Italy

Sardinia - Coastal Explorer

Self-Guided Road Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

£1,465 P.P.

SAVE ON 2025 EARLY SEASON ESCAPES

Book before 17 November 2024 to get £75 off your holiday departing in Spring 2025 before April 30th. Apply promo code FYR2025.

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Famed as Italy’s most exotic island, Sardina is blessed with a fantastic network of well-surfaced and traffic-free roads, just perfect for road cycling. The island has a stunning coastline which you will explore thoroughly throughout your journey, taking in the beautiful sandy beaches, emerald green waters and jaw dropping ocean views as you ride all the way to its most southern point.
Moving south from Alghero and the Montiferru mountain range you head into the low marshlands of Cabras and the Sinis Peninsula, crossing the Arborea Plain and onto the mountainous Green Coast.
   
Later in your journey, after visiting the San Pietro and Sant'Antioco islands you will ride along the beautiful south coast before your adventure ultimately draws to a conclusion in the colourful town of Pula.
Sardinia doesn't just abound in natural beauty, it is also steeped in culture and history and your route presents many opportunities to stop and visit ancient sites such as Roman baths, Carthaginian settlements and rural churches.
We have chosen for you a wide variety of consistently high standard accommodation, ranging from independently run small hotels to traditional, family managed agriturismi. Food lovers are in for a real treat since Sardinians pride themselves on their cuisine; this is not a destination where you will go hungry!
If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking. We’d love to help you experience Sardinia from the water, and we’re able to organise guided kayaking excursions with one of our local team if booked in advance, please contact us for further details.  

If you are looking to extend your holiday it is possible to start in Olbia and add 2 additional days riding along the north coast of Sardinia to make this a 10 day journey. Chat to our team for more information on extending this holiday.

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Holiday Highlights

  • Riding the stunning coastal road from Alghero to Bosa
  • Exploring the sandstone coast of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri
  • Visiting the Sinis Peninsula and the ancient Roman ruins of Tharros
  • The view of Pan di Zucchero on the Nebida coastal ride
  • Sweeping down the long descent to Fluminimaggiore and Masua
  • Exploring the white beaches running alongside the south west coastal road

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The route organised was excellent – we feel that we saw lots of different sides to Sardinia and escaped the normal tourist trail, really getting under its skin!

Nicholas, London

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival: Alghero
Non Riding Day

Following your arrival in Sardinia at Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) in the north of the island, we transfer you to your accommodation in Alghero where you can prepare your bikes and you can relax a little after your flight. Due to its strategic position at the Mediterranean Sea, Alghero was built around a fortified port and its small winding streets make a great place to explore. Depending on the flight times, you can perhaps enjoy a short warm up pedal to explore the nearby countryside.

Day 2
Alghero to Bosa
28 Miles / 45 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 845 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 845 Metres Approx.

Leaving Alghero, you follow the spectacular coastline to Bosa. The road is a rollercoaster of a route with high cliffs ascending from the coast, interspersed with little rocky bays and ancient watch towers. Make sure you keep an eye out for the sea birds, including griffon vultures, that can be spotted perched precariously high up on the rocky cliffs.

Situated on the Planargia flatlands, Bosa is a charming town situated in the Temo River Valley close to the sea. It is overlooked by the Serravalle Castle, from where the houses of the medieval centre start and then descend to the river bank. Tonight you can take your evening meal in the centre of Bosa. With the local cuisine based on fish and seafood and traditionally accompanied by a glass of Malvasia, Bosa’s lovely wine, it makes for a fitting end to a day on the bike.

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Day 3
Bosa to Santu Lussurgiu
48 Miles / 77 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,415 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner
  • Ascent: 1,415 Metres Approx.

Leaving Bosa and the coast, you head inland and ride on to Cuglieri, passing through the villages of Tresnuraghes and Sennariolo. From Cuglieri you have two options:

Option 1 – the longer route carries on along the coast to Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, allowing for a swim and visit of the famous S‘Archittu arched rock, before looping back north towards Santu Lussurgiu.

Option 2 – shorter but with a bit more climbing, heading inland up towards the Montiferru range passing woods, barren ragged slopes and view of the Abbasanta plateau.

Either option sees you arriving at the charming village of Santu Lussurgiu and your accommodation set in a centuries’ old mansion. Here you can set some time aside to explore the wonderfully narrow cobbled streets before sitting down to enjoy a very special dinner.

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Day 4
Santu Lussurgiu to Oristano
53 Miles / 85 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

Today you continue your journey south. Leaving the cobbled streets of Santu Lussurgiu, you start with a lovely gradual descent towards the coast and the low wet-lands of Cabras, a natural habitat for birds and famous for its mullet fishing. On a short detour we ride to the Sinis Peninsula famous for the Roman-Punic remains of Tharros and some of the earliest Paleo-Christian remains on the island. The peninsula was a strategic location for the Romans for both exploration of the Mediterranean but also access to the interior of Sardinia in search of minerals and land to exploit.

San Salvatore and San Giovanni di Sinis are paleo-Christian churches built not far from Tharros, their simplicity in design and architecture a reflections of basic times. You have plenty of time to explore these sites.

Moving on, you’ll ride through the flat marsh lands to Oristano, a bustling town. Here you stay the night and can enjoy a stroll through the streets.

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Day 5
Oristano to Fluminimaggiore
55 Miles / 89 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 820 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner
  • Ascent: 820 Metres Approx.

Leaving Oristano, you’ll ride through the flat agricultural region of Arborea, where most of Sardinia’s milk and vegetables are farmed. Arborea town, built during the Mussolini era is a sharp contrast to Sardinian traditional towns. Reaching Marceddi on the southern side of the fertile plains, the little fishing hamlet is your last stop on the coast before crossing the Marceddi lagoon and start heading inland.

After reaching Guspini, you’ll climb back towards the coast for a final 9km descent to Fluminimaggiore and the long sandy beach of Portixeddu. Here there should be time for a dip in the sea and a drink at the local bar before heading to your hotel slightly inland.

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Day 6
Fluminimaggiore to Calasetta
45 Miles / 72 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1,060 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1,060 Metres Approx.

Continuing along the coast you will enjoy stunning views of long sandy beaches and rugged promontories. Next on the agenda is a quick ferry crossing* to St Peter Island, and the unique small town of Carloforte.

The town of Carloforte on the island was founded by the coral fishers of Genoa, who moved to the island from Tunisia where they had lived since the middle of the 16th century. This influence is felt in the architecture on the island as well as the cuisine. With its pastel coloured houses set along narrow cobbled lanes, this makes it an interesting place to pootle around, maybe stopping for a fine meal atone of the town’s delicious fish restaurants. Don’t miss the island’s famous fresh tuna! Since ancient times, fishermen have awaited the arrival of schools of tuna that stream by along the same route, not far from the islands.

The ferry timetables should allow time to take lunch here and sample some of the finest fish cuisine in the Mediterranean. as well as explore the southern part riding a loop through the countryside characterised by low stone walls and meandering back to Carloforte via the coast. Another ferry will take you across to the island of St Antioco, known for its ancient settlements and catacombs under the town. A final ride through cultivated fields will then lead you to your next hotel.

*Approx 16 Euros per person including your bikes for both ferries.

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Day 7
Calasetta to Pula
65 Miles / 105 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 860 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 860 Metres Approx.

Alas you’ve reached the final riding day of your tour. There is no reason to be sad however because you have a beautiful day ahead as your route takes you to some of the finest stretches of beaches on the island.

Setting off the Calasetta, your first stop of the charming town of St Antioco, riding past the fishing port.

Leaving the island by the causeway across the bay of Palmas, you’ll carry on cycling south riding through the fertile flatlands around Trattalias and Sant‘Anna Arresi. As you cycle past vineyard after vineyard, it will become obvious that you are entering the wine region, known for Carignano wine. The next section is the highlight of this trip, the Costa del Sud is a wonderful 12 mile / 20 km spectacle of twisting, turning road above rugged cliffs that plunge into the deep blue sea. There are many outlook points and small sandy coves to stop and enjoy the sea. Cala Tuerredda is one of the most stunning beaches along this coast, protected by two impressive promontories and with turquoise blue waters – it’s like something out of a picture book.

From here the road climbs away from the coast, dropping back toward the long sandy beach of Chia. A short detour to the right will take you to Chia tower, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the long stretch of Chia beach and the islands. The next section follows the main road north, along a quiet coast road, finally reaching the little town of Pula, where your trip officially comes to an end. The excellent gelateria in the main town square, serving home made ice-cream, is a must-visit for a well deserved treat and reward after your long journey from the north to the south of Sardinia

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Day 8
Departure: Pula / Cagliari
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we will transfer you to Cagliari Elmas Airport for your return flight home. If you have opted to depart from Alghero we will transfer you to the bus station to meet your bus transfer up to the north of the island.

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 from Pula. 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.

Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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The Cycling

Terrain

Sardinia is a cyclist’s paradise, with excellent quality tarmac, wide roads, few cars and low urbanisation. You will be enchanted by the gradual undulating roads along the coast, passing watch towers, high cliffs and descending to long sandy beaches. As you leave the coast to ride towards the interior, the terrain becomes more mountainous, with longer gradual climbs, alternating with smooth flowing descents. Very short sections leading to the accommodation could be on gravel roads.

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Road Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2 - 3: Gentle to Moderate

Average distances around 70-90 km with occasional challenging climbs

A moderately difficult tour somewhere slightly tougher than a Grade 2, but not as difficult as Grade 3

Some long days and significant climbs

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?

You’re reasonably fit and ride frequently at weekends, sometimes staying on the bike for a number of hours at a time. You do enjoy an occasional challenge and quite happy climbing but you‘re unlikely to be found daydreaming about ticking off all the famous cols of the Tour de France. That said the prospect of tackling a semi-serious to serious mountain pass doesn’t fill you with dread. You enjoy the social aspect of cycling and look forward to the occasional coffee-stop as much as the riding itself. You have good control of your bike and feel confident in your skills to ascend and descend safely. Whilst you find a full day in the saddle fulfilling, you’re not obsessed and as much as you are looking forward to the riding on your holiday, you’re also looking forward to a little local culture and cuisine. Grade 2-3 would be a good option for you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Everyone in the group enjoyed the tour and absolutely loved Sardinia! My thanks to all involved for the work you put into this.

Richard, China

Dates & Prices

Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

2025 24 Mar – 29 Oct (excluding dates from 09 Jun – 31 Aug)

Season 1 – £1465 24 Mar – 08 Jun and 09 Sep – 29 Oct

Season 2 – £1685 01 Sept – 08 Sept

SAVE ON 2025 EARLY SEASON ESCAPES!

Book your early cycling escape before the 17th of November and save £75. Applies to departures between the 24th March and the 30th April 2025. Apply the promo code FYR2025 when you book. Your discount will be applied once your booking is confirmed.

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,465.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin/double en-suite rooms) in small hotels/agriturismi

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Local representative (with welcome meeting, either in person or via video call)

D) Access to the navigation app for holiday information and navigation

E) Luggage transfers

F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Alghero airport (AHO)

G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Cagliari airport (CAG)

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Travel insurance

E) Single room (available if required)

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) Ferry tickets on day 6 (approx €10 for 2 crossings + bikes)

J) Local tourist tax to be paid at each accommodation (amount varies)

K) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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The Essentials

Travel Options

This tour starts in Alghero and finishes in Pula.

Airport transfers are included in the cost of your tour. We ask that you fly into Alghero airport (AHO), aiming to arrive between 09:00 and 16:00 and depart Cagliari airport (CAG) between 11:00 and 19:00.

Please contact us to discuss the option of an arrival into Cagliari airport.

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements. Please note – If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the above time windows there may be an additional charge for your transfers.

Accommodation

We use a range of small 3* hotels and where possible we opt for agriturismi (small rural guest-houses). Our carefully selected hosts will ensure you are greeted with a warm welcome at the end of a day’s ride.

At the very beginning and end of the season tourism tends to be quiet and, although that means some of the facilities aren’t at full capacity, you will have the roads largely to yourself and can experience the island away from any crowds.

If you would like us to check out accommodation upgrade options for you, please contact us for details.

Bike Hire

Rental bikes will typically be a Giant Defy Advanced 2 or Giant Liv Avail Advanced 2 (for those preferring a women’s specific geometry) – or equivalent, with a carbon frame and hydraulic disc brakes.

These are great bikes with good quality components generally equipped with at least one bottle cage, a saddle bag and a small pump.

We can also include a helmet which should be requested at time of booking.

Please note that your bike will come with flat pedals as standard, so please do bring your own if you use clip-in pedals.

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