Ride Sardinia from Coast to Coast

The Magic Island of Sardinia in the Center of the Mediterranean

Sardinia is an other-worldly island in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. For centuries, it has remained one of the most isolated areas in all of Europe, retaining many of its ancient and even pre-Roman customs. A clear testament to this is that the Sardinian language is universally recognized as the closest living relative to Ancient Latin. Despite its isolation, Sardinia is by no means small; it’s actually the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. Famous travelers who have explored Sardinia describe it as a land that seems more like a continent in its own right, given the diverse variety of landscapes in each region and the many smaller satellite islands that surround it.

Discover the Wonders of Sardinia

Today, Sardinia is famous for its wonderful beaches and turquoise sea, yet there is much more to discover. The island has a coast of about 1,180 miles, but most of the island is hilly and wild, even along the coast. It features a central mountain range with many road passes at about 1,000 meters above sea level (3,280 ft). It’s a terrain of unhinged riding, and the last edition (in 2011) of Sardinia’s pro-cycling race, Giro di Sardegna, was won by Sagan!

A Rich Historical Tapestry

Sardinia boasts a primeval and unique history, marked by the emergence of a megalithic culture known as the Nuragic Civilization. This culture endured from the Bronze Age up to the Roman invasion. Today, you can see about 7,000 Bronze Age towers, known as Nuraghe, that dot the landscape of the island. Additionally, there are temples devoted to water rituals and megalithic tombs. Some of these structures are still massive and truly worth a visit.

Perfect Destination for Cycling Enthusiasts

Explore the island’s hidden gems on two wheels with our cycling tour in Sardinia. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just enjoy leisurely rides, our tours cater to all levels and offer an unforgettable adventure. Discover why Sardinia is a top destination for cycling enthusiasts, featuring challenging terrains, scenic routes, and a rich cultural backdrop.

Book Your Bike Tour in Sardinia

Don't miss the chance to join our Sardinia Blue Zone-inspired cycling tour, where you can delve into the secrets of longevity and wellness unique to this region. Embark on a journey through history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes.

Discover the magic of cycling in Sardinia and experience an adventure that will stay with you forever. Secure your spot today and pedal through the breathtaking landscapes of this Mediterranean paradise.

Highlights

The coral coast and Capo Caccia Bay
Alghero's old town and marina
Ride the fantastic coastal road from Alghero to Bosa
Bosa, the medieval town along the river
Excellent wine and seafood
Cabras lagoon and bottarga (mullet roe): the "Gold of Cabras"
Visit the Bronze Age site of Santa Cristina with its unique water temple
Ride across the primordial Gennargentu Mountain Range
Orgosolo, the painted village, famous for its murals rich with social commentary
Tharros ruins on the Sinis peninsula
Fantastic ride over Genna Silana Pass
Day cruise sailing along the limestone coast: Cala Luna, Cala Goloritze

Dates:

Prices:

USD 5,195

Private room (single supplement) USD 695

Duration:

8 days (7 nights)

Level:

Athletic

Share with others:

Request a Tour Summary

The route and the scenery were exceptional!
And the boat trip was a very special way to end the trip.

Although Sardinia is not the easiest island to access, it is well worth the effort!

Tom B. Sardinia Coast to Coast

[fa icon="quote-right"]

Day by Day

[fa icon="plus"] Day 1

Alghero - 25 miles - Rolling

Our guides welcome you at the airport and will accompany you to Alghero. Alghero is a coastal tourist town with Catalan influence. Host of the 2017 Giro d'Italia Grand Start, a demonstration of its strong passion for cycling by welcoming the famous pink race with great enthusiasm.

After a quick lunch and tour overview, we will check the bikes together to make sure that they are fitted to your liking. Our first ride takes us to Porto Conte and back. It’s an area of extraordinary naturalistic value and amazing beauty set on a natural bay where strips of white sand are embraced by an enormous green expanse that continues to exert a wild, almost primordial fascination.

We will also visit the historic and characteristically Catalan center of Alghero, passing through the narrow streets or along the bastion right in front of the sea.

Overnight stay at Hotel Calabona, a four-star hotel with a small private beach and a pool.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 2

Alghero - Tresnuraghes - 38 miles - Hilly

Take your time and enjoy the morning’s view as the beauty of this mountainous island kisses the sea - you're actually cycling right between the sea and mountains! The coastal road heading South offers the best cycling in the area. This route crosses through a nature reserve famous for its eagles and massive “griffone” vultures which can have wingspans up to 2.8 meters (1.19 ft). We'll follow a minor road along a serene and hilly countryside toward Bosa, a beautiful village built along the Temo River and close to the beach. This is our lunch stop after 30 mls. We’ll take time to explore this fascinating town before enjoying the local food. After lunch, we will ride a little bit more along the coast and then inland to reach the small village of Tresnuraghes, on the hills through quiet roads and Malvasia vineyards.

Our hotel is a charming villa where hospitality and great food are unparalleled.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 3

Tresnuraghes - Cabras - 45 miles - Hilly

From Tresnuraghes the landscape becomes hilly with passes through small villages and oak forests scattered with dark basalt ridges. We are riding on the slopes of the venerable and extinct Montiferru Volcano.

After about 7 mls we pass by Cuglieri village and soon after we reach the first regroup on the waterfront of Sa’ Archittu. We continue south to reach San Giovanni di Sinis and to admire the ancient settlement of Tharros at the tip of the Peninsula. We suggest taking a short hike to the watch tower to admire this stunning site.

Since Roman times, Sardinians have traditionally avoided living by the sea due to pirate raids. Despite this, the island boasts many beautiful beaches and the Sinis Peninsula is a perfect example.

Cabras is a fishing village next to a large lagoon, famous for its delicious seafood and Bottarga (the Gold of Cabras, the caviar of Sardinia, mullet roe).

[fa icon="plus"] Day 4

Cabras - Aritzo - 41 miles - Mountains

Today’s ride brings us farther inland to discover the most authentic parts of Sardinia. We’ll start with a short transfer from Cabras to the archeological site of Santa Cristina, one of the most important symbols of Nuragic Civilization. It contains a Sacred Well that was dedicated to the cult of water.

We’ll continue riding the basalt plateau, up to Lake Omodeo, and then climbing into the Mandrolisai Hills on the west side of Gennargentu Mountain Range. After about 23 mls we reach the village of Ortueri for a coffee stop. Between there and Sorgono (our lunch stop), there is an optional visit to the dolmen site in the countryside. Along the way, we’ll feel quite removed from civilization for long stretches due to the absence of traffic and to being surrounded only by serene and verdant nature. From Sorgono we have a last push of 2.5 mls, a steady climb which will bring us to the highest point of today’s ride, “Passo Isca sa mela," 3,100 ft asl. Shortly after the pass, we can enjoy a well-deserved coffee break in the mountain village of Tonara. From Tonara, a long descent leads us through the chestnut woods to the town of Belvì and then uphill to our hotel nestled among the trees. There will be time to check-out Aritzo (optional) and the hotel offers a swimming pool, sports massage by reservation.

A traditional dinner will be served at the hotel and that will conclude another memorable day.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 5

Aritzo - Gennargentu - Oliena - 50 or 59 miles - Mountains

Today begins with a nice descent to Belvì and then up to Desulo and from here up to the Tascusì pass at 4,000 ft asl. The first part of the climb will be gradual, but after the town of Desulo it will become more demanding until the peak, totaling 8 mls and 2,300 ft of ascent. The effort, however, will be rewarded by a majestic view.

After about 25 mls, we reach the town of Fonni (regroup). It’s an area famous for its ancestral masks and full-bodied red wine, the acclaimed Cannonau. We continue towards the town of Orgosolo, the heart of the Barbaricinian culture and the notorious center of banditry, a phenomenon which raged through these mountains from the end of the 19th century until the 1970s. Look out for political and social paintings that can be found on walls all over Orgosolo and reflect different aspects of Sardinia's political struggles but also deal with international issues.

Oliena is a town located at the foot of the most suggestive limestone massif on the whole island, Mount Corrasi. Breathtaking panorama! After passing Oliena the last few miles that separate us from our agriturismo are rolling. An agriturismo could be the ultimate “experience” to understand Sardinian hospitality and you will immediately understand why.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 6

Oliena - Santa Maria Navarrese - 42 mls - Mountains

Today we ride from the limestone mountains to the blue sea. In fact, the last ride will be along one of the most spectacular roads in Sardinia. From the hotel we start rolling towards Dorgali. This first part of the climb is the most steep, but after a good coffee at the local pub on the way up to Genna Silana it’s long and gentle with a stunning view of the Flumineddu Valley. This valley is famous for the production of Nepente wine, a variety of Cannonau that gets its unique flavor from the microclimate of the valley. Along the climb we will enjoy the view of the Gorropu Canyon, the highest canyon in Europe with cliffs more than 1,315 ft high. A stop to take a memorable photo is definitely worth it.

After the climb we can revive our legs by having lunch at the summit’s coffee bar, right on the route of the Giro d’Italia’s KOM. We’ll get ready for the long descent towards Baunei. The ride approaching the town of Baunei is a fun, rolling road through a pristine, unspoiled environment, full of wildlife and dramatic panoramas. After Baunei, we have one last adrenaline-filled downhill towards the sea and onto the beach where we can celebrate the ending of our unforgettable adventure in Sardinia.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 7

Santa Maria Navarrese - Selvaggio Blu - Boat ride

Our grand finale involves a private, all-day cruise.

Sailing starts at about 9 am, and we are back at the harbor at about 4 pm. Swimming and snorkeling in the pristine water and sunbathing will fill most of the day. Lunch on board. Highlights: the limestone cliffs and spectacular bays, Cala Goloritze, Cala Biriola, Cala Mariolu. We'll be back at the hotel in time for our final dinner celebrations.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 8

Cagliari

After breakfast, you will be transferred via a group shuttle to the Cagliari airport (2 hrs).

Bikes (Bianchi Infinito XE carbon or equivalent)
GPS navigation and maps (digital)
Two professional tour guides throughout the program
All accommodations in 4 star hotels, one 3-star boutique hotel, and one agriturismo
All breakfasts, four lunches, and seven dinners
Wine and beer with dinner
Private all-day cruise
Support vehicle during the tour and luggage transfer
Shuttle at the beginning and at the end of the tour
All activities mentioned in the day-by-day description

Airfare
Pre-tour hotel stays and post-tour hotel stays
E-bike upgrade
Personal expenses such as laundry and cell phone
Guide gratuity
Meals not under ‘What’s Included’

More Info

The Riding Terrain

In terms of cycling Sardinia offers a uniquely rewarding tour, the first two days you will ride along the north west coast, then we will explore the inland, with many climbs to discover the real genuine heart of Sardinia. We will mainly follow minor roads, through beautiful landscapes with good tarmac and no cars. One day of no cycling in the mountains can be the ultimate chance to relax or trek through the mountains to visit a Nuragic site nestled in a sinkhole in the limestone ridge, or an easy kayak along the river, to enjoy the unique experience of having lunch with local shepherds.

The tour has a grand finale, we will cycle along fantastic limestone mountains that dramatically throw themselves over the sea, between deep valleys and splendid bays. Moreover, the tour includes a day of rest at the end to enjoy a visit to the limestone coast with a day cruise boat trip to the famous bays of Cala Luna, Cala Goloritze, Cala Biriola, with lunch on board.

Blue Zone

Sardinia is one of the very few places in the world that boasts "Blue Zone" designation. This refers to areas across the globe where people live longer and have healthier, more natural lifestyles. We’ll ride straight through the Blue Zone and appreciate the authentic food and the excellent wine, just a few reasons Sardinia holds a world record in longevity, together with an active life in the open air and a social life still linked to the community. Sardinians still hunt, fish and harvest the food they eat. They remain close with friends and family throughout their lives, retaining a rich social life that wouldn’t be complete without plenty of laughter and a glass or two of wine.