
Holiday Highlights
- Blasting the singletrack downhill from Monte Albo
- Biking through a constantly changing landscape
- Fun downhill through a limestone landscape towards Cala Gonone
- The cracking 360° views from Monte Olinie
- Riding the singletrack below Perd’e Liana pinnacle.
- Delicious home cooked food, washed down with tasty local wine!
It was worth it in every way – the biking was the hardest thing I’ve ever done (but enjoyable) on a beautiful island with great guides and very good company.
Itinerary
- Meals: Dinner
Following your arrival into Cagliari (CAG) in the south of the Island, we will transfer to the first nights’ accommodation near Olbia in the north. Once here we check into our hotel and after organising our bikes for the journey ahead sit down to our first delicious Sardinian meal

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1,250 Metres Approx.
Your mountain biking adventure begins south of Olbia, in the small town of Lode. A short section on tarmac will bring us to start the first climb on a pine forest road. We are entering the limestone territory of Mt Albo.
A gradual but stunning climb through the oak forest will lead us up to a height of 770 metres. Our award is one of the most beautiful singletracks on this part of the island, 6 km of real fun. A tarmac section will lead you toward the hills and then a dirt track to the coast.
Our journey progresses along the coast as we ride narrow trails and country lanes over granite hills that lead us to the sea. From here we start heading south again, on a fun coastal roller-coaster ride though a dense pine forest towards Capo Comino promontory, passing granite rocky outcrops and some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Heading into the Baronie region, you will notice the black of its basalt rock and that the riding terrain changes again. This will be your last chance to take in the stunning sea views, before heading inland toward Orosei, our overnight stay and another succulent Sardinian dinner.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 950 Metres Approx.
With a less strenuous day ahead, we can allow a little bit more time over breakfast before we get ourselves on our bikes. Leaving Orosei, we follow the coast line on a mixture of off-road trails and singletrack, through a landscape of low Mediterranean shrub, lagoons and long sandy beaches. Reaching the basalt promontory of Osalla, a short technical climb will lead you to a Nuraghe (bronze-age dwelling) from where views of Orosei open up ahead of you. Down on the beach, a short singletrack from Cala di Osalla to Cala Cartoe will keep everyone entertained and hopefully on their bikes! Heading inland towards Dorgali we embark on an amazing singletrack descent and time permitting, stop off to visit the impressive Nuraghe Mannu, perched at the top of the Fuili Gorge.
The final singletrack descent to the coast and Cala Gonone is a special treat and ends today’s ride in style. Tonight we will be staying at a small hotel close to the beach / sea front. With the evening meal taken in town, it’s time to try out one of the many good restaurants and celebrate the ride so far in one of the bars.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 2,100 Metres Approx.
From Calagonone, we embark on a difficult days riding, leaving the coast behind and gradually climbing into the oak forest of Givine. The climb is initially on paved road, through some of the most stunning limestone mountains you will have ever seen. Then it becomes tougher as the loose gravel track become steeper. The reward is the technical single track leading onto a tarmac road, from where the climbing is gradual. From sea level to 1,000 mt in 22 km! A coffee stop at the little café at the pass is a must before we head off onto our next off-road section into the Supramonte di Urzulei.
Here it feels like entering the wild west, wild pigs and horses graze freely in a barren landscape of rock and pastures, as birds of pray hover above our heads! Luckily a hard climb is always rewarded with a stunning descent! After a last glimpse of the east coast in the far distance from a panoramic view at 1,400m the fast descent on stony, loose gravel trail will lead us to the oak forest, smiling of course!
Just a final 10 km up and down and you will be treated to some fantastic Sardinian cooking.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,200 Metres Approx.
Lake Flumendosa is soon ticked off the schedule as we head towards Perda Liana. Climbing gradually, the rocky peak of Perda Liana will edge closer before finally reaching its base. Leaving the bikes behind a short walk will take us to the panoramic view spot from where the highest mountain ranges in Sardinia, as well as the ranges to the south you’ll will be crossing in the next few days are visible.
Moving on we have a fun challenge for you all as we ride down a steep fire break section. Riding on, a ‘carefree’ descent on forest trails leads us to the forestry land of Monte Arbu National Park. More singletrack through the forest before a gravel road takes us to the ‘Ogliastra Tacchi’, whose large limestone peaks are covered by dense oak wood. Up and down from one peak to the other we head to Ulassai. Located at the bottom of a limestone cliff with views to the sea, this small mountain village a great place to end the day.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,700 Metres Approx.
Our journey continues south with an easy start descending to the rivers below before winding back up. The unspoilt nature of this area makes it a fascinating area for naturalists and bikers alike. It is an area that most vividly reflects the ancient character of the island. Shepherds trails, huts and ancient Nuraghi litter the landscape and villages perch over steep sided valleys in the far distance.
Leaving the village of Perdasdefogu behind us (after a coffee stop!) we ride along the Quirra plateau. The landscape changes yet again as we ride up and down the valleys across this vast plateau, with the highlight of today’s ride the narrow and technical track from the plateux to the Flumendosa river.
Reaching San Vito we settle into our accommodation.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1,300 Metres Approx.
We’ll continue our journey today through the mountains of the Sarrabus region, taking an ancient mining trail which was used to connect the village to the mines of Villasalto. Then an nice section, riding on a mountain road contouring Mt Genis. The climbing is far from finished! After lunch we have a raod section heading downhill for a few kilometers and then up on a challenging gradient.
The last climb is the best of Skedaddle Italia challenges, the gradient is 33%! The award is a 360° view, being able to see the whole range of mountains we crossed in our Sardinia Traverse journey, all the way back to our first day riding! In few kilometers along a beautiful singletrack will bring us close to our destination for the day, Dolianova.

- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.
A grand finale on our last riding day as we ride through pine forests on series singletrack trails that whilst not overly technical are great fun!
After another delicious lunch, we continue towards Cagliari, your final destination after eight days of challenging riding in Sardinia. Which ever thrilling route we take it’s down to the south coast and the beach where we celebrate our achievement with a chilled Ichnusa beer.
Our accommodation is a short transfer away, with a celebratory meal on the cards to celebrate our epic biking journey through Sardinia!

- Meals: Breakfast
Following breakfast it’s sadly time to head to Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) for return flights. Depending on flight times, there may be the option of exploring Cagliari prior to checking in for your flights.
If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking exploring the picturesque coastline and sandy shores which stretch along the coast to the east of Cagliari. Our local team can join you for a day’s guiding or we can provide the information and equipment to allow you to enjoy the routes self-guided, just give us a call for further info.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The beauty of a journey across an island from North to South is the continuous changing landscape and variety of terrain, resulting in a truly challenging adventure! Sardinia is predominantly mountainous and hilly, composed of large basalt plateaus, limestone massifs and granite boulders, crossed by deep valleys with rushing rivulets. The result is a daily succession of climbs and descents on a variety of terrain.
Hot spring/autumn sunny days add to the challenge. You will enjoy some wonderful stretches of steep and fast downhill on loose gravel dirt roads or single track, but not before earning it with a climb, made even more demanding by loose stones and rocks on the trails.
Daily short sections of technical single track comprise of tight corners, steps, rocks, roots and rocky dropoffs. In some places the trail is exposed to deep valleys. The single tracks are often very narrow and pass through the typical Mediterranean vegetation, with thorny bushes.
We recommend baggy shorts and possibly light long sleeves.

Mountain Biking Grade
Aspects of both our grade 4 and 5 holidays
Distances of 25-55 miles / 40-90 kms per day
For experienced mountain bikers who enjoy difficult technical sections and physical challenges
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Holidays that are graded as a 4-5, will have aspects of both our grade 4 and 5 holidays. As well as keeping a good level of fitness you are also an experienced biker and enjoy riding more challenging trails. You usually ride most weekends and can cover between 30 and 50 miles over a full 8-9 hour day (with breaks). The routes you choose include challenging climbs perhaps with sharp switchbacks and sections of large and loose rocks. You are comfortable riding most trails including sections of technical or exposed singletrack with obstacles such as drop offs and rock gardens. Our grade 4-5 trips should suit you.
Guides superb and really made the holiday with their endless enthusiam, humour and hard work.
Dates & Prices

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
Whats Included 
What's not Included 
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Single room (available if required)
D) Travel insurance
E) Meals not stated in the itinerary
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en-route
I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Reviews
Cathy, LondonI was very impressed from start to finish with my dealings with SkeddadleThis was the first skeddadle holiday we have been on and we will definitely be back. I have been on a couple of cycle trips with other companies and can safely say that this was by far the best: in terms of organisation, attention to detail and the overall ‘customer’ experience. It felt professional, was beautifully organised and the guys went over and above the call of duty. my husband had a few mechanicals and these were sorted with minimum fuss despite it being a pain and additional work/faff.
Our guide Alessandro was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble, he was a great guide: clear explanations at the start of the day together with clear instructions on the trail. He engendered total confidence and is a geniunely lovely guy! He and his team made the holiday for sure.
The MTB-ing in Sardinia was spectacular and I am a better biker for it!!
Simon, HerefordshireI recommend Skedaddle as the best cycling holiday company to travel withA tough but rewarding trip featuring great technical mountain biking through stunning landscapes.
The guides really went out of their way to help solve anyone’s problems. Our tour leader Alessandro was extremely professional in the way he led the trip and a great person to spend the holiday with.
Many thanks to Paul and Naomi for your response when I phoned the skeddadle emergency number after Alex collapsed due to illness 20 minutes before our taxi was due for our return to the airport. This level of care for your customers is what truly sets you apart from other companies.
Ian, EssexFirst class tour leader...A proper cross-country journey across a very wide variety of terrain and trails in remote mountains. Some stiff climbs on single and double track, fast flowing undulating traverses across ridges and through forests, and some fun technical descents. This is a tough trip which requires a good level of fitness and technical skills, but it is very rewarding. The evening meals in some of the more out of the way hotels were truly memorable – put a smile on all our faces.
We had a first-class tour leader – friendly, knowledgeable about all aspects of the route, the terrain and the island, and he worked extremely hard to ensure we all had an enjoyable trip, as did the other guides. He was extremely professional in the way in which he made decisions about route selection when we encountered some poor weather and organised a visit to an amazing cave when the decision was made not to ride one day because of the thunderstorm risk. Other guides were always encouraging and fun to ride with.
Hanna, EssexOne of my best holidays ever :-)A beautiful place for mountain biking, excellent guides, yummy Italian food and great pack of co-riders! Massimo was an excellent leader! Enthusiastic, friendly, professional, his knowledge of local trails made the riding so enjoyable. Good team work made the holiday just excellent.
Nathan, West MidlandsFaultless!I can’t really fault the whole experience. The guides, Massimo and Gionata, absolutely made the trip. They are a pair of diamonds who couldn’t do enough for us. The routes were fantastic, the food great, especially the lunches and the overall team spirit that was fostered was just brilliant!
Michael & Susan S. California, USA.You guys are fantastic!The guides were fantastic they managed a very group excellently. There were some very difficult climbs and a few of the descents were also harder than I expected. On the final day the ride into Cagliari, the shared prosecco in a square below the Casetello and the superb dinner really rekindled our spirits :)
We are now veterans of two Skedaddle trips and will definitely be going for number three! You guys are fantastic!
Russell, LondonA great trip...I’d worked so hard all summer and this Skedaddle trip was my focus to get me through it. The holiday and Skedaddle lived up to the expectation. Thank you for a great trip in a lovely island.
Elaine, BirminghamA trip that's set the standard!This, my first trip with Skedaddle, has really set the standard. I felt that all of the local tour guides went out of their way to help the group, tell us about their beautiful country and make sure we enjoyed the trip. They provided more help with bike repairs/cleaning than I expected to see. Also makes a difference having somewhere nice to relax and dry off after a long day’s cycling, and helps to justify the price of the tour. There was delicious fresh food virtually everywhere we went!
Andrew, NewcastleExemplary service...The service provided was exemplary. Massimo was thoughtful, well organised, conscientious, energetic and really cared about his clients. It seemed really important to the guides that we should get the most out of the tour.
Clinton, KentGreat food!The accommodation was of good standard but there were some limits due to availability in rural areas. I am amazed you managed to find acommodation in some of the areas we stopped! Italian style breakfasts were good, a fine provision of lunches each day (a mini feast every time) – food, food and even more food! It was a good job we were burning all those calories!