Syracuse - Targia Pedestrian and Bicycle Path

Nearby: Syrakuzy
Country: Włochy  
Region: 
max 29 m min 17 m
straighten 6.6km
timer 1h 48min
north_east 60m
south_east 71m
Easy - Suitable for everyone, no terrain difficulties
trending_flat  The route runs flat, with no inclines
directions_bike  Bike route
directions_bike  Bike route without motorized traffic
wb_sunny  Route in the sun
accessible_forward  The route is adapted to the needs of disabled people

Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path

This is a fantastic pedestrian and bicycle path along the coast, built on a former railway line, leading from Syracuse to the Targia railway station - from where we can take a train back to Syracuse. The surface of the path is suitable for bicycles, strollers, and bikes with trailers. The entire path is about 6.5 km long.

The history of the path is interesting - after the closure of the railway, there were debates about the area's redevelopment. There were ideas of building a street, a bypass road, or a metro. Ultimately, a competition was announced, and all the winning projects proposed a bicycle path.

Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, information board
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, information board

Starting Point in Syracuse and Viewpoint

The entrance to the path is located in the northern part of Syracuse, at the end of Riviera Dionisio II Grande street and Piazzia Cappuccini roundabout, right next to the monument of Italians who died in Africa. Here, you will find a playground and a magnificent viewpoint overlooking Syracuse and the Ortigia island.

Monument to the Italians who died in Africa in Syracuse
Monument to the Italians who died in Africa in Syracuse
View of Ortigia from the walls near the monument
View of Ortigia from the walls near the monument
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path - starting point in Syracuse
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path - starting point in Syracuse

For a while, as you walk from Syracuse, you will pass through residential areas and blocks, but the further you go, the more remote and wild the terrain becomes. Cows graze in the meadows, and gradually, a fantastic view of Mount Etna emerges.

Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, view of Mount Etna
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, view of Mount Etna
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path - cliffs, initial part of the path
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path - cliffs, initial part of the path
Rocky coast towards the town of Targia with a view of Mount Etna
Rocky coast towards the town of Targia with a view of Mount Etna

Path Carved into the Rock!

Since it used to be an old railway line, the path is wide, flat, and in some places, carved into the rocks! It mainly leads us in the sun, and in summer, it can be challenging to find shade along the route.

Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, path carved into the rocks
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, path carved into the rocks

Cliffs and Rocky Coves

Along the path, there are many descents to the nearby cliffs. There are well-trodden walking paths, benches (near Syracuse), and resting areas. Be careful and watch your step, as there are holes and rocky windows.

Rocky Coast
Rocky Coast
Opuntia cacti growing along the path
Opuntia cacti growing along the path
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path - rocky window
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path - rocky window

Pigeon Water Source

This water source is located one meter above sea level and comes from the top of an ancient extinct volcano. To reach the source, you descend on narrow, steep steps carved into the rocky cliff.

Rocky stairs and approach to the grotto
Rocky stairs and approach to the grotto

The Path is Illuminated at Night

It's nice to take an evening stroll here and enjoy the sunset. However, keep in mind that the further you are from Syracuse, the more likely the lighting may be malfunctioning, and the area becomes more remote.

Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, night view of the path
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, night view of the path
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, night view of the path
Syracuse - Rossana Maiorca Bicycle Path, night view of the path
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