If you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience even in winter, don’t miss the opportunity for a cycling vacation in a destination that makes you forget the crisp air and gray skies.
Sicily, Türkiye and Jordan are destinations where you can admire spectacular landscapes, benefit from the sea air, discover new mountains, ancient cities, and deserts.
These are places to immerse yourself in culture and history, visit archaeological sites, museums, churches, and mosques. You savor the local cuisine, rich in flavor and color, and get to know the friendly and welcoming locals. A winter biking vacation is the perfect choice for those who want to experience an offbeat adventure while enjoying mild weather.
Sicily: an island to discover by bicycle
Sicily reveals its charm even in the winter months. With a mild climate and low-traffic roads, it becomes a paradise for bicycle enthusiasts. From the route along the Via dei Tramonti, which encompasses the west coast from Trapani to Selinunte, to the more demanding challenges of the Ciclovia dei Parchi, through the spectacular parks of Etna, Nebrodi and Madonie, Sicily offers variety for all cyclists.
For those who prefer the hinterland, the Sicily Divide represents a 450-kilometer experience through a rural Sicily with authentic and remote charm.
For lovers of climbs, the ascent of Monte Pellegrino near Palermo offers breathtaking views. While the Peloritan ridge offers exciting trails for mountain bikers.
To decide which routes to ride, based on training, elevation gain and personal interests, you can download the Bikeitalia ebooks Sicily by Bicycle: sport and adventure or Sicily by Bicycle: art and culture (please notice: the ebook are in Italian).
Türkiye: a journey through history and nature
Türkiye , with its vast territory and position as a crossroads between East and West, offers outstanding cycling routes. EuroVelo 8, which connects Pergamum to Ephesus through 500 km of history and breathtaking landscapes, is a journey through time from ancient Greece to modernity.
The Thracian Way, stretching from Edirne – the second capital of the Ottoman Empire – to Istanbul, traverses the lush region of Thrace, offering a spectacle of unique forests, woodlands, and landscapes.
If the desire is to vacation by crystal clear sea, start from Antalya, the tourist capital of Türkiye, to discover the rich history and natural beauty of the Pamphylia region. Along the route, which winds 500 km along the Mediterranean coast, we encounter the ancient city of Side, once an important trading port. This route can be done by bicycle, following low-traffic roads and designated bike paths.
Giordania: tra rovine archeologiche e riserve naturali
Jordan welcomes cycling enthusiasts with the Jordan Bike Trail, a route of 730 km that crosses the country from north to south. With 20,000 meters of elevation gain, the route touches archaeological ruins, nature reserves, hospitable villages and the desert. From Um Qais to the port of Aqaba, crossing hills, spectacular canyons, and iconic landscapes such as Petra and Wadi Rum, this trail offers a true cycling adventure.
The site of the Jordan Bike Trailprovides detailed information on difficulty, distances, ride times and places of interest along the trail. Cyclists can choose from a variety of options, ranging from autonomous to logistically supported adventures.
Winter, nonetheless, can become the perfect season for exploring these destinations by bicycle. Sicily, Türkiye and Jordan offer unique routes that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of their landscapes, the richness of their history and the warm hospitality of their people. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or an avid rider, these destinations promise an unforgettable experience on the saddle.