12 Italian Island Spots With Spectacular Views
We asked our bike tour guides Gabriel del Rossi and Renato Matta to share their favorite places to catch the best views on Italy’s scenic islands while on tour. These guys live year-round in Sicily and Sardinia—and know Corsica like their native islands—so they know what they’re talking about.
La Scalinata (stairway) in Caltagirone. Since our La Bella Sicilia trip begins in wonderful Caltagirone, we never miss the view looking up at the Scalinata Santa Maria del Monte. Built in 1608, the 142-step staircase is made from thousands of ceramic tiles, one design per step. It’s a fitting tribute to a city known for its design and production of ceramics and terracotta sculptures.
Photo by Giorio Leggio
San Giorgio Cathedral in Ragusa. Ragusa’s pride and joy is the mid-18th century cathedral with a magnificent neoclassical dome and stained-glass windows gallantly sitting at the top of the sloping Piazza del Duomo. One of Rosario Gagliardi’s finest accomplishments, its extravagant convex facade rises like a three-tiered wedding cake, supported by gradually narrowing Corinthian columns and punctuated by jutting cornices.
Photo by Mirko Chessari
The sea view at Marina di Ragusa. The local sea waters around Marina di Ragusa are usually crystal clear and calm. We always take a moment to stop, take in the views, relax–and maybe swim!
The port at Siracusa. This 2,700-year-old port played a key role in ancient times, when Syracuse was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. Syracuse is located in the southeast corner of the island of Sicily, next to the Gulf of Syracuse, close to the Ionian Sea.
The surface of Etna during our hike. We know you’ve signed on for a bike tour of Sicily, but the hike up Etna is not to be missed! Mount Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe outside the Caucasus. It’s currently 10,922 feet high, though this varies with summit eruptions. Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world as it’s in a constant state of activity. It’s the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps. Views to die for.
Photo: Renato Matta
Costa del Sud is one of southern Sardinia’s most beautiful coastal stretches. We ride along this stunning road that dips and twists its way along the rocky coastline. Paradise!
Photo: Renato Matta
Emidio Oggianu Winery, Bosa. Views of the vineyards from a special winery that produces the wonderful Malvasia wine is a highlight. Emidio, a passionate winemaker in his eighties, has dedicated his life to cultivating and passing on the ancient art, technique, and production of this noble wine.
Photo: Renata Matta
S’archittu “”the little arch,”” is a small, recreational coastal area near Oristano. This natural arch area and beach offers one of the best views on our Savor Sardinia trip.
Corsica
The dazzling port town Bonifacio. The marina, the citadel and old town, and the views across the harbor and surrounding cliffs are absolute highlights of our visit to this town (days 5 & 6 of our Mediterranean Island Hopping trip), but it is the atmosphere and Mediterranean feel that’ll stay with you.
Climbing up to Sartène, ancient capital of Corsica. The tall fortified houses give a mysterious feel to Sartène when as we approach the town. This southern Corsican village has a rich history. It offers a much more convincing glimpse of how life was once lived in rural Corsica than any of the island’s more well-heeled towns.
Cycling through Les Calanques. The road between Piana and Porto along the stunning Calanques is one of the most impressive, stunning cycling routes in all of Europe. Extending over several kilometers, the calanche (calanques in French) are a series of red rocks and cliffs that plunge up to 300 meters into the Mediterranean below.
Cow, pig and goat sightings on the isle of Corsica. Big and small wild pigs are known to appear here and there. Cows on the beach and goats crossing the road are not unfamiliar scenes as we cycle around the island of Corsica.
No kidding, folks–this is for real!
To learn more about our Sicily bike tour check out:
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And, for Sardinia and Corsica bike tours:
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