Gravel Biking Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

Day 1: Sardara
28 mi / 45 km

Upon arrival at San Gavino train station, you’ll take a van transfer to Sardara, a small village in the Campidano plain that served as a crossroads between the medieval kingdoms of Arborea and Cagliari. Known for its ancient thermal springs, first used by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Sardara is a destination for relaxation. Just two kilometers from the village, you'll find your hotel nestled in a peaceful, green area near these springs. There, you’ll meet a tour representative to be fitted for your bike and learn about the routes planned for your adventure.

Day 2: Barumini "Su Nuraxi" Loop
42 mi / 68 km

Step back in time as you cycle from Sardara to Barumini. Follow gently rolling hills as you pass vineyards and olive groves set amidst ancient megalithic structures. These megalithic structures offer a glimpse into Sardinia’s prehistoric Nuragic civilization. Unique to Sardinia, these 'nuraghi' are not found anywhere else in the world. The most famous of these is Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but other smaller structures dot the landscape along the route. In addition to the nuraghi, you might encounter Giants’ Tombs, large stone burial chambers that according to legend, were built by giants. Conclude the day cycling along a scenic, downhill path back to Sardara.

Elevation: +864 m / -865 m
45% Unpaved

Day 3: Sardara to Guspini
35 mi / 56 km

Today’s route begins in Sardara, taking you through the peaceful countryside of the Campidano plain. The path is lined with vineyards, olive groves, and gentle hills, offering scenic views of Sardinia’s rural landscape. In Sanluri, take a short break to visit the Castello di Sanluri, a medieval fortress that was the site of the famous Battle of Sanluri in 1409. The castle offers insight into Sardinia’s medieval past and its importance during the Aragonese occupation. From Sanluri, the route continues to San Gavino. As you cycle through fields of wheat and citrus groves, you’ll approach the town’s Basilica di San Gavino, an 11th-century Romanesque church dedicated to the town’s patron saint. The final stretch takes you through ancient cork oak forests to the town of Guspini, known for its mining history. This evening, stroll through Guspini’s charming historic center and sample local Sardinian cuisine.

Elevation gain: +447 m / -427 m
66% Unpaved

Day 4: Loop to Piscinas and Portu Maga
38 mi / 62 km

Begin today's ride cycling around Monte Arcuentu, a large volcanic cone with basalt columns, before continuing through Guspini. From here, you'll climb toward Montevecchio, an old mining village that dates back to the 19th century and has been mined since Nuragic times. Descend alongside abandoned mining sites, following creeks and streams, to Piscinas. The wild dunes and pristine beach of Costa Verde are before you, with views of sand dunes that are among the largest in Europe. Continue along the local mountain road of the Green Coast and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. Passing through Sa Tanca, another mining village, you’ll return to Montevecchio, before descending back to Guspini. The ride ends with another loop around Monte Arcuentu back to your accommodation, where you can take a well-earned rest by the pool.

Elevation: +1232 m / -1232 m
38% Unpaved

Day 5: Guspini to Torre Grande
45-49 mi / 72-79 km

You have two options today. The first route takes you through rolling hills surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards, and the aroma of wild Mediterranean herbs. This easier route brings you inland to the fishing village of Marceddì, where you’ll cross a picturesque bridge that spans lagoons teeming with birdlife, including migrating flamingos. For a more challenging ride, you may opt for the second route and head to the historic mining village of Montevecchio. From there, you’ll climb to the Green Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and sparkling coralline waters. You might even take a break for a swim before continuing downhill to Marceddì, where both routes converge. Beyond the village, the scenery shifts to the farmlands of Arborea, an agricultural region transformed in the 1920s from marshland by settlers from northern Italy, who made it a key hub for Italy’s dairy industry. The route also crosses the Tirso River, Sardinia’s longest, which flows 152 kilometers from the mountainous interior to the Gulf of Oristano. Passing quiet lagoons filled with wildlife, you’ll ride through Santa Giusta and Oristano before reaching Torre Grande. This charming beach village is your final stop and offers a chance to relax by the sea and enjoy local seafood.

Elevation: +246 m / -344 m or +817 m / -917 m
35% or 21% Unpaved

Day 6: Sinis Peninsula Loop
28-41 mi / 46-66 km

On today's route, you'll pedal across the Sinis Peninsula, a unique area between the Cabras Lagoon and the Gulf of Oristano, on a mix of paved, dusty, and sandy flat fields. You’ll pass ancient Nuragic towers, sacred wells, and quaternary tombs, as well as a reconstructed Neolithic village that sheds light on Sardinia’s early inhabitants. The trail then leads to the quartz beaches of Mari Ermi, Is Arutas, and Maimoni, famous for their glittering quartz pebbles found only in this region. At the Cape of San Marco, you can visit the early Christian Church of San Giovanni di Sinis, one of Sardinia’s oldest churches, and the nearby Hypogeum of San Salvatore, featuring ancient frescoes, engravings, and even a filming site for 'Spaghetti Westerns'. The ride finishes with a calm stretch through eucalyptus fields along a mix of sandy gravel and asphalt roads.

Elevation: +287 m / -287 m or +316 m / -316 m
62% Unpaved

Day 7: Gesturi

The tour concludes following breakfast. You can catch a cab or a bus to the Oristano train station, where you'll find connections to Cagliari or other destinations on the island. If time allows, you may enjoy a short morning loop around the area before departing.