Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

4/5 (1)
6 nights
35 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 1810
Bike tour in Italy
Rider Level: Enthusiast Electric bike tours

Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

4/5 (1)

Rider Level: Enthusiast Electric bike tours

6 nights
35 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 1810
Bike tour in Italy

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Discover the Charm of Gravel Biking on the Mediterranean Sunset Coast

    Discover Sardinia on a gravel biking adventure that combines ancient mysteries with rugged landscapes. From truly unique UNESCO sites to some of Europe’s largest sand dunes, this tour takes you off the beaten path into a world of rolling vineyards, shimmering coastlines, and villages rooted in the past.

    As you pedal through centuries of history, Sardinia's hidden secret is unveiled - the key to a long and vibrant life! As one of only five designated Blue Zones, Sardinia boasts one of the world's highest rates of centenarians. Is it the healing thermal waters from Roman-era springs or perhaps the flavorful Sardinian diet and world-renowned indigenous wines?

    Find out what makes this island so special on this unique gravel tour!

    • Tharros, Sardinia. Milo Bak@Unsplash
    • Oristano, Sardinia, Italy. Jürgen Scheeff@Unsplash
    • Cabras, Sardinia, Italy. Jürgen Scheeff@Unsplash
    • Sardinia, Italy. Deigo Zingano@Flickr
    • Cabras, Sardinia, Italy. Frances Coungaro@Unsplash
    • Wining & dining in Sardinia, Italy. Allh1@Flickr
    • Tharros, Sardinia. Milo Bak@Unsplash
    • Lots of ruins in Sardinia, Italy. Ruben Holthuijsen@Flickr
    • Sardinian architecture. Roman Kraft@Unsplash
    • Italian delicacies. Louis Hansel@Unsplash

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Su Nuraxi- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Sinis Peninsula Quartz Beaches- Mari Ermi and Is Arutas.
    • Piscinas Dunes and Costa Verde
    • Montevecchio Mining Village
    • Giants’ Tombs- ancient burial sites tied to Sardinian mythology.
    • Roman era thermal springs of Sardara.
    • Scenic gravel paths- olive orchards, caves, mines, and old rail routes
    • Traditional Sardinian cuisine and wine


    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

    Photos 

  • Traveler photos

    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)

    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    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.


    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

     Photos Accommodation 

  • Accommodation

    Hotels

    Sardara: Sardegna Termale Hotel

    Guspini: Tartesh Hotel

    Torre Grande: Lido Beach Hotel


    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

     Daily program Bikes 

  • Bikes

    Gravel bike

    • Scott and Vektor
    • Carbon Frame Monocoque
    • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
    • Shimano GRX 11 or 12 Speed
    • Front Gear 48/32
    • Fulcrum or Mavic Wheels
    • Continental or Schwalbe Tyres 700x40
    • Weight: 9,5kg

    Electric bike

    • Scott Brand
    • Aluminium frame
    • Sizes: S, M, L
    • 625ah Battery
    • Powered By Bosch
    • Shimano Hydraulic Disk Brake & Equipment
    • Schwalbe AntiPuncture 700x50 Tyres
    • Weight: 22kg

    Accessories

    Equipment included with bike rental:

    • Helmet
    • Handlebar bag or map holder
      • Water bottle (souvenir)
    • Repair kit (mini pump, inner tube, tire levers)
    • Computer mileage counter

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.


    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

     Accommodation Dates & Prices 

  • Dates & Prices

    Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.



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    Included services

    • 6-nights accommodation
    • Breakfasts
    • 1 dinner
    • Van transfer on day 1 from San Gavino train station to your first hotel
    • Bike Delivery in Sardara and professional bike fitting
    • Luggage transfers
    • Tour notes and maps
    • 'Ride with GPS', including navigation off-line

    Please note any city or visitor's taxes are not included in the tour costs. You will pay these at hotel reception.


    Tour Company


    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

     Bikes Other Details 

  • Surface and terrain

    The cycling paths encompass a blend of both asphalt and unpaved surfaces, featuring stretches of level terrain as well as some challenging uphill sections.


    How to get there

    Tour start:
    Fly into Cagliari and take a train to San Gavino. The train station is very close to the airport, walking distance. There is one train every 30 minutes to San Gavino and the ride takes 40 minutes. Once in San Gavino, van transfer is included to your first hotel in Sardara (10 minutes ride)

    Tour end:
    From the end hotel, take a cab or a bus to Oristano train station from where you can reach Cagliari, there is a train every hour. There is also the bus station well connected with the local villages of the area.

    For train schedules visit, https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html


    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • John Foster 5 months ago

      Beautiful bit challenging :)

      Sardinia has long been on our "bucket list" and the scenery, wine, and food did not disappoint! The 3 different accommodations chosen were all great and each was a bit different. The staffs were great at all 3 and the on site coordinators were terrific! The routes were well laid out and Ride with GPS was a breeze to follow (though I use the app at home all the time) Some of the off-road trails were a bit rougher than anticipated and so they took a bit longer to complete than the estimates.

      How many tours have you completed?
      number 6 out of country, but first with Bike Tours
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      •  (photo by John Foster)
      •  (photo by John Foster)
      •  (photo by John Foster)
      •  (photo by John Foster)
      •  (photo by John Foster)
      •  (photo by John Foster)
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection

    Cycling Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

     Other Details Book this tour 

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