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The Iblei Loop: from Ragusa to Pantalica and back
The Iblei Loop is an 8-day self-guided cycling tour in south-eastern Sicily that starts and finishes in Ragusa Ibla, with six moderate-to-challenging riding days through the Iblei (Hyblaean) Mountains. The route links the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns of Ragusa, Modica, Noto and Caltagirone with the rock-cut necropolis of Pantalica, the Anapo Valley and quiet hill towns such as Sortino, Buccheri, Vizzini and Chiaramonte Gulfi. Expect dry-stone walls, ancient carob trees and vineyards far from the busy coastal routes.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Ragusa
Arrive independently in Ragusa, one of the late-Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the day in Ragusa Ibla, where the Cathedral of San Giorgio and elegant noble palaces overlook stepped lanes. Overnight in Ragusa.
- Day 2
Ragusa – Modica
46 km · +520 m
After the bike fitting and briefing, you collect your bikes and route notes and leave Ragusa through the Hyblaean countryside, among dry-stone walls, olive groves and farmland. Modica is split between Modica Alta and Modica Bassa and is famous for its cold-worked chocolate. Don't miss the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a masterpiece of Sicilian late Baroque. Overnight in Modica.
- Day 3
Modica – Noto
55 km · +520 mThe day starts with Scicli, less known than Ragusa and Modica but just as captivating, with its Baroque centre and the ornate Palazzo Beneventano. Next comes Ispica, with the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Loggiato del Sinatra. You finish in Noto, the "capital of Baroque", set on a plateau among citrus and almond groves: visit the Cathedral and stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Overnight in Noto.
- Day 4
Noto – Sortino
46 km · +990 m
This is the toughest stage of the tour: you leave the coast behind and climb back up to the Hyblaean plateau through open countryside and woodland clearings. Sortino is a small hill town known for its honey and one of the gateways to the Anapo Valley. The stage suits well-trained cyclists; everyone else should seriously consider an e-bike. Overnight in Sortino.
- Day 5
Sortino – Palazzolo Acreide
46 km · +580 m
The most scenic stage follows the Anapo Valley cycle path along the river, between rocky cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. On request we can arrange a walk to the Pantalica rock necropolis, with more than 5,000 tombs carved into the rock and, together with the valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. You then ride through Ferla and Cassaro to Palazzolo Acreide, the ancient Greek Akrai, with its Hellenistic theatre and Baroque centre. If part of the cycle path is temporarily closed, we provide an alternative route on ordinary roads. Overnight in Palazzolo Acreide.
- Day 6
Palazzolo Acreide – Caltagirone
62 km · +840 m
Today you ride through the heart of the Iblei Mountains, via Buccheri, one of the highest towns in the area, and Vizzini, the setting of Giovanni Verga's "Cavalleria rusticana". Rolling inland scenery leads to Caltagirone, the city of ceramics, famous for the monumental Santa Maria del Monte staircase decorated with colourful majolica tiles. Overnight in Caltagirone.
- Day 7
Caltagirone – Ragusa
59 km · +900 mThe final stage crosses Chiaramonte Gulfi, nicknamed the "balcony of Sicily" for its sweeping views over the Ippari Valley and known for its fine extra virgin olive oil. From there you descend back to Ragusa and close the loop where it began. Overnight in Ragusa.
- Day 8
Ragusa
After breakfast our services end. Arrivederci Sicily!
Tour details
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Tour type
- Self-guided, with navigation app
- Area
- South-east Sicily
- Distance
- 314 km
- Level
- Moderate to challenging
- Departures
- Daily
- Participants
- Minimum 2
- Accommodation
- Choice of two categories: Economy (B&Bs and 3-star hotels) throughout, or Mixed – Economy in Sortino and Caltagirone and Deluxe accommodation in all other towns.
- Meals
- Bed & breakfast
- Bikes
- Gravel bike, Touring bike, E-bike
Prices and services
Prices per person in a double room
| Category | Low season | Mid season | High season |
|---|---|---|---|
| EconomyB&B / 3* hotels | € 1,140 | € 1,210 | € 1,330 |
| MixedB&B and Deluxe | € 1,330 | € 1,415 | € 1,560 |
Seasons
| Season | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Low season | 7 Jan – 27 Mar · 7 Apr – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec | 7 Jan – 21 Mar · 5 Apr – 18 Apr · 3 May – 31 May · 21 Sep – 21 Dec |
| Mid season | 1 Jun – 13 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep | 22 Mar – 4 Apr · 19 Apr – 2 May · 1 Jun – 12 Jul · 25 Aug – 20 Sep |
| High season | 28 Mar – 6 Apr · 14 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan | 13 Jul – 24 Aug · 22 Dec – 6 Jan |
Easter was in high season in 2026 (28 March–6 April); in 2027 Easter and the spring bank holidays fall in mid season.
Included in the price
- 7 nights' accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Trekking or gravel bike rental
- Bike equipment: helmet, lock, pannier bag
- Repair kit: spare inner tube, pump, tyre levers
- Luggage transfer
- Access to our mobile app with preloaded routes, roadbook and practical and tourist information
- Travel insurance (medical and luggage) – see the insurance information
Not included
- Lunches and dinners
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Tourist taxes
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Supplements
| E-bike rental | € 160 |
| August supplement (1–24 August), category A – Economy | € 255 |
| August supplement (1–24 August), category B – Mixed | € 500 |
| Single room | +30% on the base price |
| Solo traveller | € 360 |
| Extra nights and tour extensions | On request |
| Transfers | On request |
Prices are based on a minimum of 2 participants. Travelling alone? The solo traveller supplement applies.
Bikes available for this tour
Gravel bike
Touring bike
E-bikeRoute map
Questions about this tour
How long is the Iblei Loop and how much does it cost?
The tour lasts 8 days and 7 nights, with six riding days. Prices start at €1,140 per person in a double room (Economy category, low season).
Where does the tour start and finish, and how do I get there?
It starts and finishes in Ragusa Ibla, so you return to your starting point. The closest airport is Comiso, about 15 km from Ragusa; Catania is Sicily's main international airport. Transfers can be arranged on request.
How difficult is the Iblei Loop?
It is moderate to challenging: 314 km in six stages of 46–62 km, with climbs of up to +990 m on the Noto – Sortino stage. It suits regular cyclists; if you are less trained, we strongly recommend an e-bike.
When is the best time to go, and are there seasonal supplements?
The tour runs all year round, with low, mid and high season prices. High season covers 14 July–24 August (13 July–24 August in 2027) and 22 December–6 January; Easter week was high season in 2026 (28 March–6 April), while in 2027 Easter and the spring holidays (22 March–4 April and 19 April–2 May) fall in mid season. From 1 to 24 August a supplement of €255 (Economy) or €500 (Mixed) applies.
Which bikes are available? Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes. On this tour you can choose between a trekking (hybrid) bike or a gravel bike, both included in the price, and an e-bike (€160 supplement). Road bikes are not offered on the Iblei Loop.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights with breakfast, bike rental with helmet, lock and pannier bag, a repair kit, daily luggage transfers, health and luggage insurance and our app with GPS routes and roadbook. Lunches, dinners, tourist taxes and airport transfers are not included.
