Noto Antica - Cava Carosello - Fiume Asinaro

Noto Antica is the original location of the town until it was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693. The city was finally abandoned and rebuilt about 14 km further down the hill, closer to the coast. You can see the ruins of the old churches, remains of the tower with the annexed prison (with graffiti from the prisoners), sanctuaries of the Greek period, tanneries of the Arab period and tombs of the late bronze age. There is an ancient trail that leads from the city down to the river Asinaro where you can see the caves used as tanneries. 

Impressive walls of the fortified city - Porta Montagna (mountain gate)

Cava Carosello

ancient trail from the city to the valley of the river Asinaro

Tombs of the late bronze age later transformed into housings and stables

Caves that have been used as tanneries during the Arab period

Tanneries of the Arab period

to the old mill and tanneries

Friendly company on our way back up

Winter hikes in Sicily

Winter in Sicily can be really mild. Sure, you can catch a week of pouring rain and the days are shorter. But most of the time weather is just wonderful, the sky is clear and the visibility is just incredible. You can see Mt. Etna from Siracusa and sometimes even Calabria on the mainland. So perfect weather to explore!

This winter I want to make the best of my free time, spend as much time outdoors as possible before the season starts and takes over the control of my time.

Here are some photographs of the hikes I did so far in the last weeks.

Plemmirio - Ortigia - Mt. Etna

Climiti mountains

Climiti mountains

Climiti mountains

My favourite rides 2019 - part 2

Cycling in my backyard

Over the summer it can get seriously hot in Sicily, so if you want to cycle you should get up early. You can cycle during the day, there is always a little breeze and with enough water the heat is manageable, but it is far more pleasant in the fresh air of the morning. So I set my alarm clock for 5.30 AM to be out on my bike not later than 6 AM.

Once you are out of town, the hinterland of Siracusa offers some truly great rides with nice climbs and fast descents. And there is almost no traffic. Quite likely, on a Sunday morning, you will meet more cyclists than cars!

Can you spot Mt. Etna? 

Fusco climb to Sortino

Anapo River

my vintage bike (don't worry, not one of the rentals)

My favourite rides 2019 - part 1

West Sicily, April 2019

Mazara del Vallo

Probably my favorite ride this year was an inspection trip for a new tour. In fast-forward mode I cycled the tour I would later cycle again in a slower pace with my guests. I knew all the places before, but I had never cycled in that area. It is a completely different experience by bike as we all know. And I truly enjoyed the time on my own. I could decide the pace and timing. Overcame my fear of stray dogs and mechanical problems. But the god of flats was very kind with me! Eolos on the other hand, not so much. 

Erice, quartiere spagnolo

Erice

Kouros, Museum Mozia

Salt Museum near Trapani

Cave di Cusa

Segesta

Zingaro Nature Reserve

Salt Pans near Trapani

Dancing Satyr, Mazara del Vallo