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Self-Guided Gravel Bike Journey in Sardinia

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!

Adventure highlights

  • Pristine marine paradise of Sinis
    The Sinis peninsula gathers spectacular soft quartz beaches, lagoons, and ponds
  • Explore at your own pace
    Do what you love most, when you want to, be it swimming in the Mediterranean or tasting delicious Sardinian food
  • Last wild horses in Europe
    Visit the Giara Plateau and see its majestic wild horses, said to be the last wild ones in Europe

Itinerary

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!

  • You’ll arrive at San Gavino train station on your own, and from there, van transfer is included to your first hotel. Sardara’s history is linked, today as in Antiquity, to the thermal springs: the Aquae Neapolitanae led to the establishment of a densely populated Roman residential area.

    The thermal waters that gush out are beneficial and therapeutic, and you’ll surely have a great time at the thermal springs. Later on, you can do a Meet & Greet with a “Bike Tour Sardinia” representative that will fit your bikes and introduce you to each day’s ride.

    Accommodation: Sardegna Termale Hotel
    Meals: Dinner

    Is Arutas sand
  • Your inaugural gravel journey commences in Sardara, leading you to Barumini through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, gentle uphills, and an unforgettable panorama, all against the backdrop of fascinating ancient megalithic structures.

    Upon reaching Barumini, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Su Nuraxi archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delve into the Nuragic village and its ancient fortress before resuming your ride.

    On your way back to Sardara, relish the scenic route through vineyards and olive groves, passing by archaeological sites such as the Giants’ Tombs, prehistoric burial structures. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the downhill stretches guiding you back to Sardara.

    Accommodation: Sardegna Termale Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 68 km / 42.2 miles, 45% unpaved road

     

    Sardinia, group of cyclists on gravel
  • Today’s ride starts from your hotel in Sardara, and the road starts to climb slightly, offering you an increasingly wide view of the surrounding plain. You’ll pedal enjoying the scenery and the feeling of freedom that only a gravel ride can give. You’ll arrive in Sanluri, a medieval village that
    will enchant you with its towers and walls. Here you can stop to visit the castle, an imposing building that dominates the town.

    Continuing your ride, you’ll pass through the agricultural heartland, where vineyards and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll arrive in San Gavino, and later on, as you approach Guspini, the landscape transforms once more. The road winds through ancient cork oak forests, providing a cool and shaded respite from the midday sun.

    Accommodation: Hotel Tarthesh
    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 55.9 km / 34.7 miles, 66% unpaved road

    Guspini, Sardinia
  • Start your day with a warm up around a basalt columned volcanic cone. Passing through the center of Guspini, continue onto a spectacular panoramic climb overlooking the town and the surrounding plains. You are heading towards Montevecchio along an old trail way used by the miners. Head down towards the dunes and beach of Piscinas, following creeks and streams with more mining sites all the way down to the river.

    The sandy dunes and river outlet consume the roads and flora along the coast, almost all the way to Portu Maga. That’s where you will head back up and over the mountain of the Green Coast known mostly to locals. This old rolling and twisty mountain road will take you back to the mining village Sa Tanca and to Montevecchio which has been mined since Nuragic times. Roll down the mountain and go back to your accommodation in Guspini, where you can relax by the pool with a refreshing drink in your hand.

    Accommodation: Hotel Tarthesh
    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 61.6 km / 38.2 miles, 38% unpaved road

    Piscinas in Sardinia
  • Today’s ride starts from Guspini and takes you to the Gulf of Oristano. The easier way consists of passing through the rolling hills with ancient olive groves until you arrive inland to the fishing village of Marceddì, where you can admire the lagoons as you cross the bridge. The challenging way passes from the mine village of Montevecchio, over the hills will take you to the beautiful panoramic road of the Green Coast, where you can have a break to enjoy the beautiful beaches and have a swim until the time you reach the fishing village of Marceddì.

    From here, the road is the same for both options. The scenery changes and you will see most agricultural lands and their little villages, the most important one is Arborea. You will also pass the most important river in Sardinia, the River Tirso. From here, continue cycling on the several lagoons that take you to Santa Giusta and Oristano. Once you pass Oristano, only a few kilometers are left to reach the Beach Village of Torre Grande, your today’s destination.

    Accommodation: Hotel Lido Beach
    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 72,2 or 79,4 km / 44,8 or 49,3 mi, 48% or 27% unpaved road

    Su Nuraxi, Sardinia
  • Today’s ride takes you on mixed paved, salty, dusty, and sandy flat fields with slight elevation, perfect for gravel offroading. Heading towards the peninsula of Sinis, you are just between the Lagoon of Cabras and the Gulf of Oristano. Pushing through the sandy agricultural trails, you will eventually see and feel the winds of the Mediterranean Sea with its white quartz pebbled beaches of Mari Ermi, Is Arutas, and Maimoni, found only here on the shores of Cabras.

    Coming back from the Cape of San Marco (Tharros peninsula), you can visit one of the oldest churches in Sardinia right there in San Giovanni di Sinis. Then, there is the ancient Hypogeum of San Salvatore, where you can still find ancient drawings, a well, frescos, and engravings on its walls. You’ll head back through the eucalyptus fields on sandy gravel and asphalt roads.

    Accommodation: Hotel Lido Beach
    Meals: Breakfast
    Distance: 46,1 up to 65,9 km / 28,6 up to 41 miles, 62% unpaved road

    Cyclist next to a lake in Sardinia
  • After a farewell breakfast with your team, the tour has come to an end. If you’d like to stay longer in the area, just ask your guiding company for some recommendations!

    Meals: Breakfast

    Giara, basaltic plateau
  • 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!

Adventure brochure
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Meet your guide

Bike Tour Sardinia
5.00
Bike Tour Sardinia
Bike Tour Sardinia is a local Sardinian bike tour operator offering high quality guided & self-guided bike tours in the most charming regions of Italy. They offer many years of experience and continuously strive to provide you with the most perfect holiday experience. Their local cycling knowledge is impeccable, they choose the most beautiful and comfy accommodations for you, as well as the best local restaurants. The goal of Bike Tour Sardinia is to make your trip safe, hassle-free, enjoyable, and one to remember!
5.00(4 reviews)
L
Laurie

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.

S
Susanne

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!

M
Monica Michael

We had a wonderful experience. Mauro and Nik were helpful and everything was organized beautifully. The hotels we were booked were unique and we enjoyed them. Thank you!

Show all reviews
5.00(4 reviews)
L
Laurie

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.

S
Susanne

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!

M
Monica Michael

We had a wonderful experience. Mauro and Nik were helpful and everything was organized beautifully. The hotels we were booked were unique and we enjoyed them. Thank you!

R
Rob Flowers

Thanks Mauro and team. We had an excellent trip. The organisation and attention to detail was beyond expectation. The selection of places we stayed in exceptional. I can highly reccommend Bike Tours Sardinia. Thanks again.

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • 7-day self-guided cycling tour in Sardinia
      • Accommodation in excellent four & three-star hotels (6 nights)
      • 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner in Sardara on Day 1
      • Bike delivery in Sardara and professional bike fitting
      • Private Event on RWGPS APP, easy to follow with your own mobile phone
      • Printed maps with elevation gain
      • Sightseeing, restaurant and shopping suggestions
      • All baggage transfers
      • Drop-off bikes and gear in Torre Grande
      • Bike Tour Sardinia water bottle
      • Tax

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to the start point
      • Accommodations prior to and after the tour
      • Lunches and dinners
      • Bike rental (price per week per person, all equipment included, such as flat pedals and lights)
        • Hybrid or touring bike — $200
        • Race bike — $275
        • Gravel bike — $275
        • E-bike — $275
      • City tax — each village charges a tax for each day there, between €0,70-€2,50 (paid only in cash in person)
      • Anything not mentioned in the “what’s included” list
      • Extra days cycling, extra cooking classes or wine tastings — possible to add to your booking at an additional fee
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional

    *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).

  • If you’d like to go on this self-guided bike tour in Sardinia, you have to be in great physical shape. Total cycling mileage amounts to 328 km (205 miles) over the course of 6 days, mostly on unpaved, gravel roads. You can check out day-by-day distances in the itinerary. A great thing about this being a self-guided tour is that you can take your time and stop whenever you need to. Still, make sure you’re fit enough to cover these distances as you will have to reach your accommodation for the night.

    While this is a gravel bike tour, your guides will give you the possibility to always follow tarmac roads if you wish, meaning that there will always be at least 2 paths to ride.

  • This is a list of clothing & footwear we recommend you bring:

      • 2 pairs of cycling shorts (padded shorts recommended, try them out before the tour)
      • 2 riding jerseys
      • 2-3 t-shirts and/or casual shirts (quick-dry)
      • Bathing suit
      • 2 pairs of bike socks and/or sports socks (quick-dry)
      • 1-2 pairs of dress or casual socks
      • Windbreaker or cool-weather jacket (rainproof and breathable)
      • Light rain jacket or poncho (cheap version is fine—insurance on sunny days!)
      • Bike shoes (not clip-in) or shoes with non-flexing sole (multi-purpose hiking/biking is ideal)
      • 1-2 pairs of riding gloves
      • 2-3 sets of underwear (quick-dry)
      • Sweater or fleece
      • Slacks or light jeans (quick-dry, wrinkle resistant)
      • Belt
      • Comfortable walking shoes
      • Sandals
      • Arm- and leg-warmers (Early Spring and Late Autumn tours)

    Miscellaneous

      • Passport, wallet and ID
      • Waterproof, zip-lock type plastic bag for your valuables
      • Health insurance card
      • Travel insurance card
      • Cash, credit cards and/or travel cheques
      • Electronic chargers (for camera, MP3 player, e-reader, cell phone)
      • Adaptors or convertors

    First aid kit

      • Insect repellent
      • Antiseptic cream or antibiotic ointment
      • Antihistamine tablets for hay fever
      • Sunscreen and total bloc
      • Throat lozenges or hard sweets
      • Painkillers
      • Band-aids and ‘Second Skin’ for blisters
      • Rehydration salts
      • Multi-vitamins
  • Going on a self-guided tour gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, stop whenever you want to, and marvel at fabulous panoramas as long as you want—without the pressure of being in a larger group.

    Accommodation during the tour in excellent three and four-star hotels is arranged for you, as well as all breakfasts, bike delivery, bike fitting, and all baggage transfers. You will also get printed maps with elevation gain, but also a private event on the RWGPS app, which is easy to follow on your own phone.

  • During your week-long bike tour in Sardinia, you will enjoy a diverse array of accommodations, each contributing to a memorable Italian experience. These lodgings, all thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and coziness, offer a mix of historical charm, modern elegance, traditional warmth, and serenity.

    First two nights will be spent at Sardegna Termale. Nestled in the heart of Sardinia, this thermal hotel is a haven of relaxation, blending natural hot springs with luxurious accommodations. Guests can rejuvenate in mineral-rich thermal baths while soaking up the tranquil Mediterranean ambiance. With exceptional service, locally inspired cuisine, and wellness facilities designed to heal both body and mind, this hotel offers a truly restorative escape.

    Then you’ll move onto the Tarthesh Hotel in Guspini for two nights, a four-star luxury hotel boasting a refined and magical setting. This is an upscale oasis for wellness and relaxation, nestled in the Sardinian wilderness, where you can enjoy chilling by the inviting pool and the garden.

    Hotel Tarthesh pool
    https://www.tartheshotel.com/en/

     

    For your final two nights, you’ll stay at Lido Beach. It offers an idyllic seaside escape with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Its beachfront location provides direct access to pristine sands, perfect for sunbathing or a refreshing swim. With elegant rooms, Sardinian-inspired cuisine, and warm hospitality, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing coastal getaway.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this self-guided cycling tour in Sardinia, it takes at least 2 persons for the tour to operate
      • Maximum group size is set at 18 cyclists, but we can accommodate bigger groups upon request.
      • Price is based on double occupancy, but a single supplement can be added to your booking upon checkout.
      • Please 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!

    Self-guided cycling tours in Sardinia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors older than 16 may be permitted to join the self-guided cycling tour in Sardinia on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Sardara, the nearest airport is Cagliari Airport (CAG). From there, you can reach Sardara either by car or by bus.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their 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.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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