5.0
(4)
246
riders
16
rides
Road cycling routes around Poggioreale, located in the Belice Valley of western Sicily, traverse a hilly landscape characterized by agricultural areas, vineyards, and olive groves. The region offers varied terrain suitable for road cycling, with routes often passing through historical sites. The area presents a blend of poignant history and natural features, including the ruins of Poggioreale Vecchia.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
5.0
(1)
4
riders
48.0km
02:31
720m
720m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
101
riders
96.8km
05:24
1,830m
1,830m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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16
riders
183km
10:02
3,220m
3,220m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
127km
05:56
1,520m
1,520m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
130km
06:14
1,700m
1,700m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Starting just outside the town of San Giuseppe Jato, this stretch of provincial road 20 climbs up to the picturesque Portella della Paglia pass, in a succession of hairpin bends and breathtaking views. The surface isn't perfect, but you can pedal safely even on a small section of landslide, which is well-marked. Tackled in autumn/winter, it almost feels like you're not in Sicily.
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Located at the end of Corso Calatafimi and the road to Monreale, it is one of the four historic entrance gates to the city of Palermo, perhaps the most important.
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At certain times it can be busy, even with heavy vehicles.
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A village uninhabited for decades, ever since the entire population was relocated en masse to a brand-new town. Three thousand people, the exodus of survivors of the 1968 earthquake that destroyed entire towns in the provinces of Trapani and Agrigento. Today, only façades remain, baroque railings, old majolica tiles, a tangle of houses leaning against the bell tower of the main church, and stairways that look like they were cut out with scissors on a sheet of paper. Before the earthquake, Poggioreale was a delightful baroque village, with noble palaces, the square with the club, the inn, and everything else. The ruins bear witness to a tragedy from 40 years ago: fear, escape, separation. A place that, due to its beauty and the evocative atmosphere it evokes, has been the setting for numerous famous films: it is here that Tornatore filmed some scenes from Malena and The Star Man. An island out of time, with the hands of the clock stopped on the terrible night of January 15, 1968.
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Piazza 15 gennaio 1968 is the main square of the city of Gibellina, dedicated to the tragedy that struck it on the night between 14 and 15 January 1968 with a terrible earthquake.
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The concrete walls "reproduce" the route of the old streets that once crossed Gibellina. https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cretto_di_Burri
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Self-portrait with his faithful "companion" along the streets of the Cretto. https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cretto_di_Burri
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More images of the beautiful Cretto taken from below. https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cretto_di_Burri
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There are over 10 road cycling routes around Poggioreale, offering a variety of experiences through the Belice Valley. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars.
The terrain around Poggioreale is predominantly hilly, characterized by agricultural areas, vineyards, and olive groves. You'll encounter varied elevation changes, from moderate climbs to more challenging ascents, providing a rewarding experience for road cyclists.
Yes, the routes around Poggioreale cater to various skill levels. While the majority are considered difficult, there are also moderate options like the Climb to the cretto of Ghibellina at the ruins of Poggio Reale, which is a 29.8-mile ride with significant elevation gain, suitable for those looking for a balanced challenge.
The region is rich in history. You can cycle past the poignant ruins of Poggioreale Vecchia, a ghost town frozen in time after the 1968 earthquake. Another unique site is the Cretto di Burri, a monumental land art installation near Gibellina that covers the ruins of another earthquake-destroyed town.
Yes, several routes offer a circular experience, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the challenging Ruins of Old Salaparuta – Sambuca di Sicilia loop from Villaggio Trieste is a 64.4-mile path that takes you through rural Sicilian landscapes.
The road cycling routes in Poggioreale are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique blend of historical sites, such as the ruins of Poggioreale Vecchia, and the picturesque agricultural landscapes of the Belice Valley.
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Sicily, including Poggioreale. The temperatures are milder than the hot summer months, and the landscapes are vibrant, making for a more enjoyable ride through the hilly terrain and agricultural fields.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Ruins of Old Salaparuta – Cretto di Burri loop from Castellammare del Golfo offer a demanding 64.5-mile journey with extensive climbing, often taking over 5 hours to complete.
While specific cafes are not detailed for every route, the routes often pass through or near small towns and agricultural areas where you can find local establishments. The region is known for its vineyards and olive groves, suggesting opportunities to experience local Sicilian hospitality and cuisine.
Many routes originate from or pass through towns and villages where parking facilities are typically available. For routes starting from specific locations like Villaggio Trieste or Castellammare del Golfo, you can usually find parking options suitable for accessing the cycling paths.
Beyond the historical sites, the Belice Valley itself offers picturesque landscapes with vineyards, olive groves, and fields of melons. The hilly terrain provides numerous viewpoints overlooking the authentic, non-touristic side of Sicily, with striking contrasts between overgrown ruins and vibrant agricultural scenery.


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