Cycling in Sardinia doesn’t get better than this. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, this charming island is a perfect home for a true Mediterranean holiday. This 8-day guided cycling tour will take you through the south-west corner of the island, a region bursting with varieties: from vineyards, olive groves, and oak-wooded valleys to high rugged cliffs dotted with watchtowers and splendid hidden coves. And does Italian food even need an introduction? You’ll spend your nights in cute B&Bs, agriturismi, and local hotels, and if your legs get tired by day, there’s always a support vehicle to hop on and make it a bit easier.
Meet your guides at Cagliari Airport and take a one-hour drive to your accommodation in the village of Orroli. The rest of the day will be spent organizing the bikes and going through the route with your guides. You’ll also get to know the rest of the group. Get some rest under the Italian sun, tomorrow the cycling begins!
Accommodation: B&B, hotel or agriturismo in Orroli
Meals: Dinner
Start cycling through Marmilla, a hilly region which has been the center of cereal, olives, and grapes cultivation—where bread making still follows ancient recipes! Visit the Barumini archeological site and a museum. This Nuragic site was built in the Bronze Age, and it features incredible remnants of the fortress and the village—massive blocks of rock built into three-storey towers, internal staircases, courtyards, and a sauna! Cycling south you’ll then curve around Giara, a high volcanic plateau occupied by hundreds of wild horses. Soon you’ll be cycling through vineyards and olive groves hills, eventually getting to the Collinas village. Venture down to Campidano Plain, the biggest one on the island, and stop in Sardara. Sardara and its well have been a sacred area since ancient times—its closeness to hot springs made Nuragic people believe it has healing properties. Your hotel is set near the Roman remains of old thermal baths! Unwind in spa facilities before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sardara
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Cycling: 37 miles / 60 km
Elevation: 680 m / 2,230 ft
Leaving behind Sardara and its rural church of Santa Maria delle Acque, continue pedaling across an agricultural area, passing Pabillonis, with fields of growing artichokes, wheat, and saffron—offering a tapestry of colors and perfumes. Heading west, Gonnosfanadiga sits below the rocky spurs of the Iglesiente region, and is known for its olive oil. If possible, stop at a local cafè and patisserie to sample some of the local traditional cakes from almond and saffron. Get back into the hills just below Mt. Linas before reaching your accommodation for the night—a delightful agriturismo offering superb homemade pasta, home-cured meats, cheeses, olive oil, and wine. A perfect end to Day 3.
Accommodation: Agriturismo in Arbus
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cycling: 25 miles / 40 km
Elevation: 600 m / 1,970 ft
Superb 8 kilometers (5 miles) of gentle downhill riding with mountains surrounding you take you to the coast. Cycle along the long sandy beach of Portixeddu, where you’ll have time to stop for a swim. Reach the hamlet of Buggerru, a once-thriving mining coastal town (where you’ll have the chance to visit one of the mines, Galleria Henry), which now survives on fishing and travelers. Continue along the remote coastal route towards the towering limestone pinnacles and cliffs of Masua. This is a free climber’s heaven, where excellent routes rise from the sea up to the sky. Pedal onwards to Nebida, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation: B&B, hotel or agriturismo in Nebida
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cycling: 25 miles / 40 km
Elevation: 600 m / 1,970 ft
Ride south down the coast, and soon you’ll have the chance to rest your legs while on a ferry enroute to the island of San Pietro. The town of Carloforte was founded by coral fishers, who moved there from Tunisia, making their influence strong and present in architecture of the island and cuisine. With its pastel-colored houses and narrow cobbled streets, Carloforte is perfect for a stroll. You’re free to spend some time on your own, so maybe choose tuna for lunch, as the island is well known for its fishing community. Another short ferry ride takes you across to the Sant’Antioco island, where a short ride takes you to town and your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: B&B, hotel or agriturismo on Sant’Antioco Island
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 25 miles / 40 km
Elevation: 350 m / 1,150 ft
Start your day by visiting some of the hidden archeological sites of the island. Though its history goes back to the Nuragic times, the island truly thrived when the Phoenicians founded it as “Sulki” in 259 BC. Worth a visit are the Punic Necropolis and Tophet, as well as the Church of Sant’Antioco and the Catacombs. Leave the island by the causeway across the Bay of Palmas, and continue towards the Sulcis mountains. Ride through rolling hills around Trattalias and Santadi, cycle past vineyard after vineyard, and soon you’ll realize that you’re entering the region of the Carignano grapes. Here is where you’ll have the chance to try some local wines at the Cantine di Sa Mesa. From there, the undulating road winds its way for 13 km (8 miles) to Teulada, offering views of remote hamlets and the south coast.
Accommodation: B&B, hotel or agriturismo in Teulada
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cycling: 43 miles / 70 km
Elevation: 510 m / 1,675 ft
On your final day in the saddle, cycle along a rollercoaster road towards Pula. The Costa del Sud is a 20-kilometer (12-mile) stretch of twisting road above rugged cliffs that plunge deep into the blue sea, with many outlooks and sandy coves along the way. Cala Tuerredda is one of the most incredible whitesand beaches with emerald colors of the sea. From here, the road climbs away from the coast, dropping back toward the long sandy beach of Chia. You’ll take a short detour to Chia tower, from where you’ll enjoy panoramic views. Continue cycling along a quiet coast road, finally reaching the little town of Pula. There’s an excellent gelateria in the main town square, serving home-made gelato, a perfect treat after the long journey. Evening is free to wander around town, trying out one of the many quality restaurants.
Accommodation: B&B, hotel or agriturismo in Teulada
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 435 miles / 55 km
Elevation: 550 m / 1,805 ft
Wake up early and go for a one-hour drive to the airport. Depending on the group’s flight schedules, there’s hopefully going to be some time to wander around the city—the perfect place for last minute goodies, relaxing on Italian piazze, or sipping on vino rosso. You’re encouraged to stay longer, though! Sardinia is a beautiful place, also offering some great hiking and kayaking opportunities! Just ask your guides for some recommendations and they can help arrange some day trips. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some city life and culture, your guides can arrange a guided cycle tour of Cagliari.
Meals: Breakfast
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For this 8-day Sardinia cycling tour, you need to be able to cycle between 20 and 45 miles (32-72 km) per day. This tour is ideal for a leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness. Though the trail is relatively flat, there will still be some steeper climbs as well as sections of varying terrain.
This Sardinia cycling tour is great for you if you keep relatively fit and perhaps enjoy an afternoon out on your bike on the weekend. Though your preference is for flatter terrain, you don’t mind tackling some hills and an occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace—there will be some ups and downs on this trip, as well as some varying terrain. It’s generally expected that you have a decent level of physical fitness and that you’re comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.
Looking for some Italian alternatives? Maybe this mountain biking tour in Tuscany is a better pick!
You can expect a terrific blend of both serene countryside and spectacular coastal views on this Sardinia cycling tour! You’ll be riding primarily on well-paved roads, though there will be a few shorter sections of gravel/dirt roads that lead to your accommodation.
You’ll be pedaling through a region which combines rolling hills and long flat stretches, passing olive groves and vineyards. When you get to the coast, the riding gets a bit more undulating, with a few challenging, but well-rewarded coastal sections. These roads will overlook long stretches of sandy beaches and remote coves. The climbs are never too steep or long, and the roads generally have little traffic.
Both hybrid and e-bikes are recommended and suitable for the terrain—but please note that there’s only one e-bike-only departure. The route is otherwise suitable for a road bike if preferred.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have bikes available to rent.
On standard departures, you’ll have the choice between a hybrid bike ($255 per person) or an e-bike ($360 per person). Hybrids are typically Giant Roams (or equivalent), if a small frame is needed, your guides will generally provide Liv Roves (please note that if you request a bike with a low cross bar, models might be different.) E-bikes are typically Giant Explore E+, AnyTour E+3 or Velo de Ville e-bikes (or equivalent).
If booking onto one of the e-bike departures, only e-bikes will be available. Learn more about e-bike departures by choosing any date and reaching the checkout page.
If you choose to bring your own e-bike, on any of departures, please contact us so we can discuss the bike specification and ensure it is suitable for the tour.
If you would like to hire a helmet, your guides can provide these; please make sure you request helmets at the time of booking. Rental bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 bag, a tool kit, a bike lock and a bike pump. Your guides will be carrying everything else you’ll need, including all necessary spares.
Group sizes and prices:
Sardinia cycling can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to your Sardinia cycling tour, it’s best to fly into Cagliari Airport (CAG) on Sardinia. Your guides will pick you up at the airport for the start of the tour and drop you off at the airport on the last day of the tour. This is included in the price, but if you’d like to arrive earlier than Day 1 and leave later than Day 7, you’ll have to arrange transportation by yourself.
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!