Exploring the SS116 and SS120: Randazzo to Capo d'Orlando Motorcycle Route

The route begins near the town of Randazzo, located in the northern part of Sicily, Italy, and extends to the coastal town of Capo d'Orlando. Randazzo is a historic town situated at an elevation of approximately 593 meters from the road's starting point, while Capo d'Orlando lies near the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 684 meters from the road's endpoint. The road passes through the Nebrodi mountain range, a significant natural area in Sicily known for its rugged terrain and natural parks. The route covers a total length of approximately 65 kilometers (40.3 miles), ascending from a low elevation of 87 meters (285 feet) to a high point of 1,284 meters (4,213 feet) above sea level. This elevation change includes traversing two mountain passes: Portella dello Zoppo at 1,263.6 meters (4,146 feet) and Portella Mitta at 1,251.5 meters (4,107 feet). An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The route is designated primarily as SS116 and SS120, with the official name Strada statale Randazzo - Capo d'Orlando. It features a predominantly asphalt surface with an overall quality rating of 3.6 out of 5, indicating a generally good but not perfect riding surface. The road is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating of 1.89 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy, offering a balanced mix of straight sections and bends suitable for riders who enjoy some technical riding without extreme challenges.

Most of the road (about 85%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (around 7%) being single-lane sections. The road width is mostly wide (about 86%), with some middle-width sections (11%) and very few narrow parts (1%). Approximately 15.4% of the route passes through inhabited areas, including several settlements and towns such as Randazzo, Capo d'Orlando, and smaller localities along the way. The maximum speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph), reflecting the road's mountain nature and safety considerations.

The route crosses two significant mountain passes in the Nebrodi range. Portella dello Zoppo, at an elevation of 1,263.6 meters (4,146 feet), is the higher of the two and offers riders a notable ascent and descent experience. Shortly after, the road passes Portella Mitta at 1,251.5 meters (4,107 feet). These passes provide a varied elevation profile, with the road climbing from near sea level to over 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), offering riders a combination of mountain riding dynamics and changing landscapes.

The mountain passes are integral to the route's character, providing both technical riding sections and opportunities to experience the natural environment of the Nebrodi mountains. Riders should be prepared for potential weather changes at higher elevations and variable road conditions.

The road passes through several settlements and notable points, including Randazzo and Capo d'Orlando, as well as smaller localities such as Via Libertà, Via Padre Bernardino, Corso Umberto Primo, Contrada San Martino, and others. These areas offer cultural and historical interest, with Randazzo known for its medieval architecture and Capo d'Orlando for its coastal charm.

The route also includes various street segments such as Via Nazionale, Via Giacomo Matteotti, and Corso Umberto I, which provide a glimpse into local life and urban riding conditions. Riders can expect a mix of rural and urban environments, with about 15% of the route passing through inhabited areas.

The road is open year-round, but riders should verify local conditions, especially during winter months when mountain passes may be affected by weather. There are no known tolls or entrance fees on this route, but riders should consult official Italian road authorities for the latest information on tolls and road conditions.

For more detailed route planning and user experiences, motorcyclists can refer to platforms such as Kurviger, Rever, and Wikiloc, which may have user-generated routes and reviews. Additional information about the Nebrodi mountains and the towns along the route can be found on travel and geographic resources.