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Cycle through the untamed beauty of south-western Sardinia on a self-guided journey where freedom meets nature. This captivating route blends rugged cliffs, sweeping sand dunes and crystal-clear waters with cultural treasures and hidden trails waiting to be explored at your pace. Starting in the bird-filled Sinis wetlands—home to pink flamingos and the archaeological ruins of Tharros—you’ll pedal along quiet coastal roads and ancient paths lined with Mediterranean scrub. Continue south past beaches made of white quartz and through Costa Verde, one of Sardinia’s most remote and unspoiled regions. As you ride through abandoned mining villages like Ingurtosu and Planusartu, history and scenery collide. Take in the dramatic sea stacks of Pan di Zucchero and the golden sands of Portixeddu before descending to Fontanamare. The journey culminates with a ride along the spectacular Costa del Sud—where gleaming white beaches and hidden coves lead you to the ancient Phoenician settlement of Nora.
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26kg of CO2-e PP per day
(182kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Cabras
Make your own way to Cabras, where you will meet with our local representative for an explanation of the route and bike delivery. If you arrive late afternoon or early evening all information will be left at the hotel for you. If you have booked the trip to arrive on a day other than Saturday, everything will be left awaiting your arrival. Cabras is a small town with a lot to see and do, and is located near a splendid lagoon which is sometimes home to flamingos.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Circular ride to the Phoenician ruins of Tharros, and to Arborea (36 or 68km/22 or 42mi)
Start your trip with an optional loop of the fascinating Sinis wetlands, where you can see colonies of pink flamingos in season (Spring) and quartz beaches, and reach one of the most beautiful spots on the island: the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. Local wine production is mainly a sherry-like Vernaccia and you may be able to visit a cellar along the way. Cross the medieval historic centre of Oristano to reach Arborea, where you stay overnight. Approx. ascent/descent: +/- 185m/607ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle through the Costa Verde to Piscinas beach (46-54km/28.5-33.5mi)
Today you cycle to Piscinas beach through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, which has some of the wildest scenery on the island. Initially there is a flat 12km/7.5mi section across reclaimed farmland to the colourful fishing village of Marceddi. Rice, fruit and vegetables are grown here for the “cucine” (kitchens) of the island. From here the route becomes more undulating, with sand dunes over 50m/164ft high, some of the highest in Europe, skirting the beach. It is possible to be collected here (on request only, supplement applies) and driven up to Arbus, or you could take the steep but spectacular inland route directly to the village by bike. Overnight in Arbus in an agriturismo or family run hotel. Approx. ascent/descent: +1000m/3280ft, -580m/1902ft
Day 4
Via the mines of Sulcis to Nebida (41km/25.5mi)
This leg takes you back into the ancient mining past of Sardinia, as you pass the fascinating abandoned mines of Planusartu and Acquaresi. A descent takes you to the golden beach of Portixeddu, from where you continue via the looming mass of the Pan di Zucchero cliff. You can admire the old ore washery 'Laveria Lamarmora' at Nebida, where you stay overnight in a cosy 'locanda'. Approx. ascent/descent:+765m/209ft, -1070m/3510ft
Day 5
Cycle to Portoscuso, ferry to Carloforte, ride to Sant'Antioco and Calasetta (43km/26.5mi)
Start the day with a beautiful descent to Fontanamare, followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here you board a ferry (at own expense) to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro, where the locals still fish for red tuna. There is time for a short tour round the island, exploring sandy coves and rocky headlands with tiny hamlets, before taking another ferry to the equally unspoiled island of Sant'Antioco, to end your day in Calasetta. Note that it is not possible to book the ferry in advance. Approx. ascent/descent: +290m/951ft, -435m/1417ft
Day 6
Cross back to the mainland and cycle to Sant'Anna Arresi/Teulada (40km/25mi)
This morning you can laze at the beach or take a short ride to explore the island's coves and beaches, green (or golden in the summer!) meadows and little villages. Cross back to the mainland to cycle through vineyards and olive groves and savour the peace and quiet of the rolling plains of Sulcis. You can visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, one of the most important monuments from the Sardinian Romanesque period. Rugged mountains once again rise inland. Continue to your hotel at Sant'Anna Arresi / Teulada. Approx. ascent/descent: +150m/488ft, -65m/214ft
Day 7
Peddle to Pula (57km/35.5mi)
Your last cycling day is at the beautiful Costa del Sud, with its gleaming white beaches, unspoiled natural landscape and imposing cliffs: Cape Malfatano with its a 16th century tower, and Capo Spartivento. A short detour leads to the beautiful beach of Su Giudeu in Chia, and at Nora you can visit the ancient Phoenician settlement. Overnight in Pula. Approx. ascent/descent: +530m/1738ft, -590m/1935ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
Small family run 3 star hotels and Agriturismos. An Agriturismos is generally an independently-owned farm that the owners have converted part of the property into accommodation. Located along the route these properties provide a comfortable and welcoming Sardinian hospitality.
Upgraded accommodation consists of mainly 4 star hotel accommodation offering an elevated level of comfort and style. These hotels are ideally located near the cycling route and provide modern amenities with ensuite facilities. Some of the properties may have a wellness centre or a swimming pool.
The bikes provided are aluminum framed “Hybrid” multi terrain type bikes with 24 gears. They are equipped with aluminium frame, front suspension, Shimano Alivio gears, gel saddles, V-Brakes, puncture resistant touring tyres and ‘Ortlieb’ waterproof panniers. We also supply you with a lock, water bottle and a basic repair kit. Helmet rental is included. In the case of a puncture / flat tyre the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.
10% of cycling will be on dirt tracks or gravel paths, the remainder on secondary roads shared with limited vehicle traffic. Expect more traffic when entering and leaving villages or towns.
GRADE 3 - Daily cycling distances between 40 and 57km (25 and 35.5mi). There are 3 mainly flat easy stages, 2 undulating stages and 1 stage that is more hilly. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
The most convenient airport for this trip is Cagliari (CAG), which we highly recommend. Alternatively, you can fly into Alghero (AHO), located in the far north of Sardinia, though it's less convenient for this itinerary. The tour begins near the town of Oristano, which can be reached as follows:
From Cagliari Airport, take the airport bus heading towards Alghero – it stops in Oristano along the way, approx 2 hours
From Alghero Airport, there's a bus to Cagliari that also stops in Oristano, approx 3 hours
From Oristano, you’ll need to take a short taxi ride to the village of Cabras. Private transfers from either airport can usually be arranged in advance – ask for rates.
Take bus 129 from Pula to Cagliari (approx. 1 hour) – see arstspa.info/p.html for schedules. Private transfers can usually be arranged in advance - ask for rates.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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