Cycling in Sardinia
| Resort: | Cycling in Sardinia |
| Operator: | Exodus |
| Destination: | Europe, Italy |
| Price From: | £1549.00 |
OverviewCycle Sardinia’s unspoilt southwestern coast Often referred to as the ‘land of silence’, Sardinia is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with its crystal-clear sea, limestone ridges and deep gorges. During the week we ride across the wild and pristine southwestern part of the region, passing abandoned mines, ancient ruins and gleaming white beaches. The route starts with a circular ride through the fascinating Sinis wetlands, home to colonies of pink flamingos, then moves on to the spectacular Costa Verde (Green Coast) named for its abundance and variety of Mediterranean vegetation. After cycling past the ancient mines of Ingurtosu and Planusartu, we reach the beautiful beach of Portixeddu where the impressive Pan di Zucchero white cliff towers out of the emerald waters. We then board a local ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte and explore the delightful isle of Sant’Antioco before crossing to the mainland, where we conclude a week of wonderful cycling pedalling across the rolling hills of the stunning Costa del Sud, with its white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs. Having built a good appetite, you will have plenty of opportunities to sample Sardinia’s unique, mouth-watering cuisine: the perfect mix for a great week of cycling! Highlights* Cycle along Sardinias unspoilt southwestern coast * Explore fascinating archaeological sites and picturesque fishing villages * Enjoy Sardinian warm hospitality and delicious cuisine * Relax on Sardinia’s stunning beaches ItineraryDay 1 Fly to Cagliari; transfer to Cabras.Fly to Cagliari and transfer to our hotel in Cabras, in the Sinis Peninsula. Day 2 Ride through the Sinis wetlands to the white quartz beach of Is Arutas and the Phoenician site of Tharros.We start the week with a ride across the fascinating Sinis wetlands, whose lagoons are home to colonies of pink flamingos and a wealth of other birdlife, which nest here for part of the year. We cycle to the coast at Mari Ermi and the spectacular white quartz beach of Is Arutas. A short ride down the peninsula to San Giovanni Sinis takes us to the Punic and Roman city of Tharros, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites from this era, overlooking the emerald sea (optional guided visit). Day 3 Cycle along the Costa Verde and on to Piscinas beach.Today we ride through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde (Green Coast), named after the green, wild vegetation that covers much of its mountainous surroundings and the colour of its water. We cycle across reclaimed farmland to the picturesque fishing village of Marceddi and to the long beach of Piscinas, bordered by huge sand dunes – some over 50m high! From Piscinas we head back to our cosy accommodation. Day 4 Cycle past abandoned mines, the golden beach of Portixeddu and the white sea stack of Pan di Zucchero; continue to the former mining village of Nebida.This is another tough day, but we are rewarded with superb scenery! After a fantastic descent to the Mannu River, we reach the start of the miles of remote golden beaches around Portixeddu. We cycle past the abandoned mines of Pranu Sartu and the stunning inlet of Cala Domestica before reaching the 130m high sea-stack of Pan di Zucchero and the former mining village of Nebida. * * Day 5 Descend to Fontanamare; board the ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte.Today’s route starts with a beautiful descent to Fontanamare followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here, we board the local ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte, the only existingone on Isola di San Pietro. (San Pietro island) There is time to explore this delightful islet with its sandy coves, dramatic rocky headlands and tiny hamlets, before rejoining the ferry to the equally unspoilt island of Sant’ Antioco. Day 6 Cycle through the meadows of Sant’Antioco; visit the Romanesque Pisan sanctuary and ride along the quiet country lanes of Sulcis.This morning we cycle through the lush meadows of the island of SantAntioco before crossing back to the mainland and visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, dating back to the Romanesque period. From here we ride across the quiet country lanes of Sulcis until we reach the village of SantAnna Arresi. Nearby are the pinewoods, lagoons and beaches of Porto Pino. Day 7 Pedal across the rolling hills of the Costa del Sud; climb up to the high point of Cape Malfatano for views of the coast; transfer and overnight in Cagliari.Today is the longest day in terms of distance. We pedal across the beautiful southern countryside over the jagged coastal plains of the Costa del Sud, a wild and unspoilt region of gleaming white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs punctuated by 16th Century Spanish watchtowers. We cycle as far as Cape Teulada, Sardinias southernmost tip, where dramatic cliffs rise up to 230m above the crystal clear sea. We stop in Pula, famous for its proximity to the ancient Phoenician site of Nora, founded in the 9th Century BC and now partly submerged under the sea (optional guided visit). From the end of the ride we take a transfer to Cagliari, where we celebrate the end of a great cycling week; dinner and overnight in Cagliari. Day 8 Fly to London.End in Cagliari; transfer to the airport ad fly to London. ** |
