Madonie mountain bike tour: Electric bikes, Pollina village

Climb the Madonie on electric power, descend on dirt through centuries-old olive groves

A 3–4 hour electric mountain bike tour of Madonie Park starting near Cefalù, climbing from sea level to about 1,000 meters through the Serra Daino reserve and the ancient village of Pollina, then descending on off-road trails among olive groves and farmhouses back to the coast. The tour includes a guide, helmet, water, and a visit to Pollina's Greek amphitheater overlooking the Madonie massif. Minimum age is 14, and prior mountain bike experience and confidence are required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mountain bike tour in Madonie Park

• Start near Pollina at sea level
• Ride up to 1000 meters altitude
• Visit Serra Daino reserve
• Arrive at Pollina village
• Visit Greek amphitheater in Pollina
• Tour narrow streets of Pollina
• Descend off-road through olive groves
• End tour at seaside village of Finale

The experience

The tour starts near Pollina and climbs from sea level into the Madonie, gaining roughly 1,000 meters as you ride through the Serra Daino reserve on mountain roads and dirt tracks. The landscape shifts from coastal scrub to olive groves and forest as you climb, passing centuries-old farmhouses and wild Sicilian terrain. An expert guide leads the ride and customizes the route based on rider level, mixing mountain roads with off-road sections so the pace fits the group.

Once you reach Pollina, the ancient village sits high above the Madonie massif. You'll visit the Greek amphitheater perched on the ridge and walk through the narrow streets before the descent begins. The return is the adrenaline part: a technical off-road drop through the olive groves back down to Finale on the coast, where the Aeolian Islands frame the view. You ride a Haibike electric mountain bike, which means the climb is powered. The descent and the technical sections are all you.

The tour runs 3 to 4 hours and includes a guide who speaks English or Italian, a helmet, bottled water, and the e-bike itself. Pickup is included. You'll need to be at least 14 and comfortable on a mountain bike: the operator requires prior experience and confidence with the bike before booking. The route is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with cardiovascular concerns, but it suits all fitness levels when you have the bike skills to start.

What’s included

• Expert guide in English or Italian.
• Haibike electric mountain bike with helmet.
• bottled water.
• pickup to the starting point near Pollina.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (14 to 67 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by TUSATROPHY EXCURSIONS

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Italian, so choose this tour if you're comfortable following instruction in one of those languages. The electric motor handles the 1,000-meter climb, which opens the Madonie to riders who want the descent and the technical terrain without the full leg-powered grind uphill, but you still need solid mountain bike skills and prior experience on dirt to book it.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Greek amphitheater in Pollina, and why does the tour stop there?

Pollina's Greek amphitheater is an ancient structure overlooking the Madonie massif, built into the ridge of the village. The tour includes a visit to it as part of a short walk through Pollina's narrow streets, mixing the cultural and historical layer of the ride with the natural landscape you climb through.

How much climbing is involved, and does the electric bike do all of it?

The tour climbs roughly 1,000 meters from sea level to the Pollina area. The Haibike electric mountain bike powers the ascent, so the motor handles the steep work. You ride it but the bike carries much of the load. The descent is unpowered and technical, on off-road trails through the olive groves.

What experience do I need on a mountain bike before booking?

The operator requires a minimum of experience and confidence with mountain bikes. This is not a beginner's introduction to the sport. You need to be comfortable handling a bike on dirt and technical terrain before you start. The guide customizes the route based on rider level, but the baseline skill is non-negotiable.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the starting point, or is pickup included?

Pickup is included with the tour. The ride departs near Pollina, in the Madonie municipality. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to make your own way, but the standard booking includes transport to the start.

What happens if I'm not sure about the off-road descent?

The guide customizes the route based on the group's level and comfort, so the descent can be adjusted. The operator builds the tour to fit the riders present, mixing mountain roads and off-road trails according to what works for everyone. Discuss your skill level and any concerns with the guide before the ride starts.