Madonie circuit: Targa Florio area near Palermo

Route details

151 km long round trip through the hinterland of Palermo, over historic Targa Florio sections and through the Madonie mountains with their original mountain villages.

This round trip leads from Palermo into the Sicilian hinterland, touching on shares of the legendary Targa Florio race track, which was one of the most demanding motorsport events in the world from 1906 to 1977. The Circuito Piccolo delle Madonie, which was raced from 1932, ran via Cerda, among other places - a Waypoint on this Tour.

The Route starts at Via Messina Marine in Palermo and initially heads south across the coastal plain. The interesting part begins at Cerda: the village is located at an altitude of around 280 meters and served as a passing point for the historic race route. From here, the route continues to Montemaggiore Belsito, which lies at an altitude of around 517 meters and is known as the 'gateway to the Madonie'. With its 17th century Basilica of Sant'Agata and the surrounding Bosco della Favara and Bosco Granza nature reserves, the village makes a worthwhile stopover.

The southernmost point of the Tourer is Alia at an altitude of 740 meters. The place name comes from the Arabic 'Alyah' (high). Nearby is the Grotte della Gurfa, a prehistoric cave complex from the Bronze Age with the largest tholos structure in the Mediterranean - an unusual cultural highlight off the beaten track.

The return journey runs via Monte Carrozza near Baucina and the Fiume Milicia near Casteldaccia back to Palermo. This section offers varying terrain between hilly farmland and wooded slopes.

The road surface is typically Sicilian: mainly asphalted, but with patches, cracks and uneven sections in places. The side roads are often narrow and have no central reservation. Hairpin bends and tight curves characterize the mountain passages in particular. Traffic is light outside of Palermo; agricultural vehicles are to be expected in the villages.

The Tour is suitable for riders with solid cornering technique. The continuous changes of direction on the Mountain roads require concentration. Petrol stations are available in the villages, but you should plan for distances of 30-40 km without a supply point. Best time to travel: Spring or fall, when the temperatures are moderate and the landscape is green.