Cycle Sardinia

Over View

Discover the unspoilt beauty, wild dramatic coastlines and crystalline waters of southwestern Sardinia – perfect for a cycle adventure. Ride past cliffs, bays and inviting beaches, discovering ancient abandoned mines and friendly local people. Explore Sant’Antioco and Carloforte islands and cycle along the stunning ‘costa del sud’ before spending our final night in lively Cagliari.

Cycle Sardinia – Pedalling the wild Costa Verde and with breath-taking views

Excellent food and wine – Try Carignano and Vermentino local wines and pecorino sardo cheese

Beaches – Enjoy vast unspoilt beaches with inviting crystal waters

Itinerary

Day 1 Tour starts in Arbus

Our trip starts at the agriturismo accommodation located in the countryside a few kilometres outside of Arbus town. Arbus is well known locally for the production of the l’Arburese knife and there is a museum in town dedicated to it for those interested.

The Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting followed by our first group dinner. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you will need to arrive into Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), which is a 1.5 hour drive away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to relax at the agriturismo or arrange taxi through reception into Arbus town.

No cycling today.

Day 2 Cycle loop via Piscinas beach

After breakfast we spend some time getting comfortable with our bikes and making any necessary adjustments. The first ride starts with a panoramic road through a cork oak forest to Arbus. We’ll stop in Arbus for a coffee or the chance to visit the knife museum. We continue cycling along a wild and scenic Mediterranean ‘macchia’ route, finally descending to the sea. Here a short deviation takes you to one of the most extended desert area of Europe – Piscinas beach. Later we cycle uphill through the almost abandoned mining village of Ingurtosu on our route back to Arbus (note that it is possible to request a van lift for final 4km steep section, thus avoiding 380metres of ascent).

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 53 kilometres (1200 metres total accumulated ascent and descent).

Day 3 Long descent to Portixeddu. Visit abandoned mine. Ride past Sugar Loaf cliff to Nebida

Today’s ride starts with a long winding downhill to Portixeddu, one of the favourite spots for local surfers. After a break for some good coffee you start climbing to Buggerru, where the Tour Leader will explain about a system of tunnels that were used to transfer minerals from the mines to the port. We plan to visit one of the old mines on foot, with great views from a panoramic path. It may be necessary to move this mine visit to tomorrow morning. Back on the bike, further on we get some great views of the Pan di Zucchero (Sugar Loaf) cliff and the Masua mines. Our ride ends in the village of Nebida where we spend the night.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres (930 metres total accumulated ascent and 1220 metres descent).

Day 4 Discover San Pietro Island and continue to Sant’ Antioco Island. Optional Carignano wine tasting

After breakfast we cycle for about 25 km to the port of Portovesme, where we take the ferry to the Island of San Pietro. Upon docking at Carloforte harbour you may soon start noticing the different accent the Carlofortini have – in fact they have Genoese roots and speak a different dialect from the rest of the Sardinians. It is here in the last week of May that Italy’s last remaining ‘tonnara’ operates as a system of nets is used to catch the Tuna. They also have a culinary festival at the same time. After a short visit we take another ferry, this time to Calasetta, on Sant’Antioco Island – home to some excellent wines (from the local Carignano del Sulcis vine). The Sulcis region is known for the Carignano vine that can live with very little rainfall and is stunted by strong winds to no more than a foot high. Many local families still have a little vineyard to produce it and after a sip you know why they still make it! The last section of our ride is around 12km on the flat to Sant’ Antioco town. There will be an optional visit to a small producer of Carignano for wine tasting.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 39 kilometres (400 metres total accumulated ascent and 540 metres descent).

Day 5 Optional loop ride around Sant’ Antioco Island

You can choose to kick back and relax today or take a cycle ride around the island. Our suggested route makes its way around the island, with stops at various inlets for a break or picnic. Other options include taking a fishing boat excursion or horse riding or just to relax on the beach.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 42 kilometres (480 metres total accumulated ascent and 460 metres descent) (optional).

Day 6 Return to the main island and cycle to Teulada via Zuddas cave

We ride back to the main island of Sardinia this morning. Leaving S. Antioco there is a section of about 2km where we have to ride on the busier main road before turning onto quieter secondary roads. The first stop on today’s ride is at the village of Tratalias, with its Romanesque church dedicated to Santa Maria di Montserrat. After the village of Santadi, you pass by the stunning caves of Zuddas where you have the option to visit. Finally a ride along a quiet road leads you to Teulada, our final destination for today, famous for terracotta pipes and highly refined embroidery. Another tasting is included today to sample the excellent Sardinian wines.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 48 kilometres (550 metres total accumulated ascent and 500 metres descent).

Day 7 Breathtaking Costa del Sud ride to Pula. Drive to Cagliari

Our final ride is a must for cyclists! The Costa del Sud is an incessant repetition of ups and downs with breath-taking views over the coast and the sea, with occasional watchtowers and beautiful inlets. There are several places to stop and swim in the crystal clear water. All good things come to an end and our final stop is in the lively town of Pula. At a site close to town you have the option to visit the archaeological site of Nora – an important port in Phoenician times where it is possible to admire some very well preserved Roman mosaics. In the mid to late afternoon we drive in our charter vehicle from Pula to Cagliari and the journey takes around 1 hour. With such little time in this city you may choose to extend your stay beyond tonight.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 49 kilometres (630 metres total accumulated ascent and 670 metres descent).

Day 8 Trip ends at Cagliari

The tour ends in Cagliari this morning after breakfast.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), which is a 15 minute train ride away and the train is station is a short (300m) walk from the hotel.