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

Just a typical February Sunday in Siracusa

Winter in Sicily - Part 3. In February the days are getting noticeably longer. The sun is also warmer. The Almond blossom is almost over, now the fields are full with bright yellow wild flowers. Only a few more weeks before the season starts. 

Winter in Sicily - part two

When all Europe is still covered in snow and ice, in Sicily it is already spring. Now is the time to harvest the last oranges. 

Winter in Sicily

During the winter months we get to do the best part of our job: scouting - we check out new routes, visit new hotels. 

Randazzo - Etna

Try restaurants we can recommend our guests. 

Winter is low season, so everything is much calmer. People have time for a chat. 

We can take it much easier than during the hectic high season months. And just stop, watch the sheep and have a look at this fabulous sky! 

Roadbike tour through the heart of Sicily

Beautiful day trip through the center of Sicily, from Vizzini to Caltagirone.


At the very last minute, I had to step in for a colleague and guide a couple on a roadbike tour through the center of Sicily, from Vizzini to Mineo and Caltagirone. I am really greatful to my colleague, because is was great fun. I really enjoyed the tour and I had the chance to ride this beauty of a road bike. 

This time of the year Sicily shows it's dry and arid side. The grain has been harvested, the temperatures are high already in the morning and the wind blows hot from Africa. 

Drössiger RRA Fastforward, Ultegra components, 2 x 11, 7,7 kg

Cycling along the South East Coast of Sicily

We started really early for this tour on Tuesday: 4:30 AM we left home to catch the train at 5 AM from Siracusa to Noto. I had to check out a route for an excursion and we wanted to continue along the coast until Pozzallo. 

We arrived shortly before 6 AM in Noto and it was a really nice experience to see the city slowly waking up, no cars on the streets. 

From Noto we headed to San Paolo and from there on secondary roads amongst Olive trees and vineyards to Marzamemi. 

 

 

In Marzamemi we stopped for breakfast and continued along the coast to Portopalo. 

Quick stop for a swim in Portopalo. Sun was high and we really needed a refreshing dip into the cool water.

We continued along the south coast passing by Granelli and Santa Maria del Focallo before finally arriving in Pozzallo after 90 km!

Lovely Shop in Ortigia - everything about the fish!

 

Via Cavour, Ortigia, Siracusa

On the way to meet a group, I stopped at this beautiful church in Ferla, the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate. The left tower has been destroyed by the earthquake of 1908. Ferla is a tiny village on the Iblei Plateau and my favourite among them. On the short main street there are five churches, all beautifully restored in recent years. 

Next to the church is a bar with amazing Saffron icecream: Nuova Dolceria di Manuele Francesco on Corso Umberto 138, Ferla

September and it's still summer in Syracuse... and now the nice part begins!

The crowds are gone, the temperatures have dropped to a more pleasant level. The water is still warm but much clearer. And if you like to snorkel, this is the best time. The bigger fishes come closer to the coast. And don't be surprised, if you have a whole beach to yourself!