• Meals: Dinner

Following our arrival in Cagliari, we take an 80 min (approx) transfer to Sulcis-Iglesiente, a mountainous region 3/4 of the way down the island. We take a road that winds through open plateaux and extensive plains dotted with small towns, before reaching the hilly region below the Monte Linas range; our tranquil home for tonight, which is used by Skedaddle for all of our mountain biking weeks on the island. We arrive at our accommodation in plenty of time to sit down to our first Sardinian meal, freshly prepared by our host.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 875 Metres Approx.

Today’s first ride is a journey through varied landscapes, a loop ride giving a true taster of what Sardinia has to offer and a great start to our holiday. Starting from the agriturismo we head out towards the coast in order to ‘officially’ start our coast-to-coast adventure. The view is breathtaking: ahead of us, the towering sand dunes of Piscinas stretch across the horizon, surrounded by hills and carpeted with lush green Maquis vegetation.

Reaching the coast, we will have time to absorb this remarkable landscape of sand dunes and go for a swim before heading back onto our bikes for the next fun-filled off-road section.

We’ll then cycle inland again along a wide gravel road, passing abandoned mining dwellings and machinery, the only testimony of a once thriving community. On reaching our accommodation, we’ll have time for a refreshing beer before sitting down for dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 705 Metres Approx.

We continue our journey across the island taking cross-country undulating lanes through the Campidano plain, making our way towards the ancient Roman remains of the Sardara hot springs.

We take a brief stop in the town of Sardara to visit the remains of a prehistoric “Well Temple”, giving us an insight into the Sardinian Nuragic Bronze Era. The next section in the afternoon will take us into the Marmilla hills, alternating between tracks and country roads, we ride past olive groves, vineyards, small farms and sleepy villages. The short climbs will be rewarded with fast sweeping downhill trails.

Today’s destination is a friendly hotel located in the village of Tuili, near the archaeological site of Su Nuraxi. Built over 3,500 years ago, this three storey fortress will enthral any contemporary architect. We may visit the site before reaching our hotel, or plan a visit in the morning, time permitting.

Eating at the hotel restaurant, we can enjoy a relaxing evening after another full day on our Coast to Coast journey.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 885 Metres Approx.

Getting back on our bikes, we continue on our journey by climbing up to the Giara di Gesturi, dominating the Marmilla hills. This 12 km long and 4 km wide basalt plateau originating from the activity of two old volcanoes, is home to a rare breed of indigenous Sardinian horse that graze in the holm oak woods and roam freely between the ‘pauli’ natural ponds.

We cross the plateau on a mix of fun rocky single tracks and easy gravel roads, passing traditional shepherd huts and fresh water springs. After crossing the plateau we descend towards the village of Gesturi where we’ll stop for coffee.

From here we follow a dis-used railway line dating back to the early twentieth century, edging our way up past abandoned train stations and rural churches. Soon we arrive at the artificial Is Barocccus lake near the village of Isili. This lake incorporates a little island on which a medieval church looks out over the water. We reach our hotel in the town of Isili on a gravel road passing next to the Is Paras nuragic tower, built of white limestone.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 1,065 Metres Approx.

Leaving Isili we continue through a land of pastures further into the heart of the island.

Cycling past large flocks of livestock consisting of sheep and goats producing the milk with which the local shepherds prepare authentic Sardinian Pecorino and Caprino cheeses, we soon climb up into the southern foothills of the Gennargentu mountain range, winding through lush oak woods before finally reaching higher ground. The landscape will have now altered and is relatively barren and wild and the sky filled with birds of prey circling in the thermals in search of prey. The unspoiled nature of this area makes it fascinating for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists alike. It really is an area that vividly reflects the ancient character of the island.

From here we descend on some fun double track through the woods into the valley of the Flumendosa River, the most important in Sardinia. After crossing the river we slowly make our way up again to the church of Santa Barbara outside the village of Seulo. It is in these mountain village communities where we will find the highest concentration of ultra-centenaries! Tonight we will spend our evening immersing ourselves in their way of life, learn their secrets and be sure to sample the delicious homemade pasta and wine.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,065 Metres Approx.

A combination of off-road and tarmac surfaces will take us through another day of exhilarating landscapes and deeper into the heart of Sardinia today. Utilising mountain forest tracks and trails we will have fun exploring the Montarbu range, through dense woods and into the limestone landscape of this region. A short detour takes us to a traditional shepherd’s hut by a natural pond, an ideal spot for our packed lunch.

Moving on re-fuelled, once more the vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges are outstanding with Perda Liana and the highest peak in Sardinia, Punta Lamarmora (1,868 metres), forever present in the distance. The silence is broken only by the sound of sheep bells, cows and goats. We might even be lucky enough to spot Royal Kites, vultures, rock thrushes and pipits as we cycle along.

To reach Jerzu we have different options depending on the group, all with great views of the rocky limestone formations characterising this region. Ulassai is one of the most popular rock-climbing areas of Sardinia, so you may spot some climbers as we cycle below the cliffs.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 480 Metres Approx.

Today is the grand finale of our cycling adventure with some off road biking towards the east coast, moving from the mountainous and rocky landscape of the “Tacchi di Ulassai”, towards the lower fertile hills of Cardedu.

Today’s ride brings us through everchanging landscape. We leave behind the dramatic “Tacchi“, to ride through vineyards that produce the delicious Cannonau wine that Sardinia is so well known for! More undulating routes and country lanes lead us to the coast, where we finally reach the long sandy beach of Cardedu.

After a well deserved swim and spot of relaxation, it’s time to celebrate our great achievement! With our hotel right on the beach, there is no better way to finish our adventure together than enjoying another succulent meal, sipping wine and watching the stars glitter over the eastern Mediterranean sea…. Bliss! Accommodation for the last night is in a superb hotel overlooking the coast, ideal for a relaxing end to our journey.

• Meals: Breakfast

We have a relatively early start to the day for our return journey to Cagliari. Depending on flight schedules, time can be set aside to enjoy the last moments by the beach.

If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking exploring the rugged coastline, sea caves and white sandy beaches which stretch both north and south from Bari Sardo. 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.