enjoy a stunning view stretching all the way to the Egadi islands.

Level of difficulty: easy by cable car; difficult by bike.

Distance : 38km (24mi)

Elevation : 784m

Today’s itinerary is completely flat as you will skirt the beautiful coastline the whole time. Windmills, salt pans and mounds of freshly extracted salt will be the backdrop to an unmatchable landscape. You will also have the chance to visit Mothia island, the ancient cradle of Phoenician- Punic civilization which can be reached by motorboat from the lagoon within a few minutes.

Today’s stage ends in Marsala, a city famous for its homonym wine and for the landing of Garibaldi with his expedition of the Thousand.

Level of difficulty: easy.

Distance : 44 Km (27 mi).

Elevation : 122m

Today’s stage continues along the enchanting Tyrrhenian coastline until it winds inland through the typical countryside of this part of Sicily with its numerous vineyards and bagli (old centers of farming activities). It will end in Mazara del Vallo, seat of the most important Italian fishing fleet and located at the mouth of the river Mazaro which divides the town in two.

The Arab influence is so dominant as you stroll through the narrow alleyways of the Kasbah (Arabic quarter) with its bright colours and powerful scents, that you will be reminded of the African continent just across the sea.

Level of difficulty: easy.

Distance : 30 Km (19 mi) / 50km (31mi).

Elevation : 67m / 226m

After leaving Mazara, you will continue along a road which runs only a kilometer in parallel to the coast and will take you to the Nature Reserve “Lago Preola e Gorghi tondi”. Immersed in a valley, a series of small lakes of karstic origins will appear without warning. Anyone passionate about watching fauna and flora typical of a swampy habitat, will find this rewarding.

Riding on a hilly road in direction of Campobello di Mazara, you pass by Cave di Cusa, famous because from here all the material necessary to the building of the temples of Selinunte, was extracted. Only 13 kilometers further down the road you will have the opportunity to visit the archeological site of Selinunte, the ancient Greek city which will take you back few thousand years. Relax and swim at Selinunte’s beaches.

Level of difficulty: medium-easy

Distance : 35 Km (22 mi) / 41km (25mi).

Elevation : 246m

End of tour and individual departure (in option) after breakfast or extension with additional days.