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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.
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 NebidaDay 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 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 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
Bikes availaible to be rent (in advance at the time of booking):
- Trekking Bike - Cube Nature Pro/ Exc Classic frame or Step-through frame
- Electrically assisted bikes, CUBE Touring PRO 500
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
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.Dates
Saturdays: Year-round, 2024 (additional departures available for a surcharge)
Low season: Jan 1, 2024 - Jul 5, 2024, Sep 5, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
High season: Jul 6, 2024 - Sep 6, 2024Please note Category A is only available May 11 - Oct 12.
Prices
Tour package
Per person, double occupancy Low season High season Cat A €990 €1190 Cat B €770 €948 Single use room (1 person/1 room) Cat A €1268 €1468 Cat B €965 €1143 Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) Cat A €1435 €1635 Cat B €1131 €1309 Bike Rentals
Trekking bike €147 Electrically assisted bike* €263 *Please note a credit card must be provided for incidentals when picking up e-bike rental.
Additional Services
Non-Saturday departure surcharge (per person) €85 Transfer
Cagliari to Cabras, per person (minimum 2) €85 Oristano to Cabras, per person (minimum 2) €26 Pula to Cabras, per person (minimum 2) €105 Alghero to Cabras, per person (minimum 2) €116 Pula to Cagliari, per person (minimum 2) €53 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)
- Transfer at the end of Day 3 (optional)
Local hotel taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to each hotel (approximately €10).
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. 6 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 8 months ago
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 12 months ago
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 12 months ago
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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