Gear up for an unforgettable ride through the captivating Italian island of Sardinia! Starting from Sardara, make your way into central Sardinia, discovering the natural and cultural riches along the way. This is a week-long self-guided tour: you’re the one who sets the pace, but without all the logistical hassle. So get ready to pedal along crowdless gravel roads (though you’ll also be given the chance to ride along tarmac roads), ride on old rail routes, explore fascinating mines and marine-protected areas. Saddle up and let the gravel roads be your guides to a thrilling week of discovery of all things Sardinian!
Starting from Sardara, a village of 4,000 inhabitants, embark on a week-long self-guided journey all the way to central Sardinia! During the course of this trip, you’ll visit important archeological sites, ride along old rail routes, explore caves and mines, relax at marine-protected areas, and so much more. Sardinia is a cyclists’ dream, especially its crowdless gravel roads which will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Nights are spent in outstanding accommodations, luggage transfers are also arranged, and you’ll get detailed maps and routes—the perfect recipe for a carefree holiday!
Arrive on your own at San Gavino train station, where a van transfer takes you to Sardara. This small village in the Campidano region has long been known for its ancient thermal springs, once the site of the Roman Aquae Neapolitanae. Two kilometres from the village, your hotel is surrounded by greenery and fed by natural hot springs ranging from 50–68°C. After check-in, meet your representative for a bike fitting and a briefing on the rides ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sardegna Termale Hotel
We begin our first gravel ride from Sardara through gentle hills, vineyards, and farmland en route to Barumini, home to the UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi archaeological site. Explore the ancient Nuragic fortress and village before riding back along scenic rural tracks past olive groves, rolling plains, and prehistoric Giants’ Tombs. Enjoy the satisfying mix of history, countryside, and open-air freedom before returning to Sardara.
Cycling: 67.9 km (42.1 mi), 45% unpaved, 3–5 hours
Elevation: +864 m / -865 m (+2,835 ft / -2,838 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Sardegna Termale Hotel, Sardara
Today’s route leads from Sardara to Guspini through ever-changing landscapes. We pass through the medieval town of Sanluri with its historic castle, and cycle between vineyards, olive groves, and market towns full of Sardinian charm. The final stretch follows an old mining railway into Guspini, winding through cool cork oak forests before reaching our hotel.
Cycling: 55.9 km (34.7 mi), 66% unpaved, 3–4 hours
Elevation: +447 m / -427 m (+1,466 ft / -1,401 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tarthesh, Guspini
We start the day with a scenic climb overlooking the Campidano plains, then follow historic mining trails to Montevecchio and on to the dunes and beaches of Piscinas — one of Europe’s largest sand dune systems. The return route winds through rugged hills and quiet mountain roads of the Green Coast before descending back to Guspini. Cool off with a swim and a cold drink by the pool.
Cycling: 61.6 km (38.2 mi), 38% unpaved, 4–6 hours
Elevation: +1,232 m / -1,232 m (+4,042 ft / -4,042 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tarthesh, Guspini
Today’s ride leads to the Gulf of Oristano. Choose between an easier route through rolling farmland and fishing villages, or a more challenging one with climbs through the mining village of Montevecchio and along the panoramic Green Coast. Both routes meet at Marceddì, from where we ride past lagoons, farmland, and the town of Arborea before reaching Oristano and the beach village of Torre Grande.
Cycling: 72.2 or 79.4 km (44.8 or 49.3 mi), 27–48% unpaved, 4–6 hours
Elevation: +246 m (808 ft), -344 m (1,130 ft) or +817 m (2,680 ft), -917 m (3,010 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lido Beach, Torre Grande
A relaxed coastal loop explores the Sinis Peninsula, a flat, open region of salt fields, dunes, and archaeological sites. Ride between the Cabras Lagoon and the Gulf of Oristano, passing Nuragic towers, Spanish forts, and the white quartz beaches of Mari Ermi and Is Arutas. Return via the ancient ruins of Tharros and the church of San Giovanni di Sinis before pedalling back through eucalyptus groves to Torre Grande.
Cycling: 46–66 km (29–41 mi), 62% unpaved, 3–5 hours
Elevation: +250–350 m (+820–1,150 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lido Beach, Torre Grande
After breakfast, your tour concludes. Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy a short morning loop before transferring to Oristano train station for connections to Cagliari or other destinations on the island.
Cycling: Optional short loop
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Beautiful landscape, unique boutique hotels, great food and wonderful biking, basically describes our experience with Bike Tour Sardinia. We went from Alghero to Oristano, exploring the medieval towns and coast. Mauro arranged a relatively seamless and fabulous self-guided adventure, being consistently available, helpful and responsive. We had both e-bikes and standard, but for me, the e-bike added ease and the ability for further exploration and smiles. I highly recommend Bike Tour Sardinia as a way to explore this beautiful island.
I contacted Mauro to arrange a self guided bike trip. I had an excellent e-bike and my husband loved the road bike provided for us. The planning was made easy by BTS staff whom made excellent suggestions and answered all my questions by email efficiently and quickly. His hotel choice was good to exceptional – especially our first hotel – Villa Mosca – in Alghero! Each day our
luggage was transferred and in our room at our next destination before we were there!
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mauro and Bike Tour Sardinia to anyone. We’ve done several other tours with other companies and this was definitely the best one yet! We would like to return to Sardinia one day! Stunningly beautiful island, wonderful friendly people, and excellent food and wine!
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
To join the Sardinia self-guided gravel adventure, you should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable cycling several days in a row. This easy-to-moderate tour covers a total distance of 188 to 205 miles (302–330 km) over six days, with daily rides ranging from 35 to 48 miles (56–77 km) on rolling hill terrain with some climbs. The maximum elevation gain on any day is up to 4,040 ft (1,232 m), though you’ll have options to take easier routes.
This tour offers a mix of paved and unpaved roads offering a fun balance of challenge and relaxation amid Sardinia’s beautiful, varied landscapes.
This is a list of clothing & footwear we recommend you bring:
Miscellaneous
First aid kit
You can skip the hassle of bringing your own bike to Sardinia and book a rental bike with your guides upon booking the trip. All equipment is included, such as flat pedals and lights. The bike will be delivered to you in Cabras, the starting point of your tour, and you’ll also get a professional bike fitting.
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided Sardinia gravel bike tour, we take care of:
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
Self-guided cycling tours in Sardinia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this bike & food tour in Sardinia is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
To get to Sardara, the nearest airport is Cagliari Airport (CAG). You will be picked up from San Gavino train station and taken to your accommodation.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
