Highlights
- Visiting Piscinas Beach – the highest sand dunes in the Med
- Checking out the UNESCO heritage Nuraghe of Barumini
- Riding varied biking trails in real remote mountain areas
- Eating fantastic home cooked food, washed down with local wine!
- Enjoying the stunning scenery of the limestone mountains around Ulassai
- The satisfaction of crossing spectacular Sardinia by bike
A truly great holiday! There is so much I could write about what made the holiday special but I would need to write a whole book.
Itinerary
- 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: 850 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: 650 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: 950 Metres Approx.
Getting back on our bikes, we continue on our journey following a dis-used railway line, contouring the Giara Plateau and gradually edging our way up towards the lower slopes of the Gennargentu range. We ride past abandoned train stations and sleepy towns before embarking on a gradual climb up into the lower slopes of the Gennargentu. Biking along a forest road, we ride past a panoramic wooded area, ancient oak trees overlooking a landscape of green valleys and pastures.
Bypassing Asuni, and moving further into more remote territory, we enter a narrow valley with the overlooking castle of Medusa perched on a rocky scree above us. The mountain forest road climbs gradually, following the contours of the valley.
Our final destination for the day is an agriturismo known for its production of olive oil where our hosts Don Peppe and Maria Rita will treat us to a delightful home cooked meal.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 1,400 Metres Approx.
Leaving Laconi we continue our journey as we climb towards the Gennargentu, 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 naturalists, walkers and cyclists alike.
It is an area that most vividly reflects the ancient character of the island.
Today is quite challenging, taking us first towards the Flumendosa across the barren landscape of Santa Sofia, to then descend to the Flumendosa river, the most important in Sardinia. After a cheeky climb, a fun section of single track and forest trails leads us to the unique water fall of Su Stampu e su Turunnu.
Our final destination for today is an agriturismo set outside the village of Seulo, reaching it with one last push on the bikes from the waterfalls.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,200 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 Ulassai 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: 450 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 vineyard region of Jerzu and 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.

Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The beauty of a journey across an island is the continuous changing landscape offering new experiences and challenges as the days go by. Starting from the west coast, the biking is characterised by stony and compact sandy tracks, through lush Mediterranean shrub overlooking high sand dunes, unique to this part of the island.
As we carry on our journey across the island, the terrain will alternate between countryside dirt roads through the Campidano plain and over the hills of the Marmilla region. As we bike further into the heart of Sardinia, we enter the mountainous region, ascending over the following days into higher territory. Here we follow mountain mule tracks, forest trails, cross streams, biking through dense oak woods and over open mountain passes.
The occasional tarmac road will help link these sections together, ready for the next off-road section. As we ride closer to the east coast, mountains give way to hills and country lanes through vineyards and fruit plantations, finally reaching the long sandy beach near Bari Sardo.

Mountain Biking Grade
Distances of 25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day
Aimed at regular cyclists who have a degree of off road experience
Some moderate and difficult technical sections
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?
If you have some experience of off road riding on a variety of terrain, and would like to do more, a grade 3 trip could be for you. These rides give you elements of our higher grade trips but at a manageable level with sections of singletrack (narrow trails wide enough for one rider) and shorter steep sections (both up and down) which require more bike handling ability. A day’s ride can see you on the trails for around 8 hours (with breaks) and covering between 25-50 miles depending on the terrain. If you’re generally fit and manage to ride regularly this could be the level for you.
The guides could not have done more for us! Their knowledge, professionalism and assistance was outstanding. I would reccommend this trip to anyone!
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 
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) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides
D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) Support vehicle, for tired bikers and luggage transfers
F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Cagliari airport (CAG)
G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Cagliari airport (CAG)
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
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Here are 7 things you'll only understand if you've cycled in Italy and why we're so eager for you to join us here...
Reviews
Sophia, Belmont, USAOne of the best holidays in my life!This was my first guided tour and I enjoyed it tremendously. This tour would not be same without the guides! The quickly became the soul of the trip, entertaining us with stories about Sardinia and also an incredible source of information on almost anything!
Sheila, AustraliaFabulously organised and executed trip...A fabulously organised and executed trip. The guides were incredibly helpful in all matters, very friendly, good English, prepared amazing lunches and nothing was too much trouble! The last day with the limestone mountains and views down to the ocean has to be our favourite day!
Nicky, South AfricaSkedaddle made it awesome...It really was my best holiday ever, great food, great cycling, great friends and great guides! Wow I miss the Sardinian hills too badly! I have been in a state of depression since I got back!
Ian, Essex, UKDifferent class!I have travelled with other companies on mountain biking and trekking holidays, but Skedaddle were in a different class with this trip. An awful lot of planning and effort goes into making a holiday so enjoyable and it showed. The landscapes changed with each day’s riding, as did the accommodation with some lovely agriturismos in great locations.
Great authentic local food and wine in copious quantities, and wonderful lunches. What really stood out was the friendliness and professionalism of the guides – Danilo is first class tour leader. My first experience with Skedaddle and I would recommend this trip and the guides without any hesitation.
Maxine, New ZealandThe cycling was great...What I thoroughly enjoyed about the tour was the variety! Each day took us through a fascinating range of environments, not only the striking contrasts of terrain, with stunning views, but also cycling through small villages complemented with the drink stops in great locations.
We had an excellent leader who gave thorough descriptions of the routes so that we were well prepared for the type of riding. He was also an excellent instructor giving advice as to how to improve technique and how best to tackle the terrain. His humour was very entertaining and his social involvement with the group in the evenings was great. He made all aspects of the tour extremely enjoyable. He is absolutely passionate about biking and Sardinia and truly wanted us all to have a fantastic experience. I would have liked the tour to carry on for at least 3 or 4 more days!
Victoria, DenmarkFantastic and memorable...The food was really great – and thank you so much for taking care of my dietary requirements! Renato, Enriquo and Danielo were all fantastic cooks.
Renato was incredibly professional. Very patient, capable, and a great rider. He really inspired confidence.
Both Danielo and Enriquo contributed so much to the trip, it was such a pleasure to ride with those guys. Nothing was too much trouble – repairing punctures for the umpteenth time, changing bike parts en route, cooking, giving us a lift to our hotel at the end of the trip. They were also fantastic company, and excellent riders. Again, both a pleasure to ride with! The guides really contributed to making this a fantastic and memorable trip.
Hannah, Cornwall, UKA really well set up holiday...Amazing routes through such varied landscapes – some of the mountain biking trails were challenging but great fun. The guides were so good at pacing us – and always being there with the van and snacks in our hour of need.
Staying mostly in down to earth agriturismos with homegrown and freshly prepared specialties, I felt we saw a Sardinia that few other tourists see. Really good bikes, well maintained, very new. And the guides were helpful in setting them up correctly/adjusting, and mending all my punctures! In terms of giving a flavour of the holiday and where we’d stay, the trip notes and video were very helpful.
Stephen, London, UKBest guides ever!Every day was so enjoyable, with just the right level of challenge provided with the cycling. It was a very strong guide team provided which was the best i’ve ever experienced either with Skedaddle or any other operator.
Ewa, Surrey, UKBrilliant as always, coming back!Loved the agrotourismo places we stayed in, fantastic mix of accommodation supporting the rural communities. Great character, clean, quirky.
Renato is a brilliant ambassador for Sardinia. Enjoyed cycling with him and his wealth of knowledge. His passion for Sardinia is very apparent. The other guides were great fun to be with, had a good sense of humour, knowledge of the area and some great mtb tips that I put to good use. our driver Antonio was a diamond. Nothing was too much trouble, he was unflappable, great company and an asset to the team.
Peter, East Lothian, UKDelivered everything promised......and a bit more!
The food was a highlight of the trip, with excellent picnic lunches and an endless supply of fruit, drinks and water that helped keep us going. Leivin, together with Gianfranco and Antonio, did a first class job with concise and informative briefings, advice and excellent back-up.