Catania is a fantastic city for bike tours, thanks to its lively streets, impressive architecture, and proximity to Mount Etna’s volcanic landscape. Whether you’re cruising through historic neighborhoods or exploring rugged trails, biking offers a flexible way to see the city and the surrounding countryside. We particularly like the e-bike tour, which combines relaxed sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide, making it accessible even in the heat of summer. Plus, reaching corners where buses don’t go gives you a true local feel—imagine taking a break at a lively Chioschi and soaking in the Sicilian atmosphere.
This list covers a range of options, from city-focused e-bike tours to rugged mountain rides, including rental options that let you explore independently and guided quad excursions for off-road thrill-seekers. We’ve sorted out the best choices based on reviews, uniqueness, and value, so you can pick a ride that matches your interests and fitness level.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour type: from city e-biking adventures to mountain and gravel biking, plus exciting four-wheel excursions on Mount Etna. Whether you want a guided experience or the freedom of a rental, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
1. Bike tour of Catania by e-bike
This 3.5-hour city tour by e-bike is a superb way to get a quick, rundown of Catania’s highlights. The tour operator offers a relaxed pace, perfect for soaking in sights without exhaustion. The bikes are electric, which means you can tackle hills easily and enjoy a breeze rather than a sweat. Starting from the city center, the guide takes you through notable landmarks and hidden corners, making it ideal for first-timers wanting an authentic feel. Plus, reaching spots buses can’t access gives you a more intimate view of local life.
The guide, Kate, is highly praised for her storytelling—she shares fascinating legends about St. Agatha and the city’s history. Reviewers mention how fun the bikes are and appreciate the tastings included, which add a flavorful touch. The tour has a perfect 5.0 rating from six reviews, with visitors emphasizing how safe and friendly Kate makes everyone feel. For those interested, check out the full experience here.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an engaging, flexible way to see Catania with a knowledgeable guide, especially in hot weather.
2. Catania: Electric Bike Rental
For travelers craving independence, the Catania electric bike rental is an excellent choice. This one-day rental allows you to explore at your own pace, whether along the coast, up into the mountains, or around the city’s historic streets. Helmets and basic fixing kits are included, so you’re ready to ride with minimal fuss.
The rental is flexible, letting you choose tried-and-true trails, or venture onto new paths around Sicily. Imagine pedaling past the vibrant markets, or riding up to scenic viewpoints overlooking Mount Etna. It’s ideal for active travelers who want to create their own itinerary without the constraints of a guided tour. Perfect for families or independent explorers, you can stop whenever an exciting view or local café calls your name. You can also customize your route to suit your fitness level and interests.
This option is especially valuable if you want a full day of exploration, combining city sights with mountain vistas. Keep in mind, availability depends on the day, so check ahead for times that fit your schedule.
Bottom Line: Great for confident cyclists seeking total freedom to explore Catania and beyond on their own terms.
3. Catania: Gravel Bike Rental And Ride On Island Routes
If you’re into mountain biking or gravel riding, this one-day rental and ride offers a chance to hit Sicily’s diverse terrain. Using high-end gravel bikes, you can follow established trails or carve out new routes across mountain tracks and dirt paths. The physical challenge and scenic variety make it ideal for biking enthusiasts or adventurous travelers.
What makes this tour stand out is the quality of bikes and the freedom to choose your route. Feel the thrill of pedaling past rugged volcanic landscapes, with the option to focus on coastal views or mountain vistas. This flexibility lets you tailor the experience to your ability and interests, while the well-maintained bikes ensure comfort and safety.
It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable on uneven terrain, looking for a more rugged biking experience. Plus, you’ll get a genuine Sicilian adventure, away from crowded tourist spots—perfect for those who want to combine fitness with exploration.
Bottom Line: A top pick for experienced bikers wanting a self-guided ride through Sicily’s scenic mountain and coastal routes.
4. Etna: Guided Quad Bike Tour
For those who prefer four wheels over two, the guided quad bike tour on Mount Etna offers a dynamic off-road experience. Starting at Bar Ristorante Crateri Silvestri, your group will navigate volcanic terrain, lava caves, and black sand beaches, all while feeling the rush of controlling your own quad. The tour lasts around 1.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure.
Safety gear—windbreakers, gloves, helmets—is provided, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions. The guides are experienced, sharing insights about the volcano’s past eruptions and geological features. Travelling through the Silvestri Craters area, you’ll see formations from ancient flows and get close to the area’s unique flora and fauna.
Reviewers mention the exhilaration of riding on Etna’s volcanic landscape, and the stops at pagghiaru-style homes add cultural flavor. This tour is perfect for small groups or families looking for a quick, active thrill with a touch of local heritage.
Bottom Line: An exhilarating off-road experience for adventure lovers keen to explore Etna’s volcanic scenery from the seat of a quad.
5. Etna: Mountain Bike or E-Bike Tour on Mount Etna
This 2-hour MTB or e-bike tour offers an active way to explore Mount Etna’s wild side. Starting from Piano Vetore, you’ll ride through forests and lava flows along the Altomontana Trail on the southern side of the volcano. A professional guide tailors the pace to your ability, making it accessible for most riders.
What sets this ride apart is the focus on nature and volcanic landscapes. You’ll see trails rarely used by travelers, such as ancient lava flows and lush woods, giving a sense of true wilderness. The guide’s attention to safety and your comfort makes this suitable for intermediate riders who want a real outdoor adventure without the crowds.
At just around 2 hours, it’s a good choice for travelers with limited time, but still eager to experience Etna’s rugged beauty. The experience emphasizes ecological and geological features, making it educational as well as exciting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers interested in exploring Etna’s volcanic terrain on a guided mountain bike ride.
6. Mount Etna: electric mountain Bike Rental
For a full day of exploring Mount Etna at your own pace, the electric mountain bike rental is hard to beat. Starting from the Volcanic Myetna Street Food area, you can cycle around the coast or up toward the volcano itself. The high-quality bikes are designed for comfort, making long rides manageable even on uneven terrain.
With this option, you will see the scenic coastlines, local architecture, and the imposing summit of Mount Etna. The flexibility allows you to plan your route, whether you want a leisurely ride or a more challenging ascent. The breeze and scenery are invigorating, especially during the warm Sicilian days.
Ideal for independent travelers comfortable on mountain bikes, this rental provides the tools to craft your own adventure. You can extend your exploration to include a visit to nearby towns or scenic viewpoints.
Bottom Line: Perfect for self-sufficient explorers who want a full day of biking with the freedom to choose their route.
How to Choose the Right Bike Tour in Catania
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you prefer guided storytelling and city sights, the e-bike city tour is a safe bet. For independent explorers, renting an electric bike or mountain bike provides freedom and flexibility.
Adventurers wanting rugged terrain might prefer the gravel bike tour or the quad bike on Etna. The guided quad is especially suited for thrill-seekers who want a quick but memorable off-road experience. Meanwhile, the mountain bike tour is excellent for those looking to combine hiking-like exploration with biking.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time and equipment. Also, consider the difficulty level of each tour and your own fitness—some routes demand more stamina than others.
Final Thoughts
Catania offers a wide array of bike experiences that cater to different tastes and levels of adventure. For a relaxed but informative introduction, the e-bike city tour is a standout. For those wanting independence, a bike rental opens up endless possibilities. The rugged side of Sicily comes alive on mountain and gravel bike tours, while thrill-seekers will love the guided quad trip on Mount Etna.
No matter your choice, booking in advance will ensure a smooth experience. Whether you want to pedal through city streets, scale volcanic trails, or zip across lava fields, there’s a bike tour in Catania waiting to make your trip truly memorable.
