Cycling in Syracuse, Sicily — The Rossana Maiorca Bike Path

Most visitors to Syracuse don't realise that the city has one of the most developed cycling networks in Sicily. The route combines the Rossana Maiorca Coastal Bike Path, stretching approximately 7km along the seafront, with a 15km urban cycling connection — totalling around 22km that covers all the main areas of interest in the city.

The Rossana Maiorca path is a hidden gem: largely unknown to tourists, it runs along a disused coastal railway line and offers some of the most spectacular sea views in eastern Sicily. In this article we'll guide you through the lesser-known highlights along the route — enough to fill a full day — and finish with a recommendation for the best local e-bike and scooter rental in Syracuse.

The route below runs from the outskirts towards the city centre, but can of course be cycled in either direction.

What You'll Find Along the Route

The Tonnara — Ancient Tuna Factory

Our route starts near the old railway station of Santa Panagia, beside the ruins of an ancient tonnara — a facility historically dedicated to the fishing and processing of bluefin tuna. This activity shaped the economy and coastal culture of Sicily for centuries. Perched dramatically above the sea, the site today stands as an evocative ruin, perfectly integrated into the wild coastal landscape between Syracuse and Targia. Its austere beauty and direct connection to the island's maritime history make it a compelling first stop.

Scoglio "Rù Frati" — The Monks' Rock

One of the most iconic landmarks on the Syracuse coastline, the Rù Frati rock sits in a stretch where the coast becomes rugged and unspoiled, offering a striking contrast between the deep blue of the Ionian Sea and the white limestone cliffs typical of this territory. Near the rock you'll find a natural solarium — flat rocks perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear water. Don't miss it.

Monument to the Fallen of Africa

This marks the end of the Rossana Maiorca Bike Path. Designed in 1938 by sculptor Romano Romanelli, the monument is a remarkable example of Italian Rationalist architecture. Its structure evokes the prow of a ship thrusting towards the sea, decorated with Carrara marble bas-reliefs and six bronze statues representing the military units and indigenous troops of the African campaigns.

Latomia dei Cappuccini

Just a short distance from the monument, the Latomia dei Cappuccini is one of the most historically significant sites in all of Syracuse. Originally a stone quarry dating back to the 6th century BC, it provided much of the material used to build the Greek city. The site gained tragic fame as a prison during the Athenian expedition against Syracuse in 413 BC, when thousands of Athenian prisoners were reportedly held in its caves. In the 16th century the Capuchin friars transformed the quarry into a lush cultivated garden, exploiting its naturally sheltered microclimate — the result is a fascinating contrast between sheer white rock walls and dense Mediterranean vegetation.

Getting Around — Our Recommendation: GreenRent

For exploring the bike path and the city sustainably, we recommend GreenRent — Syracuse's leading eco-friendly rental service for electric bikes, electric scooters and SUP boards. Founded on the belief that sustainable mobility should be accessible and enjoyable, GreenRent makes it easy to cover long distances without effort, reduce your environmental impact, and discover parts of Syracuse that most visitors never reach.

In our next article we'll cover the sea platforms along the coast and the best spots to swim in Syracuse.