
Highlights
- Riding the stunning coastal road from Alghero to Bosa
- Soaking your feet in the hot springs of Roman baths in Fordongianus
- Visiting the unique UNESCO heritage site of Barumini
- The view of Pan di Zucchero on the Nebida coastal ride
- Sweeping down the long descents of Fluminimaggiore and Masua
- Exploring the white beaches running alongside the south west coast road
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!
Itinerary
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 we 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.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 900 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.

- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Ascent: 1,200 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.
A rewarding descent takes you into 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.
- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Ascent: 1,000 Metres Approx.
Today you ride inland, leaving the lower slopes of the Montiferru and riding down onto the Abbasanta plains, along a gentle winding road, past olive groves and forests of cork oak. The riding will lead you to Fordongianus, which sits on the left bank of the River Tirso. Once in Fordongianus you’ll have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the ancient Roman baths, where steaming water still pours out into pools, once bathing and washing areas.
Taking minor roads you make your way through the hilly region of Marmilla, riding through small villages, once important agricultural communities, now quiet, where only retired people seem to enjoy the slow pace of life that passes by. Your destination for tonight is close to Barumini, famous for the UNESCO heritage site of Su Nuraxi, a 3,000 year old village part of the Nuragic Era of Sardinia.

- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.
We reward you an easy day today. Leaving Barumini, the roads will gently undulate through the Marmilla region to allow you to ride into the Campidano Plain, the most extensive agricultural area in Sardinia. On route, in Sardara you can admire the Sacred Well of the Nuraghic Age and here is an opportunity to stop for a coffee and a break.
After crossing the plain, you then 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 which overlooks the coast.

- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 1,000 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 with its own character flowing from its Genoese and Tunisian influences. The ferry timetables should allow time to take lunch here and sample some of the finest fish cuisine in the Mediterranean. 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 10 Euros per person including your bikes for both ferries.

- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 750 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. With the expanse of blue Mediterranean water permanently at your side, the traffic-free road leads you past many beautiful coves and rugged rock formations until you finally reach Pula, where you will celebrate your achievements on the bike.
- 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.
Gallery
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.

Road Cycling Grade
Average distances around 40 – 60 miles / 70-90 km
A moderately difficult tour
Slightly tougher than a Grade 2 but not as difficult as Grade 3
Occasional challenging 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.
Everyone in the group enjoyed the tour and absolutely loved Sardinia! My thanks to all involved for the work you put into this.
Dates & Prices
Daily departures available. The season prices below are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.
2021 26 Mar – 30 Oct (excluding dates from 27 Jun – 01 Sep)
Season 1 – $1585 pp – 08 Apr to 21 Apr, 03 May to 26 Jun, and 02 Sep to 30 Oct
Season 2 – $1870 pp – 26 Mar to 07 Apr and 22 Apr to 02 May
2022 26 Mar – 30 Oct (excluding dates from 25 Jun – 31 Aug)
Season 1 – $1585 pp – 26 Mar to 14 Apr, 02 May to 24 Jun, and 01 Sep to 30 Oct
Season 2 – $1870 pp – 15 Apr to 01 May
Hotel upgrade option applies on 3 out of 7 nights – Alghero, Bosa, & Pula.
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) Local representative (with welcome meeting)
D) Detailed route notes and maps
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)
What's not Included 
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
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Our travel guide to 2021
Travel with the seasons! We highlight some of the incredible experiences we can’t wait to share with you...
Our 26 favourite days in the saddle
What is the best day you can experience? Well, our expert team has some ideas...
Meet our partners and hosts
Hear from a few of the people that help make our Skedaddle tours so special!
Reviews
Richard, ChinaExcellent value for money...Each place had distinctive character. The setting, accommodation and food provided at the stops exceeded all my expectations with the best being places where we were spread amongst various restored buildings.
Always a little difficult putting a tour together for friends who have quite different cycling abilities and approaches to this kind of holiday. I think the self-guided option worked out very well for us. Everyone in the group enjoyed the tour, had their own challenges, absolutely loved Sardinia!
My thanks to all involved for the work you put into this.
Sophie, Worcestershire, UKSo many memorable sections of road...The ride from Barumini to Portixeddu had everything: iron and age and Roman sights, climbs through hill country (plus a passo sign!), a thrilling descent, lots of geology, pomegranate and fig trees, a jaw-dropping setting for an end-of-day swim and the most welcoming hotel and meal. But there were so many memorable sections of road: we loved the south west coast road to Chia and the fast downhill from Cuglieri…
Sunil, Norfolk, UKReally good value for money...The holiday was a great experience, really good value for money. The hotels chosen were outstanding and each unique in its own way. Dinners were outstanding and very high standards of breakfasts. My lactose intolerance was taken care of in every place and check in and bike storage was completely stress free.
The Skedaddle rep, Naomi, was clearly very experienced and it showed. Everything was meticulously planned and she made us feel very comfortable and secure in the knowledge that if any problem arose, she would be at hand to sort it out. The route guidance was superb and the airport transfers were well arranged and very professional.
Paul, Hampshire, UKPerfect way to explore Sardinia!Cycling was the perfect way to experience part of Sardinia’s nature. The heady mix of exercise, good food, wine, sun and smiles are unbeatable. Huge variety of terrain, challenging but attainable. The routes selected showed great planning and thought – enough climbing, right distance and quiet roads – but showed off the country in all its variety and charm.
Nicholas, London, UKExcellentThe 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. Coast to mountains, larger towns to little villages.
Kevin, Oxford, UKSuperb!The locations were superb! Great scenery and roads. The Skedaddle representative’s were both very helpful. You could tell a lot of careful, hard work had gone into the route notes.
Edward, London, UKThe holiday was excellent...Thanks for providing an excellent holiday, I look forward to another trip in the future.