Sardinia road bike tour

Day 1 – Arrival Cagliari Airport, van transfer to Muravera (1hr 15min) Cagliari Airport has connections almost hourly with Rome or Milan, and daily with many other European cities. We transfer you to the first inn: an Agriturismo close to the beaches of Muravera. Before getting busy with a typical Sardinian dinner we drive you to the beach to wash away your jet lag…

Day 2 –

Stage 1: Sarrabus loop 75.4km  873m 

The first ride is set along the Southern coast. The rolling, twisted road offers striking views at every corner. After a coffee break at the charming resort of Villasimius, we ride near the coast where we can admire the turquoise-coloured water.

Day 3 –

Stage 2: Muravera – Torre di Bari 87.2 km – 972 mts

Except for a couple of entertaining bumps towards the end the 2nd ride is mostly flat. We ride in the region of Ogliastra famous for its olive oil.We cross only a few, tiny villages: Villaputzu, Quirra and Tertenia where we have lunch. After the short climb to Genna Cresia (270 mt) a winding downhill takes us back to the coast. The hotel for the next 2 nights is right on the beach of Torre di Barì.

Day 4 –

Stage 3: Torre di Bari loop 60 km – 1104 mts or 79.5 km – 1571 mts

Today we learn that Sardinia is rugged mountains as well as gorgeous beaches. This first taste of the Gennargentu mountains takes us to Gairo where we can choose between two courses. The longest rises through the Montarbo forest and a wild highland where the scenery is dotted by rock pillars (Perdas). For many kilometres, there are very few human signs and the lonely road ends on the shore of Lake Flumendosa. The shorter course summits at Passo Sarcerei, and the two meet in Lanusei where we have a light lunch. From here a long, landscaped de-scent leads us back to the beach.

Day 5 –

Stage 4: Torre di Bari – Cala Gonone  83.3km – 1463m

The first 20 km is an easy warm-up for the long climb to the mountains of Parco del Golfo di Orosei, with a cappuccino break in Lotsorai. We veer inland and after a further 10km, we climb to Urzulei, where we stop for lunch.  The road climbs to 1015m to a spectacular crest. From here it’s a 25 km dive with granite walls on one side and the abyss of the Gorropu gorges on the other. A tunnel bored into the rock leads into the enchantment of Cala Gonone and its bay. The hotel for the next 2 nights is on the beach.

Day 6 –

rest day in Calagonone Our proposals include: a trekking with great swims to the secluded beach of Cala Luna in the morning, a visit with chances for traditional shopping to Nuoro and a wine taste to Oliena.

Day 7 –

Stage 5: Oliena – Aritzo 80k – 1950 mts

This is the toughest stage of the tour. We will load the bikes at the hotel and drive to Oliena where the longer option starts: we tackle the Supramonte mountain and reach the muralled walls of Orgosolo. Then we ride deep into the for-ests of Barbagia, touching the 1000 mts mark in Fonni. Here we stop for an energetic snack with local specialties, followed by long miles up and down the wooded hills and across stone villages until we summit at Arcu de Tascussi, the highest point of the tour. A long descent takes us to an old summer resort renowned to the locals, where we stay the next 2 nights in a rather lovely country hotel. Our hosts are very dedicated to their Sardinian heritage so we can expect the dinners to be unforgettable. Dinner here is included.

Day 8 –

Stage 6: Aritzo loop 63k – 1200 mts

This short ride is completely set in Barbagia. As you notice from the town signs written in the Sardinian language we are riding in the very heart of Sardegna. We start with an easy climb across Tonara, famous for its nougats, and to S’Isca de sa Mela Pass (920 mt). Descending we cross Sorgono and Atzara. The downhill ends just before Meana. For the next 16k we climb to Sa Casa Pass (1040 mt). A fast descent deliver us back with plenty of time to enjoy the hotel pool and visit the town.

Day 9 –

Stage 7: Aritzo-Torre dei Corsari 100k – 800 mts

After the previous days’ tough riding, today is most welcome with an easy ride to Sa Casa and the last pass of the Gennargentu. From here the going gets pretty fast as we wind through Laconi, and descend to Barumini, for our visit of Su Nuraxi, one of the best preserved neolithic towers, symbol of Sardinia. We touch the western coast at S. Antonio Santadi with a few rolling miles within the enchanting Costa Verde, and end at our hotel on the beach.

Day 10 –

Stage 8: Torre dei Corsari – Portixeddu 60.5k – 1100m – Van transfer to Cagliari (1 hr)

Our last ride startsin the rolling hills of Costa Verde with his lusty vegetation and deep blue sea. From the easy rolling road you see the blossoming oleander that follows the course of dry creeks, colorfully sneaking its way in the vast greenery. As we move inland we start the easy climb towards the odd shaped peaks of Monte Arcuentu. The climb ends at the old mining town of Montevecchio. We are entering the district of Sulcis that, as you can see from the bright colors of the land, is rich of minerals. This area, named Metalla by the Romans, is now an open air museum of industrial archeology.

The road takes us down to Arbus then a gentle incline up to Passo Bidderdi is rewarded by a breathtaking descent down to the beach of Portixeddu and after a refreshing swim we drive to your hotel in downtown Cagliari. You will have the chance to visit this charming town. After the shopping and the aperitivo be ready for an unforgettable farewell dinner.

Day 11 – Van transfer to Cagliari Airport (20 m)

Total distance: 630 km

Total elevation gain: 9.900 m

Season: from September to June

Included:

• 8 road bike guided excursions
• Qualified bike guide (Italian and English)
• 4 nights in 3/4 star Hotel /Agriturismo. Double or twin room. Half board accommodation, included water. Other beverages not included.
• 6 nights in 3/4 star hotel. Double or twin room. B&B accommodation.
• Luggage transfer from one accommodation to another
• Van support
• Transfer from/to Cagliari airport and hotels in the surrounding area

Extras:

• Single room accommodation: €350 per person
• Road bike rental (or e-bike) Giant TCR carbon: starting from €240 for the whole tour

What to wear and bring with you:

• Comfortable clothes suitable for biking, at least 2 complete sets and gloves
• Bike shoes or closed shoes e.g. trainers (no flip-flops or sandals!)
• A rain/wind jacket
• Sunglasses & sun cream
• A camera or smartphone if you want to take pictures
• A spirit of fun and adventure!