Italy-Sicily-SS113-North Coast
Send download link to:
Sicily North Coast Ride
Messina to Trapani
A three-stage ride that follows the old northern coastal corridor as closely as practical, staying faithful to the rhythm of the Sicilian seafront, fishing towns, Arab-Norman heritage and the last western approach to Trapani.
This ride is built for a relaxed touring pace rather than mountain aggression. The northern Sicilian seaboard keeps changing mood: the Strait light of Messina, the broad views near Milazzo, the shrine and Greek-Roman layers at Tindari, the pottery town of Santo Stefano di Camastra, the monumental seafront arrival at Cefalù, the urban pulse of Palermo, and finally the harbour light of Castellammare del Golfo, the Doric perfection of Segesta and the salt pans outside Trapani.
The route works especially well for riders who want meaningful stops, proper coffee breaks, promenade walks and photography rather than motorway efficiency. In several areas the SS113 passes through living town centres, so patience pays off: the reward is a road that still feels connected to the places it serves.
Nearest airport(s)
Messina start: Catania Fontanarossa (CTA)
Approx. 1 hr 30 min transfer to central Messina
Trapani finish: Trapani–Birgi (TPS)
Approx. 25–35 min from Trapani
Alternative western airport: Palermo (PMO)
Useful if returning from Trapani or beginning from the west
Technical overview
Stage 1: Messina → Capo d’Orlando, approx. 130 km
Stage 2: Capo d’Orlando → Palermo, approx. 145 km
Stage 3: Palermo → Trapani, approx. 94 km direct, or around 109 km depending on the chosen western approach.
Road distance checked against current route references; final mileage can vary slightly with town-centre access, hotel location and optional detours to viewpoints or archaeological stops.
Practical notes
- Expect urban traffic when entering Palermo and around the western coastal belt.
- Ride early to enjoy cleaner light and easier parking in Tindari, Cefalù and Trapani.
- The road rewards frequent short stops rather than one long lunch halt.
- Summer can be hot and busy; spring and early autumn are ideal.
Stage 1 — Messina → Capo d’Orlando · 89 km
Leaving Messina, the ride quickly reaches the Tyrrhenian coast. The route passes Milazzo, the sanctuary promontory of Tindari and finishes along the long seafront of Capo d’Orlando.
Things to see
Hotels
Budget — B&B Del Centro
Booking.comMid-range — Capo Nettuno Hotel
Booking.comPremium — Nettuno Resort
Booking.comStage 2 — Capo d’Orlando → Palermo · 145 km
This stage follows the SS113 through small coastal towns until the historic arrival at Cefalù. After the Norman cathedral square, the road continues through Termini Imerese towards the vibrant capital Palermo.
Hotels
Budget — Hotel Trinacria
Booking.comMid-range — Mercure Palermo Centro
Booking.comPremium — Bastione Spasimo Boutique Hotel
Booking.comStage 3 — Palermo → Trapani · 95 km
The last section follows the western coast through Terrasini and Castellammare del Golfo, then turns inland to the impressive Greek temple of Segesta before reaching the salt pans of Trapani.
Things to see
Hotels
Budget — Hotel Centrale
Booking.comMid-range — Hotel San Michele
Booking.comPremium — Residence La Gancia
Booking.comPOI photo gallery
Wikimedia Commons image set, expanded to 12 photographs and forced with a WordPress-safe wrapper plus Special:FilePath image delivery.
Photo credits: images from Wikimedia Commons (see captions for authors and licenses). Used under CC BY-SA / public domain terms where applicable.
