Often referred to as the land of silence, Sardinia is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with crystal-clear sea, limestone ridges and deep gorges. During the week, we ride across the wild and pristine southwest, passing abandoned mines, ancient ruins and gleaming white beaches. The route starts with a circular ride through the Sinis wetlands, home to flamingo colonies, then moves 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 Portixeddu beach, where the white cliff of Pan di Zucchero towers out of emerald waters. We then board a 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 by pedalling across the rolling hills of the Costa del Sud, home to white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs. Having built a good appetite, you have plenty of opportunities to sample mouth-watering local cuisine: the perfect mix for a great week of cycling.
Day 1: Start CabrasStart Cabras, in the Sinis peninsula, approximately 68mi (110km) from Cagliari Airport. Take time to settle in, our cycling starts tomorrow.
Day 2: Ride through the Sinis wetlands to the Phoenician site of TharrosWe start the week with a ride across the Sinis wetlands, where pink flamingos and a wealth of other birdlife populate the lagoons in season. We cycle to the coast and the 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 most important archaeological sites from this era on the island, overlooking the emerald sea (optional guided visit of the site). We then head to the town of Oristano, crossing the medieval historic centre to reach Arborea, where we spend the night.
Day 3: Cycle along the Costa Verde and on to Piscinas beachToday we ride through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde (Green Coast), named after the wild vegetation that covers much of the mountainous surroundings and the colour of the water. We cycle across reclaimed farmland to the picturesque fishing village of Marceddi and to the long beach of Piscinas, bordered by huge dunes – some more than 165ft (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 NebidaWe tackle one of the more challenging cycling days on the tour, but are rewarded with superb scenery. After a fantastic descent to the Mannu River, we reach the start of 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 425ft (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 CarloforteOur 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 existing one on Isola di San Pietro (San Pietro Island). We have time to explore this delightful islet with its sandy coves, dramatic rocky headlands and tiny hamlets, before rejoining the ferry to the equally unspoiled 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 SulcisThis morning, we cycle through the lush meadows of Sant’Antioco before returning to the mainland and visiting the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, which dates to the Romanesque period. From here, we ride across the quiet country lanes of Sulcis until we reach the village of Sant’Anna Arresi. Nearby are the pinewoods, lagoons and beaches of Porto Pino.
Day 7: Cycle the rolling hills of the Costa del Sud; climb to the high point of Cape Malfatano for views of the coast; transfer and overnight in CagliariToday 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 unspoiled region of gleaming white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs punctuated by 16th-century Spanish watchtowers. We cycle as far as Cape Teulada, the southernmost tip of Sardinia, where cliffs rise 755ft (230m) above the crystal-clear sea. We stop in Pula, which was founded in the 9th century BCE and is 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 with our final dinner.
Day 8: End CagliariThe tour ends after breakfast. If you’re keen to explore more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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