The stage starts in central Catania and soon works its way south out of the busy city. After the first kilometres by the harbour and along La Plaia, the route becomes flat and exposed. Beyond the airport, fields, drainage channels and the mouth of the Simeto shape the ride; this section is more about wind, heat and open space than classic sightseeing. Through Vaccarizzo and Agnone Bagni, the sea stays close at several points before the route turns quieter inland. Around Priolo, an industrial stretch becomes part of the day — not pretty, but characteristic for this part of the coast. The finish is Siracusa: pale limestone streets, ancient sites nearby and Ortigia as the clear endpoint after a long, direct coastal stage.
