Catania cannot be considered a 100% bike friendly city, mostly because of its “up and down” streets but also, unfortunately, because of the lack of cycling lanes around the city.
However, in the last few years, many improvements have been made mostly due to the increasing interest on bike experiences among tourists.
If you are looking for a guided cycling tour of the city, these are my favorite guided bike tours in Catania and surroundings.
On the other hand, if you are willing to try some fun selfguided bike tour to experience Catania at your own pace, then you should definitely have a look at the following cycling routes I personally designed thinking of you!
It is quite easy to rent a bike in Catania, there are many bike shops that deliver this service at low price or you can use Catania’s bike sharing, finding many bikes parked in town.
Before embarking on our ride around Catania, please note that the routes you find in here can start from any point of the itineraries, regardless where your accommodation is (by the way, did you know I own a boutique B&B in Catania centre?!)
Let’s now take our bikes and happy rides!
1.CYCLING TILL OGNINA IN CATANIA: A BIKE TOUR FROM THE TOWN TO THE SEA
This 2h city ride in Catania is tailored as the perfect experience for those of you who like to go slightly off the beaten path and feel the seabreeze close to town.
Starting from Piazza dei Martiri, near the port of Catania, your two wheel will lead you towards Catania’s waterfront boulevard – called Lungomare di Catania.
Along the ride, a lot of interesting spots you should not miss: the “museo dello sbarco” at Ciminiere congress venue, San Giovanni Li Cuti harbour and a tasty fish lunch on the go at a popular take away “Da Nitto”.
2.OLD CATANIA BY BIKE
What about an exciting bike tour in the very heart of Catania city centre?! Cycling and sightseeing can be a lot of fun and it is a good alternative to the classic walking tour especially if you are travelling with kids.
This route along Catania’s high street – Via Etnea – allows you to stop by many must-see attractions of the city: Piazza Duomo, Piazza Stesicoro, Villa Bellini gardens, Piazza Federico di Svevia with Castle Ursino, the Benedictine Monastery… Last but not least, take a break and grab a cannolo or arancino on the go!
3.FASHION AND VILLAS OF CATANIA: THE CITY RIDE YOU WOULD NOT EXPECT
There is a place in Catania where fashion and liberty architecture live together and get alive in a lovely borough between Corso Italia and Viale XX Settembre streets.
If you are a fashion victim, this is the bike tour for you! Armani, Max Mara, Pinko, Guess, Liu Jo, just to mention some of the brands you can find shopping in Corso Italia; however even if you are on a low-budget trip, this area of Catania deserves a visit because of the beautiful timeless Villas in liberty style which used to belong to the noble families of this town.
4.CYCLING ALONG THE PORT OF CATANIA AND SNOOP AROUND THE FLEA MARKET
This is by far my favorite bike ride in Catania because it combines two of my great hobbies: seaside and antiquities!
Nonetherless, in order to be able to visit the flea market of Catania, you will need to schedule this tour during Sunday morning – when the market takes place.
This small but pleasant market is currently set in Via Dusmet, next to Villa Pacini.
Biking along the pier – Molo di Levante – will lighten your soul and I promise you that the stunning view of the city will literally blow you away!
5.LA PLAYA DI CATANIA: A BIKE TOUR ALONG THE BEACH
If you want to see the beach of Catania but don’t feel like laying down in the sun, then you could opt for a bike ride along the beachfront, maybe before your breakfast time when the streets are not crowded yet…
Bear in mind that Viale Kennedy – the playa boulevard of Catania – has a wide bike lane in its first bit but in the rest of the street you will have to ride on a fast-flowing asphalt road, so watch your wheels!
Have you ever done one of these bike itineraries in Catania or maybe do you know some others which are worth mentioning? Please let me know in the comments below and share your experience on my instagram or facebook page!
2 Responses
Great content! Keep up the good work!
thank you so much! Glad you liked the post!