Cycling in Sardinia

Make your own way to Cabras, where you will meet with our local representative for an explanation of the route and bike delivery. If you arrive late afternoon or early evening all information will be left at the hotel for you. If you have booked the trip to arrive on a day other than Saturday, everything will be left awaiting your arrival. Cabras is a small town with a lot to see and do, and is located near a splendid lagoon which is sometimes home to flamingos.

Start your trip with an optional loop of the fascinating Sinis wetlands, where you can see colonies of pink flamingos in season (Spring) and quartz beaches, and reach one of the most beautiful spots on the island: the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. Local wine production is mainly a sherry-like Vernaccia and you may be able to visit a cellar along the way. Cross the medieval historic centre of Oristano to reach Arborea, where you stay overnight.

Approx. ascent/descent: +/- 185m/607ft

Today you cycle to Piscinas beach through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, which has some of the wildest scenery on the island. Initially there is a flat 12km/7.5mi section across reclaimed farmland to the colourful fishing village of Marceddi. Rice, fruit and vegetables are grown here for the “cucine” (kitchens) of the island. From here the route becomes more undulating, with sand dunes over 50m/164ft high, some of the highest in Europe, skirting the beach. It is possible to be collected here (on request only, supplement applies) and driven up to Arbus, or you could take the steep but spectacular inland route directly to the village by bike. Overnight in Arbus in an agriturismo or family run hotel.

Approx. ascent/descent: +1000m/3280ft, -580m/1902ft

This leg takes you back into the ancient mining past of Sardinia, as you pass the fascinating abandoned mines of Planusartu and Acquaresi. A descent takes you to the golden beach of Portixeddu, from where you continue via the looming mass of the Pan di Zucchero cliff. You can admire the old ore washery 'Laveria Lamarmora' at Nebida, where you stay overnight in a cosy 'locanda'.

Approx. ascent/descent:+765m/209ft, -1070m/3510ft

Start the day with a beautiful descent to Fontanamare, followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here you board a ferry (at own expense) to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro, where the locals still fish for red tuna. There is time for a short tour round the island, exploring sandy coves and rocky headlands with tiny hamlets, before taking another ferry to the equally unspoiled island of Sant'Antioco, to end your day in Calasetta. Note that it is not possible to book the ferry in advance.

Approx. ascent/descent: +290m/951ft, -435m/1417ft

This morning you can laze at the beach or take a short ride to explore the island's coves and beaches, green (or golden in the summer!) meadows and little villages. Cross back to the mainland to cycle through vineyards and olive groves and savour the peace and quiet of the rolling plains of Sulcis. You can visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, one of the most important monuments from the Sardinian Romanesque period. Rugged mountains once again rise inland. Continue to your hotel at Sant'Anna Arresi / Teulada.

Approx. ascent/descent: +150m/488ft, -65m/214ft

Your last cycling day is at the beautiful Costa del Sud, with its gleaming white beaches, unspoiled natural landscape and imposing cliffs: Cape Malfatano with its a 16th century tower, and Capo Spartivento. A short detour leads to the beautiful beach of Su Giudeu in Chia, and at Nora you can visit the ancient Phoenician settlement. Overnight in Pula.

Approx. ascent/descent: +530m/1738ft, -590m/1935ft

Trip concludes after breakfast.