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Discover 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
Highlights
- The Sinis peninsula with the ruins of the ancient Tharros
- Costa Verde end the dunes of Piscinas
- The ancient mines of Sulcis
- The island of Carloforte and Sant'Antioco
- The Costa del Sud
Learn More
Not sure whether to book a guided or self-guided tour? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours or see more bike tours in Italy.
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Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer or independent arrival to CabrasDay 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 ArboreaDay 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. There is an option for a transfer towards the end of todays ride. The transfer can be booked on arrival and paid cash directly to the driver (approx. €50).
Overnight in ArbusDay 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/PortoscusoDay 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/CalasettaDay 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 ArresiDay 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 PulaDay 8: Departure
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure. -
Accommodation
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
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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
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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.
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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
- Handle bar bag with map holder
- 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.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Mar 22Mar 22 € 928 Book Mar 22Mar 22 € 1123 Book Mar 29Mar 29 € 928 Book Mar 29Mar 29 € 1123 Book Apr 5Apr 5 € 928 Book Apr 5Apr 5 € 1123 Book Apr 12Apr 12 € 928 Book Apr 12Apr 12 € 1123 Book Apr 19Apr 19 € 928 Book Apr 19Apr 19 € 1123 Book Apr 26Apr 26 € 928 Book Apr 26Apr 26 € 1123 Book May 3May 3 € 928 Book May 3May 3 € 1123 Book May 10May 10 € 928 Book May 10May 10 € 1123 Book May 17May 17 € 928 Book May 17May 17 € 1123 Book May 24May 24 € 928 Book May 24May 24 € 1123 Book May 31May 31 € 928 Book May 31May 31 € 1123 Book Jun 7Jun 7 € 928 Book Jun 7Jun 7 € 1123 Book Jun 14Jun 14 € 928 Book Jun 14Jun 14 € 1123 Book Jun 21Jun 21 € 928 Book Jun 21Jun 21 € 1123 Book Jun 28Jun 28 € 928 Book Jun 28Jun 28 € 1123 Book Jul 5Jul 5 € 1088 Book Jul 5Jul 5 € 1283 Book Jul 12Jul 12 € 1088 Book Jul 12Jul 12 € 1283 Book Jul 19Jul 19 € 1088 Book Jul 19Jul 19 € 1283 Book Jul 26Jul 26 € 1088 Book Jul 26Jul 26 € 1283 Book Aug 2Aug 2 € 1088 Book Aug 2Aug 2 € 1283 Book Aug 9Aug 9 € 1088 Book Aug 9Aug 9 € 1283 Book Aug 16Aug 16 € 1088 Book Aug 16Aug 16 € 1283 Book Aug 23Aug 23 € 1088 Book Aug 23Aug 23 € 1283 Book Aug 30Aug 30 € 928 Book Aug 30Aug 30 € 1123 Book Sep 6Sep 6 € 928 Book Sep 6Sep 6 € 1123 Book Sep 13Sep 13 € 928 Book Sep 13Sep 13 € 1123 Book Sep 20Sep 20 € 928 Book Sep 20Sep 20 € 1123 Book Sep 27Sep 27 € 928 Book Sep 27Sep 27 € 1123 Book Oct 4Oct 4 € 928 Book Oct 4Oct 4 € 1123 Book Oct 11Oct 11 € 928 Book Oct 11Oct 11 € 1123 Book Oct 18Oct 18 € 928 Book Oct 18Oct 18 € 1123 Book Oct 25Oct 25 € 928 Book Oct 25Oct 25 € 1123 Book Nov 1Nov 1 € 928 Book Nov 1Nov 1 € 1123 Book Nov 8Nov 8 € 928 Book Nov 8Nov 8 € 1123 Book Nov 15Nov 15 € 928 Book Nov 15Nov 15 € 1123 Book Nov 22Nov 22 € 928 Book Nov 22Nov 22 € 1123 Book Nov 29Nov 29 € 928 Book Nov 29Nov 29 € 1123 Book Dec 6Dec 6 € 928 Book Dec 6Dec 6 € 1123 Book Dec 13Dec 13 € 928 Book Dec 13Dec 13 € 1123 Book Dec 20Dec 20 € 928 Book Dec 20Dec 20 € 1123 Book Dec 27Dec 27 € 928 Book Dec 27Dec 27 € 1123 Book Show pricing details and extra options →
Pricing details and extra options
Low season: Saturdays Jan 1–Jul 4 and Aug 30–Dec 31 (Category A hotels only available between Apr 26 and Oct 11)
High season: Saturdays Jul 5–Aug 29- Low season 2025 Jan 1–Jul 4 & Aug 30–Dec 31 from € 9282025 departures: Saturdays Jan 1–Jul 4 and Aug 30–Dec 31 (Category A hotels only available between Apr 26 and Oct 11)
2025 January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Category A Double occupancy € 1168 Single occupancy € 1491 Solo traveler € 1696 Category B Price Double occupancy € 928 Single occupancy € 1123 Solo traveler € 1312 Bike rentals Price Standard trekking bike Included Electrically-assisted bike* € 116 *Please note a credit card must be provided for incidentals when picking up e-bike rental. - High season 2025 Jul 5–Aug 29 from € 10882025 departures: Saturdays Jul 5–Aug 29
2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Category A Double occupancy € 1348 Single occupancy € 1671 Solo traveler € 1876 Category B Price Double occupancy € 1088 Single occupancy € 1283 Solo traveler € 1472 Bike rentals Price Standard trekking bike Included Electrically-assisted bike* € 116 *Please note a credit card must be provided for incidentals when picking up e-bike rental. - Extra options
Extra options Alternative start date € 85 Transfers pricing is based on minimum of two travelersPrice Oristano to Cabras € 27 Cagliari to Cabras € 85 Alghero to Cabras € 116 Pula to Cagliari € 53 Pula to Cabras € 106
Included services
Self-guided tour includes:
- 7 Nights in hotels/agriturismo
- 7 Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- Digital copy of route notes and maps via Navigational app
- Telephone assistance in case of problems or questions
- Tour presentation (welcome meeting/call)
Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to each hotel (approximately €15).
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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, ItalyTour end
Nearest airport: Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy (CAG)
Nearest bus station: Pula, Sardinia, ItalyTransfer 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
Reviews
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★★★★★ Michaela O. 11 months ago
Fabulous way to experience Sardinia!
This tour exceeded our expectations and was a wonderful way to experience the magnificent landscapes, fresh, tasty food and warm and friendly people in Sardinia. We took the tour in early April, which meant mild days, low traffic volumes and plenty of time to enjoy the fresh country and ocean air. The sea was just warm enough for us to swim. The tour took us through peaceful agricultural areas, spectacular craggy coasts, historical islands and working ancient villages. We stayed in delightful, sometimes funky, boutique hotels and beautiful rural retreats. The rides were manageable each day, with Day 2 being plenty challenging enough for us. Breakfasts were fresh and substantial and we always found places for dinner which offered quality local Sardinian cuisine and wine. The logistics of airport pickup and luggage transfer were perfectly managed. We’re already scheming how we can take this tour again!
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★★★★★ Dwight Chapman January 24, 2024
Quiet streets in the offseason
We had a great tour. The local operator provided excellent support throughout. Though many restaurants are closed in the winter (we went in January), one can always find something. And the tradeoff is no traffic on the roads. For the final day ride along the coast we only had a handful of cars. It would be crazy busy in the summertime.
- What was the date of your tour?
- winter
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15 or more
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Kathryn Burnyeat October 16, 2023
Very Enjoyable Trip
Equipment supplied was generally very good. Enjoyed the e bikes very much. Scenery was spectacular along the coast. Nice blend of coastal scenes, countryside and local villages. Hotels were generally good. Maybe there was more cycling on busy highways and gravel trails than we expected. Overall, we enjoyed the trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 9
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Cheryl A Erlandson Erlandson October 16, 2023
We needed more information.
Day 2 was awful. The road is full of rocks and sand, not easy to bike on. Plus Marco told us to use eco or tour not to bother with sport or turbo which would have been good on the steep incline. Needed more information about how to use an ebike would have been very helpful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Mary Ricks September 30, 2023
Getting to see the real Sardinia
The tour as a whole was good. But getting our bikes and adjusting them to ride was really a nightmare. If this would have been my first trip with BikeTours I would have never come back again. We were pretty much in the town where we were getting our bikes and could have had plenty of time to get them in the afternoon and make sure everything was adjusted correctly. However we were not to get them until 6 pm, then it was changed to 6:30 and finally it was at 7. Everything was rushed and only one guy trying to get out 26 bikes. No communication. We were forced to try out bikes on the street in the dark with cars coming and going. Ebike riders were not told that they would probably have to stop and charge their battery on the really hard day or would run out of battery. And most riders were confused about which day was the day you could get assistance if needed. Again communication was missing.
Overall the hotels were great, staff at hotels were good, food was fine. The ride overall was good because of the people who were riding. We helped each other out when we didn't know the answer to questions. -
★★★★★ Pamela Oberst September 30, 2023
Island of Italy
Overall the trip was great. The hotels were wonderful and each had a pool which was very nice after a hot ride.
My only negative review is the company that sponsored the tour. The bikes came very late in the evening for setup. There was no time for questions and they were still setting up bikes after 21:00.
The communication was nil. I never could get the GPS to work after several attempts. Also it would be nice if each group could of had one printed map. As it was only one of our group had the route on the phone. I ask for help but the company reps were too busy. I have done several rides with Bike tours and by far the Dolcevita was the worst.- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- Six
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
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★★★★★ Beverly Langsch September 20, 2023
Ups and downs
We had A hotels and it was wonderful to have a swim after a hot (+30°C) day of riding. But, these hotels were often away from town centers. Route was very doable on ebike, but riders do need instruction from local operater, regarding battery range. Several in our group had to do last 10 km, uphill, without battery assist. Only GPS instructions were provided; no maps or written navigation cues for backup, so cyclists need to be used to this system. The heat was difficult, so I would never consider this ride in summer. I loved the long downhills, generally low traffic, views to coast on day 5 and 6. Day 4 was a slow, easy day with 2 ferries, but was much appreciated after the hill climbing and heat on days 2 and 3.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 9, 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- Many! Probably 15 or more
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Lisa Samson-Fang July 8, 2023
Had a great time!
Great week in Sardinia biking. Everything planned for us on a self-guided tour. Great accommodations. Great routes. Beautiful. I would consider upgrading bike to lighter bike next time (e.g. gravel bike). Otherwise, wouldn't change a thing,it was perfect.
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★★★★★ Sagan October 1, 2019
More challenging than leisurely
Unfortunately not the experience we expected and we were a bit disappointed given how much we enjoyed our previous tours.
The very hot weather and humidity may have been a factor but the route was much more challenging than expected and there were a lack of places to stop off that did not involve adding on extra KMs to the route.
We noticed many other self guided opted for e-bikes probably with good reason.- What was the date of your tour?
- 14th sept 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe October 2, 2019
Hi Sagan, and thanks for the review. We're sorry to hear that this tour was more challenging than you expected and therefore, less enjoyable. Heat and humidity can surely be factors in making a tour feel harder. As you noted, ebikes are an option on harder tours (this one is a rider level 3/4) to make them feel more leisurely. We appreciate your note that places to stop require some extra pedaling - very helpful information! Thanks again for the feedback
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★★★★★ Patricia October 12, 2017
Totally exceeded all expectations!
What a fantastic biking experience. Our guides - Encrio & Michela were the absolute best and 'made' the trip. It was awesome to see their eyes light up when they shared the history of Sardinia with us at every stop. So knowledgeable, so engaging, can't say enough! Everything planned down to the smallest details.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 22-29, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ NotLance October 11, 2017
Great way to experience Sardinia
The Sardinia: A Mine of Memories tour was great. We choose a guided trip and the two guides we were assigned were great fun, becoming family. Our group of 17 ranged from casual/infrequent riders to advanced, some on road bikes, hybrids, and some on e-bikes (all bikes in great shape), and it proved to be a great combination with everyone happy. Two days of significant elevation gain (which became known as "beautiful views") , others along rolling mostly coastal or scenic roads, all with fun breaks for coffee, lunch, gelato and beer. Great dinners and accommodations were all good. Sardinian drivers were really courteous in the short heavily trafficked stretches. Our second tour with Biketours.com and we will be back.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 20-27
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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