Following our arrival in Olbia we transfer to La Caletta which boasts a huge white beach just above the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Orosei. On arrival we’ll have time to meet our guides and set up our bikes before sitting down to enjoy our first delicious Sardinian meal and a refreshing glass of local wine.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

Today’s journey beings gently heading south along relatively flat terrain along long sandy beaches. We won’t be on flat for long though, as a mix of forest roads and single track takes us up into the limestone region of Dorgali and onwards to our destination of Cala Gonone.

After our initial start, a fun coastal roller-coaster ride through a dense pine forest towards Capo Comino allows for great views as we pass huge granite rocky outcrops and some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia along the way. This area is well known for its remote beaches: each one more stunning than the next.

Next up, we’ll take on some fun, flowing trails as we pass through the natural reserve of Bidderosa, famous for its lagoons and white sandy beaches. For our next stop we head inland briefly to Orosei, where we can grab ourselves a well-deserved break and enjoy a coffee or ice cream.

After another coastal stretch has warmed us up we head inland for the final leg of the day past some bronze age nuraghe dwellings and the Ispinigoli caves. The final singletrack descent to the coast and Cala Gonone is a special treat and ends today’s ride in style. Tonight’s accommodation is at a small hotel close to the sea front. With the evening meal taken in town, it’s time to try out one of the many excellent restaurants.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 2,000 Metres Approx.

From Cala Gonone, we embark on a challenging day’s riding, leaving the coast behind and gradually climbing into the oak forest of Givine.

The climb is initially on paved road, through some stunning limestone mountains. A challenging loose gravel track with some steep uphill sections is more than rewarded with a great technical singletrack on the opposite side leading onto a tarmac road, from where we climb up gradually to the Genna Silana Pass at 1017 m.

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 where wild pigs and horses graze freely in a barren landscape of rock and pastures, and birds of prey soar in the thermals above our heads. After a last glimpse of the east coast in the far distance from our panoramic viewpoint (1,350m) our fast descent on a stony, loose gravel trail leads us to the oak forest below.

A final 10km of ups and downs brings us to our accommodation and a no doubt a refreshingly chilled Ichnusa Beer.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,500 Metres Approx.

This morning, the artificial Lake Flumendosa perched high up in the mountains is soon ticked off the schedule as we head towards the rocky peak of Perda Liana. Climbing gradually, the natural monument of Perda Liana will edge closer before we finally reach its base. From here we easily reach the panoramic viewpoint from where the highest mountain ranges in Sardinia, as well as the ranges to the south we’ll be crossing in the next few days are all visible.

Moving on we have a fun challenge as we ride down a steep fire break and enjoy a descent on forest trails which leads us to the forestry land of Monte Arbu National Park. Here there is more forest singletrack before a gravel road takes us to river valley of the Niala Natural Park nestled under the ‘Ogliastra Tacchi’, whose large limestone peaks are covered by dense oak wood.

After climbing up from the little river we head to Gairo Taquisara from where an abandoned railway line takes us to Ulassai. Located at the bottom of a limestone cliff with views to the sea, this small mountain village is a great place to end the day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,350 Metres Approx.

Today we head back to the east coast, leaving behind the mountainous and rocky landscape of the dramatic “Tacchi di Ulassai”. Our day’s riding takes us towards the vineyard region of Jerzu that produces the delicious Cannonau wine that Sardinia is so well known for. More undulating routes and country lanes through the day lead us further towards the coast, and the lower fertile hills of Cardedu and its long sandy beach.

After a well-deserved swim and spot of relaxation we continue south to the little cove of Coccoroci on an easy section of road before climbing steeply on a track with a final off-road switchback descent towards Tertenia beach. The accommodation is not far from the coast and dinner is another fabulous meal of fresh local produce.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

Our route today takes us through a change in the landscape as beautiful granite mountains come into view. We begin with a cheeky climb on a dirt road that we have grown accustomed to. Then, we’ll descend deep through a valley past vineyards, where we can stop along the way to explore archaeological sites dating back to Nuragic times.

After we have put our archaeology brush away, we’ll jump back on our bikes and head back towards the coast, riding along the ridge of a hilly range with spectacular open views of the coast. We’ll take another fun roller-coaster ride descent down before arriving at our destination for tonight: Muravera.

Muravera is a bustling town, known across the island of Sardinia for its aromatic citrus fruits.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

Our final day of riding is upon us. We will leave Muravera on a section of country dirt roads through plentiful orange groves that take us out to lagoons with pink flamingos. We’ll experience fun trails as we explore Capo Ferrato and its secluded coves on our way to the lighthouse.

We’ve planned a great morning of riding before ending our traverse near Costa Rei beach. We’ve allowed for plenty of free time this afternoon to enjoy the beautiful beaches and cool off in the crystal clear waters so after a delicious locally sourced lunch there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the coast.

We re-group this evening for a last celebratory meal of the tour, again plenty of delicious local fare that we’ve come to expect from our north to south journey.

• Meals: Breakfast

Our trip ends this morning as we transfer towards the capital Cagliari and the airport for our flights home.

If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking exploring more of the rugged coastline, sea caves and white sandy beaches. 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.