The Syracuse Bicycle Pathway, A Trekking Adventure In Nature

The Syracuse Bicycle Pathway, A Trekking Adventure In Nature
Giuseppe
Giuseppe 
Updated
| 3 min read

The city of Syracuse, on Italy’s island of Sicily, consists of Ortygia Island and the mainland. In the mainland area we can find one of the most beautiful nature pathways that Syracuse can offer. Known for being a great bicycle pathway, this journey through nature is along a 7-km (4.3-mile) road that you can experience both by foot and bicycle. The main entrance is close to the War Memorial, a beautiful spot where you can enjoy a great view of Ortygia’s landscape.

Enjoy the view from Syracuse War Memorial, and get ready for a wonderful journey

the syracuse bicycle pathway, a trekking adventure in nature | enjoy the view from syracuse war memorial, and get ready for a wonderful journey

Syracuse War Memorial is a monument in honor of Italian soldiers who fell during the Italian military campaign in Eastern Africa in 1935 and 1936. This monument is located in a special spot where you can enjoy an incredible view of the sea and Ortygia Island. Here, especially during summer sunsets, orange, purple, and various tones of blue make a beautiful sky panorama. At War Memorial Square you can also find a bar where you can sit and refresh on your way back from the excursion.

Take a minute to admire stunning natural landscapes

the syracuse bicycle pathway, a trekking adventure in nature | take a minute to admire stunning natural landscapes

After going just a few steps (or a short pedal) along the pathway, you will be surprised by the abundance of nature.

The Mediterranean scrub does not wait to be planted by humans, instead growing wildly everywhere. Nature is so wild here that fig plants grow even on the rocks. You will enjoy a wide variety of flowers, grasses, and the common prickly pear that grows almost everywhere in Syracuse.

After a few meters the pathway split into two different trails. The main trail is recommended for runners and bikers because it is faster and straighter. The second is a dirt track that goes close to the edge of a cliff facing the sea. It is more adventurous and it also takes more time to complete.

Don’t miss the the "Two Brothers Rocks"

the syracuse bicycle pathway, a trekking adventure in nature | don’t miss the the "two brothers rocks"

Approximately halfway, you will find the Two Brothers Rocks (Scoglio Due Fratelli) and a solarium. A few years ago, Syracuse’s government built a free-entrance wooden solarium facing these two rocks, where you can lay your beach towel and bathe in the sea.

This seaside spot is called the “Two Brothers Rocks” by local citizens because of the rocks’ similar shapes and their close proximity, making them look like two brothers. This seaside place represents a special spot in Syracuse because it is almost the only place in the city area where you can bathe far enough from Ortygia Harbor, where the water is not so clean.

The end of the pathway and the tunny fishing net

the syracuse bicycle pathway, a trekking adventure in nature | the end of the pathway and the tunny fishing net

Once you have left the “Two Brothers Rocks” and the solarium, continue your journey through nature, getting closer to one of the favorite seaside spots for Syracuse’s sport climbers. Along the bicycle pathway coast there are lots of sea caves that are appropriate for climbing and practicing deep-water solo diving.

Close to the end of the bicycle pathway you will find disused tunny fishing nets, dating back to the 12th century and renovated after the earthquake of the 17th century. Tunny-fishing nets were where old Sicilian fishermen used to practice the mattanza, a traditional way to capture red tunnies. This old fishing way was abandoned in the 1950s in favor of using modern radars, which allow fishermen to capture the red tunnies before they get close to the coasts.

The old nets are now reused in different ways. They are under renovation and are going to be turned in a museum about the relations between man and the sea.

This little bay that you can see in picture is also a good spot where you can bathe in the sea and admire the opulence of nature that grows freely all around.

Don't miss this natural trekking experience in the city of Syracuse

The bicycle pathway is a great chance for visitors to have a natural trekking adventure without going too far from the city. Moreover, at the “Two Brothers Rocks” solarium you will find one of the best spots to enjoy bathing in Syracuse in an attractive sea landscape.

Near the main entrance to the trail, you can also find bars, restaurants, and historical sites, such as an antique stone quarry called Latomie dei Cappuccini and the Convent of Capuchins.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Meet Giuseppe, an Italian musician and avid traveler. Born in Sicily, he soaked in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes before moving to Rome at 17 to pursue Jazz music studies, culminating...Read more

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