Overview
This is an incredible cycling journey along the Emerald Coast of western Sardinia, from Alghero in the north to the unique island of Sant Antioco in the south. Jaw-dropping coastal roads, fabulous food, ancient hilltop towns, turquoise Mediterranean sea, silky white sand beaches, warm Sardinian hospitality and magnificent marine wildlife. Experience the delights of the land of silence on two wheels on this unforgettable European adventure.
Highlights
- Beaches of crystal-clear turquoise sea and soft white sand
- The wild and rugged mountains of the Emerald Coast
- The rich history and character of numerous authentic Sardinian old towns
- Relaxing in the pool after a long day in the saddle
- The multi-coloured buildings lining the river Temo in Bosa and in Carloforte
- Viewing aquatic birds of the world-famous Costa Verde lagoons
- Immaculate tarmac ascents and descents in the sun
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cagliari, transfer to Alghero
The tour begins at Cagliari where you’ll be met at the airport by the More Adventure team. They’ll load your bicycles and luggage onto the support vehicle then you’ll be transferred to our hotel for the night in Alghero on the northwest coast.
Day 2: Alghero – Tresnuraghes
41 miles & 4000 feet / 65km & 1200m
After breakfast in the hotel, we begin our first ride on this magical island. Although a relatively short day, there are a few hills to overcome today and the scenery is certainly worth stopping for! We keep the sea to our right as we pedal south along the rugged coastline, with sweeping descents, stunning rocky outcrops, plenty of wildlife, and jaw-dropping vistas at each turn. The ride ends with a descent to the pretty town of Bosa on the river Temo before a climb up from the sea to our charming villa in Tresnuraghes.
Day 3: Tresnuraghes – Oristano
56 miles & 2700 feet / 88km & 800m
Our route todays head south from Tresnuraghes to the Sinis Peninsula which boasts over fifty-six miles of coastline ranging from sandy beaches to calcareous cliffs and rocky bluffs. Today is slightly longer but the climbs of the day are all over in the first few miles. Our first stop is S’Archittu, home to an impressive natural limestone bridge where we’ll stop for coffee and marvel at the stunning turquoise water below. We reach the high point of the day at just eleven miles, after which an exhilarating downhill leads to the sea at Santa Caterina di Pittinuri. We’ll soon reach the Sinis Peninsula, a marine protected lowland area home to numerous lagoons with some gloriously flat sections of tarmac to get stuck into. At the most southerly point of the peninsula is Tharros, an ancient city that is now an open air museum and 8th century archaeological site. Nearby lies Laguna di Mistras, a breeding ground for gulls and flamingoes, and a very popular bird-watching spot. It’s a short ride from here to our overnight stop in Oristano, a provincial capital and home to Sartilla, a 500-year old equestrian tournament held annually.
Day 4: Oristano – Guspini
55 miles & 3300 feet / 87km & 1000m
From Oristano our route heads southeast, passing a large lagoon named Stagno di Santa Giusta, home to grey heron, mallards and countless other wetland birds. Each summer the lagoon hosts the Regata de is Fassonis that sees fishermen race across the water on ancient boats. We’ll soon reach Marceddì, a charming fishing village beside the calm waters of Laguna di Marceddì, where we may encounter purple herons, coots, mallards and western swamphens amidst the reed beds. Our route heads inland as we tackle the climbs of the day skirting Monte Arcuenta to the mining town of Montevecchio. This area was once the most important mining area in Italy with 1100 active workers in 1865. The mines were eventually closed and only ruins remain, some of which can be seen as we descend from the hilltops to our overnight stop in Guspini.
Day 5: Guspini – Portovesme – Carloforte – Sant Antioco
55 miles & 4600 feet / 87km & 1400m
We head back out to the coast today, through the pretty town of Arbus before a dazzling descent joins the river Mannu to the sea at Portixeddu. Here we’ll stop for coffee overlooking the stunning beach and dunes of this off-the-beaten-track gem of western Sardinia before continuing along the jaw-dropping coastal road to the village of Buggerru. Shortly after we tackle the main climb of the day through rocky limestone outcrops and mountainous agricultural land followed by a thrilling descent to Nebida. It is along this road that we’ll see Pan di Zucchero, a huge stack of limestone that is reminiscent of Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Back down at sea level we’ll continue to the port at Portovesme where we’ll board a ferry to Carloforte, an enchanting island village that boasts colourful buildings and rich marine history. Here we’ll have the option of a short circular route around the island or simply relaxing in the village before boarding our second ferry to Calasetta on the largest island of Sardinia, Sant Antioco. It is then a short flat ride to our hotel in Sant Antioco, a charming seaside town with rich marine history that included boat building, sail-making, salt harvesting and, of course, fishing. The Sagra di Sant’Antioco is the oldest religious festival in Sardinia and is held each Easter. Locals, pilgrims and animals from all over Sardinia sing and dance throughout the town in traditional costumes, celebrating the life of the protector and patron saint of the island, Sant Antioco.
Day 6: Sant Antioco – Cagliari
After breakfast we’ll be transferred to Cagliari airport for our flights home which is where the trip ends and we say our goodbyes.
This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed daily mileages, this cannot be guaranteed due to changes to hotel bookings.
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