Sardinia: A Mine of Memories
7 nights from €928
4.36Discover the diverse and scenic landscapes of the second largest island in the Mediterranean
Sardinia's southwest forms a rugged wedge of land that juts south of the main body of the island into the Mediterranean, its craggy coastline mitigated by some fine beaches. Forests cling to the slopes of its predominantly hilly landscape, which is densely strewn with towns, temples, and fortifications founded by Phoenicians, settled by Carthaginians, and occupied by Romans.
The best preserved ruins are at Tharros, strategically positioned on the southernmost tip of the Sinis peninsula, and Nora, a Roman harbour town dramatically situated on a promontory overlooking the Golfo di Cagliari. The Carthaginian remains at Sant’Antioco occupy an equally evocative location on an island joined to Sardinia’s coast by a road causeway; the isle and its neighbour San Pietro are among the tour’s highlights. Historically, the region’s importance was due mainly to the mining of ores and minerals. Nowadays, mining is over, and the evidence of mineworks, often in a poignant state of abandon, can be seen around Arbus and Nebida where the Pan di Zucchero outcrop sprouts dramatically out of the sea.
The costa del sud offers a highly scenic sequence of inlets, punctuated by Spanish watchtowers. Chia has an almost unbroken succession of beaches, probably the best in Southern Sardinia.
Your tour starts in the Sinis peninsula, a wet area with lagoons that have attracted some of Sardinia’s most abundant bird life and are the place to see the flat-bottomed fassonis, boats still used by the lagoons
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer or independent arrival to Cabras
Day 2: The Sinis Peninsula and Oristano
22- 42 miles/36-68 km
Start your trip with an optional loop of the fascinating Sinis wetlands where we will see colonies of pink flamingos, quartz beaches and reach one of the most beautiful spots on the island: the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. Then cross the town of the medieval historic centre of Oristano to reach Arborea.
Overnight in Arborea
Day 3: Costa Verde and Dunes of Piscinas
29-34 miles/46-54 km
Cycle through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, some of the most savage scenery on the island, to the Piscinas beach with its sands dunes over 50 m high - the highest in Europe.
Overnight in Arbus
Day 4: The Mines of Sulcis
26 miles/41 km
This leg takes us back into the ancient mining past of Sardinia, as we pass the fascinating abandoned mines of Ingortosu and Planusartu. After the golden beach of Portixeddu and looming mass of Pan di Zucchero cliff, we admire the old ore washery at Nebida.
Overnight in Nebida/Gonnesa/Portoscuso
Day 5: The Island of Carloforte
27 miles/43 km
After a beautiful descent to Fontanamare, we will reach Portoscuso, and board on the ferry to Carloforte, where locals still fish the Red Tuna fish. From Carloforte, we continue to the island of Sant'Antioco and end our day in Calasetta.
Overnight in Sant’Antico/Calasetta
Day 6: Town and Island of Sant'Antioco
25 miles/40 km
Today, we pedal through the meadows, green in springtime and golden yellow in the summer, of Sulcis. At Tratalias, visit the Pisan sanctuary, one of the most important monuments of the Sardinian Romanesque period.
Overnight in Teulada/Sant’Anna Arresi
Day 7: The South Coast
37 miles/57 km
Final catwalk of our tour is the beautiful Costa del Sud with its gleaming white beaches, unspoiled natural landscape and imposing cliffs: Cape Malfatano with its 16th Century tower and Cape Spartivento. At Nora, we will visit the ancient Phoenician settlement.
Overnight in Pula
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
4-star hotels
Cabras: Albergo Diffuso Aquae Sinis
Arborea: Hotel Le Torri (Superior room)
Arbus: Agriturismo Rocce Bianche
Nebida/Gonnesa/Portoscuso: Lido degli spagnoli
Calasetta/Sant’Antioco: Hotel Luci del faro
Sant’Anna Arresi//Teulada: Lù Hotel
Pula: Lantana Resort
3-star hotels
Cabras: Hotel Villa Canu
Arborea: Hotel Le Torri
Arbus: Agr. Sa Perda Marcada
Nebida/Gonnesa/Portoscuso: Locanda S’anninnia
Calasetta/Sant’Antioco: MUMA Hostel
Sant’Anna Arresi//Teulada: Agriturismo Terranieddas
Pula: Hotel Villa Madau
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard trekking bike
Cube Nature Pro or similar
- Classic and step through frame versions available
- Comfortable riding position
- Shimano Deore group set
- Disc brakes
- Lockable front suspension
- Gel anatomic saddle
- Puncture free tyres
- Tailored with rear rack, adjustable handlebar stem and fenders
Specific bike provided will depend on availability and size needed, but will be the same or similar to the specifications listed above.
Electrically-assisted bikes
CUBE Touring PRO 500 or similar
- Bosch Powerpack 500: battery range Up to 150km!
- Shimano SLX/XT/Deore mixed-group set
- Disc brakes
- Puncture free tyres
Specific bike provided will depend on availability and size needed, but will be the same or similar to the specifications listed above.
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
**Please note a credit card must be provided for incidentals when picking up e-bike rental.
Accessories
The standard touring and electrically assisted bikes come equipped with:
- Rear saddle bag
- Smartphone holder (for using the navigational app)
- Cycle computer
- Water bottle (to keep)
- Repair kit, kit contains spare inner tube, tire levers, pump, and basic mulit-tool (one for every two bikes)
- Combination lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmets are available to be rented (to be paid locally). You must book in advance, it is not possible to rent it upon arrival to the tour. We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The route follows quiet roads most of the tour (about 80% of the time). The terrain is moderately hilly.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy (CAG)
Nearest bus station: Cabras, Sardinia, Italy
Tour end
Nearest airport: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy (CAG)
Nearest bus station: Pula, Sardinia, Italy
Transfer available to book (please see pricing chart):
- Cagliari - Cabras
- Alghero - Cabras
- Oristano - Cabras
- Pula-Cagliari
- Pula - Cabras
Please make a request for a transfer at the time of booking.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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