Considering cycling in Sardinia?
Many tourists head to Sardinia to soak up its legendary beaches. The island’s crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy shores are considered some of the most bellissima (beautiful) in the world. For those looking for a cycling holiday in Sardinia, you’re also in luck! This idyllic island is also home to a vast network of quiet secondary roads and amazing trails that are ideal for cycling.
Beyond the coastal beauty lies a lush, rugged interior that’s steeped in tradition and dotted with peaceful, tiny villages. Combining these landscapes with authentic, traditional Sardinian food and days spent exploring on a bike provides the chance to experience the Mediterranean at its absolute best.
In this guide to cycling Sardinia, we speak to Lieven Loots. Lieven is a Saddle Skedaddle guide and Product Manager for Skedaddle Italia. Skedaddle Italia is based in the south of the island and has been operating holidays here for over 25 years. Lieven has been living in Sardinia since 2012 and began guiding for Skedaddle in 2013.
Read on to discover Lieven’s best places to cycle in Sardinia and his expert tips for planning an amazing cycling holiday here.
Andiamo (let’s go)!
Lieven Loots is one of Saddle Skedaddle's most experienced guides and a Product Manager for Skedaddle Italia, based in Sardinia.
Originally hailing from Belgium, Lieven has been living in Sardinia since 2012 and began guiding for Skedaddle in 2013. His enthusiasm for exploration, bike packing and gravel riding is contagious, and he brings a lot of fun and knowledge about the best trails. He's also an archaeologist and is always eager to share his insights into (the history and archaeology of) Sardinia.
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Why should cyclists visit Sardinia?
Sardinia is a Mediterranean paradise for active holidays and a particularly excellent destination for cycling enthusiasts looking for a variety of scenic cycling routes.
This large island has a coastline that’s over 1,800 kilometres long. It’s also home to a rural and rugged interior.
Sardinia is a wonderful place to relax and unwind, enjoy incredible food and a slower pace of life. More on that below.
Beautiful landscapes
Sardinia is a dream holiday destination thanks to its idyllic landscapes and warm Mediterranean climate. More on this below.
The island is best known for its white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and turquoise seas. Some noteworthy beaches include:
- La Pelosa Beach in the Northwest
- Pink quartz beach of Isola Budelli in the Northeast
- White Is Arutas and Mari Ermi quartz beaches in the Sinis Peninsula
- Tueredda Beach on the South Coast
- The eight-kilometre-long Poetto Beach near the islands’ capital of Cagliari
But head inland and you’ll discover an equally beautiful heart to Sardinia; this rural region is home to green oak woods and mountains with tiny, traditional villages.
The natural, hilly landscapes of the central Marmilla area are particularly beautiful and the wild mountains of the Gennargentu are great for those who want more challenging cycling routes and an insight into the rural way of life on the island.
An underrated cycling destination
Sardinia may not be up there with the world’s best-known cycling destinations.
But there is no shortage of high-quality cycling routes throughout the island.
Road and leisure cycling
There is an extensive network of quiet secondary asphalt roads that are ideal for both road cycling in Sardinia and leisure cycling.
Be aware! Road cyclists looking for a challenge won’t find any alpine climbs or famous names.
But the island does boast some incredibly scenic (and pretty demanding) routes that will not disappoint. Find out more below.
Gravel cycling and mountain biking
Beyond the roads, there are even more offroad trails and tracks to discover. If you didn’t know better, you’d think these had been carved out solely for the entertainment of gravel riders and mountain bikers!
For those who love big mountain climbs there are some challenging tracks and trails in the centre of the island. These allow cyclists to explore the roof of the island at Punta Lamarmora, which stands at just over 1,800 metres of altitude. Find out more below.
A local way of life
Coastal Sardinia is very much geared up as a tourist destination and offers great hospitality. However, venturing inland, away from the tourist areas, takes you to lesser-visited villages.
Whilst these villages have fewer tourist services, they allow the opportunity to meet and make genuine connections with the friendly (and often very curious) locals.
For example, on one of Saddle Skedaddle’s recent Sardinia Cape to Cape gravel riding trips, we were greeted by a local man and his friend in a village who said ‘we’re so happy that you’ve come to visit our village. We never get tourists here. We’re both 90 years old, by the way.’
Sardinian food
The Mediterranean diet and culture are known to increase longevity (source).
Sardinia has several remote villages that make up one of the world’s five prestigious ‘blue zones’. These are locations where there is the highest concentration of centenarians living up to and over a hundred.
These healthy communities share lifestyle habits that are having a positive impact on their life expectancy. In Sardinia, this includes a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruit and locally produced cheese. Find out more about Sardinia’s food and drink below.
Lunch in the Duomo Square in Sardinia’s capital city of Cagliari (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Sponsor Message
Looking for a Sardinia cycling tour?
We’ve been delivering Sardinia cycling holidays from our Skedaddle Italia base in Sardinia since 2002 and would love you to join us.
We offer guided and self-guided holidays for road cyclists, gravel riders, mountain bikers and leisure cyclists. We have something to suit every kind of rider.
Get in touch and let's discuss!
Please give an overview of Sardinia from a cyclist’s perspective
Location
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, second only to Sicily.
It is located bang in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia is situated approximately 200 kilometres off the west coast of the Italian mainland, which is separated by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Immediately to the north of Sardinia lays the French island of Corsica, which is approximately 12 kilometres from Sardinia. It is also approximately 200 kilometres north of the coast of Africa.
Map of Italy and Sardinia
Terrain
Flat(tish) terrain
For those seeking easy-going cycling, several areas on the island have flat terrain.
- The main Campidano Plain runs from Cagliari in the south to Oristano along the west coast, halfway up the island.
- There are flat areas in the northwest of Sardinia, north of Alghero.
- There are also some minor plains in the very southwest corner (near Sulcis) and along the east coast, south and north of the Suppramonte mountains.
- The Sinis Peninsula along the west coast is found immediately north of Oristano. This region is relatively flat and incorporates some big lagoons.
Hills and mountains
In the coastal areas, with the exceptions mentioned above, most of the landscape is undulating with a mix of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. For example, the eastern side of Sardinia is home to dramatic, high rocky cliffs.
The rest of Sardinia is very hilly and mountainous. However, the mountains aren’t super high here – the highest peak is Punta Lamarmora standing at 1,834 metres of altitude.
Roads
The roads in Sardinia are generally in good condition.
Some of the main roads connecting towns can get busy, so you’re better off exploring the smaller country roads.
Top tip! Avoid the coastal areas in the high season (summer) as roads can become very busy. Saddle Skedaddle avoids cycling in Sardinia in the summer months anyway (July and August) as the climate is too hot. More on that below.
Cycling culture
We find that local drivers are generally relaxed about cyclists; when you’re out riding along the quiet country roads, drivers are usually respectful.
Because of the long distances between key locations and the hilly and mountainous terrain on lots of the island, locals don’t generally use bikes as daily transport. The exception to this is in the main city of Cagliari which has a well-developed network of cycling paths.
However, several islanders do go out on their road bikes or mountain bikes for sports rides on the weekends. Recently the island has also become increasingly popular with cycling tourists, so you may well meet different kinds of cyclists sharing the roads with you on your ride.
Cycling infrastructure
Bigger towns and cities have some cycle lanes, including Cagliari and Alghero.
However, away from the towns, main roads and coastal roads, you’ll find the secondary roads are generally lovely and quiet.
Cycling along in Cagliari’s seaside boulevards (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
What kind of cyclist is Sardinia for?
As mentioned above, Sardinia offers great cycling options whether you’re on a road, leisure, gravel or mountain bike. There’s also a variety of terrain to cater for different fitness levels. However, if you are planning a cycling trip here do carefully consider where you base yourself (or plan your point-to-point route), to make sure you find the kind of terrain that suits your requirements. There’s more on this below.
It’s also worth saying that road cyclists with a good level of fitness who are looking for fun, rollercoaster rides in the sunshine should find plenty to like in Sardinia. But if you are a seasoned roadie in search of lots of big mountains you may be less satisfied with the island’s lack of noteworthy climbs.
If you are into adventurous cross-country mountain biking off the beaten trail, Sardinia is second to none. The island is a treasure trove of easy gravel paths crossing the plains and hilly country. Higher up in the mountains there are more rocky trails and technical double and singletrack.
How fit do you need to be to cycle in Sardinia?
How fit you need to be depends on what kind of cycling holiday you choose. For example:
- Our Sardinia Island Flavours leisure cycling route can be ridden on an e-bike and is a lot easier than our Sardinia Cape to Cape gravel riding tour.
- Our road cycling tours in Sardinia are gentle to moderately challenging, so you need to be relatively fit.
- Our Mountain biking tours in Sardinia are on natural trails, mountain tracks and roads. You’ll need good bike handling skills as well as a reasonably good level of fitness. The same applies to the gravel riding here too.
- You could definitely also enjoy a family cycling holiday in Sardinia too. The best places for families include Alghero and its surrounding countryside in the north, the Sinis Peninsula in Central Sardinia and the Sulcis in the south, including the small islands of San Pietro and Sant’Antioco. These areas are reasonably flat and have some beautiful beaches so are great for kids.
Do you need to do an organised Sardinia cycling tour?
It is possible to organise your own centre-based cycling trip for a few days of riding. This is a good option if you want to combine your stay with other activities, such as paddle boarding or sightseeing. However, this will limit your cycling options in Sardinia as you won’t be able to see as much of the island. See more on that below.
If you want to get a full flavour of what the riding is like, an organised bike tour allows you to easily ride from place to place. You can choose to join a guided group tour or go self-guided with Saddle Skedaddle.
- Group tours are great if you want to meet like-minded cyclists and learn more about Sardinia from a local guide. They’re also an ideal option for solo travellers.
- Self-guided holidays are perfect for you and your cycling companion(s) to enjoy your own cycling adventure here, riding at a pace that suits you.
- Organise your own self-guided tour but then you’ll have to be happy planning and organising all the details yourself, as well as sorting things out if you get mechanicals and so on.
The advantage of booking a self-guided cycling holiday with a tour operator such as Saddle Skedaddle is that the logistics are taken care of. This includes luggage transfers, accommodation, bike hire and emergency backup.
Relaxing in the hamlet of San Salvatore di Sinis (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
What are the best regions + cycling routes in Sardinia?
Unlike some other European cycling destinations, you won’t find any ‘cycling towns’ in Sardinia. Towns and villages are generally small and far apart from each other and there aren’t tons of roads connecting them.
This means that limiting yourself to staying in one place only will have you quickly run out of roads and routes to explore. That’s why Saddle Skedaddle prefers to ride from place to place, stopping in little villages along the way.
Below is a map of some of the key locations mentioned in this article. Hover over the map pins to see the place names.
West coast of Sardinia
Sardinia’s coastline is gorgeous and one of the main reasons it attracts so many tourists.
Many of the beaches can be very busy, especially during the summer season. Saddle Skedaddle prefer to stick to the quieter, but equally beautiful stretches of coastline, for our cycling holidays.
Top tip! The west and southwest coast of Sardinia is probably the least touristy coastal stretch of Sardinia, and the area is particularly good for cycling.
- Alghero – Alghero is a vibrant, medieval city in the northwest of Sardinia. It is a great option to start or finish a cycling tour (in fact it’s the starting point of our road cycling ‘Coastal Explorer’ tour). Riding from north to south you’ll enjoy rollercoaster roads over high cliff tops and past secluded bays, including the scenic coastal road from Alghero to Bosa.
- Sinis Peninsula – Halfway down the coast, you’ll reach the Sinis Peninsula; this is a beautiful area with impressive natural landscapes, beaches and historic archaeological sites.
- Costa Verde – Continuing south you’ll find Sardinia’s Costa Verde; this is characterised by sweeping unspoilt beaches and myrtle and juniper trees.
- Sulcis region – The Sulcis region in the southwest is the least developed area of Sardinia. As well as lots of natural beauty you’ll also find old industrial archaeology, in the form of old mining sites. This stretch is not too hilly so it’s lovely and relaxing to cycle.
Cycling routes in the west of Sardinia
Alghero and Porto Conte Loop
A leisurely route taking you from the historic city of Alghero and heading north along a cycle path. this ride takes you past the beaches of Lazaretto and Le Bombarde beaches which are great spots for a swim! You continue on to the hamlet of Maristella and the Spanish watchtower of Porto Conte which nowadays houses a museum dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of Le Pétit Prince and keen aviator, who lived here for several months at the end of the second world war.
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Alghero to Bosa, northwest coast
This road bisects the basalt plateaus of the Planargia region. It is a beautiful stretch of coastal road that boasts incredible panoramic coastal views. We include it on our Sardinia Coastal Explorer road cycling holiday.
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Sant’Antioco Island loop, southwest coast
A lovely leisurely loop ride on the island of Sant’Antioco. This largely coastal route includes the chance to see the secluded coves of Cala Lunga (well worth a short detour) and Cala Sapone. It also includes the stunning beach of Coaquaddus.
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Costa del Sud, south coast
In the south of the island, the beautiful and undulating Costa del Sud is a renowned 20-kilometre stretch of road. The road has panoramic views looking out over the tall, jagged cliffs, white sandy beaches and centuries-old Spanish watchtowers dotting the coastline. This is one of the highlights of both our Sardinia Island Flavours leisure cycling tour and our Coastal Explorer road cycling holiday. Find out more about these tours below.
Sant’Antioco to Pula, southwest coast
This is a great option for road cyclists looking to enjoy a roller coaster ride along towering cliffs, hidden coves, Spanish watchtowers, and white sandy beaches with crystal clear water. All the while enjoying the most amazing coastal views!
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Sinis Peninsula Loop
This gravel adventure starts from San Salvatore di Sinis, a tiny village circling a small church that was built on top of a bronze age well temple. From here you head north along the Cabras Lagoon, through cultivated fields and open grazing grounds dotted with archaeological remains. The lagoon is home to many birds, including flamingos! There are some short, sharp climbs to give you magnificent views and you’ll also ride past the beautiful beaches of Is Arutas and Mari Ermi.
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Montevecchio and Piscinas Loop
This loop ride is ideal for mountain bikers and takes you on a journey through varied landscapes from the steep hills of the Montevecchio mining hamlet to the impressive sand dunes of Piscinas and back again. The route features a descent down to the coast on lovely wide gravel tracks and some fun singletrack! You pass through abandoned mining dwellings on the way. Once you get to the beach you can enjoy a refreshing dip and gaze in wonder at the impressive, tall sand dunes. After this, you begin your uphill return back to Montevecchio.
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Cycle tours in the west of Sardinia
This region is featured on Saddle Skedaddle’s Cape to Cape Gravel riding tours and coastal explorer road cycling tours. More information on these below.
Panoramic view of the town Buggerru and the headland of Capo Pecora along the West Coast( Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Central Sardinia
Head inland and you’ll discover a different side to Sardinia. In contrast to the popular and often touristy coastline, Sardinia’s interior is very quiet.
- Marmilla – Moving away from the coast, you will find plenty of quiet, country roads leading from one quaint village to the next. There are particularly lovely roads in the hilly Marmilla area in the centre of the island, this region features the only Sardinian UNESCO World Heritage site near the little town of Barumini.
- Gennargentu and Suppramonte mountain ranges – The Gennargentu and Suppramonte mountain ranges dominate the central part of the island and are a dream for fit road cyclists and adventurous mountain bikers alike. There are several asphalted mountain roads leading up to 1,000 metres of altitude and above.
Cycling routes in Central Sardinia
Trexenta loop ride – This loop ride explores the Trexenta and Sarcidano Regions, a little-known part of Central Sardinia that is characterised by agricultural land, steep hillsides and Mediterranean woodland. It’s a fantastic option for gravel riders and includes riding along old railway tracks and passing through the village of Gergei and its many colourful murals. There is also the chance to take a detour to the archaeological site of Santa Vittoria, a vast bronze age sanctuary -and Mandas, one of the most important market towns of central Sardinia.
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Seulo to Ulassai
This mountain biking route takes you from the mountain village of Seulo on the lower slopes of the Gennargentu Mountain Range, to the little town of Ulassai in the centre of the Ogliastra region. The route includes climbing into the scenic Sardinian mountains, biking on beautiful country roads boasting panoramic views and on gravel tracks through woodland. You can also visit the Serbissi Archaeological Park, including the nuraghic tower and the caves.
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Cycling tours in Central Sardinia
This region is featured on Saddle Skedaddle’s mountain biking and road cycling coast to coast tours. More information on these below.
Quiet roads and wild nature in the Southwest of the island (near Fluminimaggiore) (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
East coast of Sardina
Sardinia’s East Coast has magnificent coastal scenery, ranging from the beautiful beaches of the Sarrabus region in the south-east near Villasimius and Muravera, to the towering limestone cliffs jutting straight out of the sea where the Supramonte Mountains as they reach the coast. There are also the many secluded coves and dazzling white sandy beaches of the Costa Smeralda.
However, the best cycling is found a few kilometres inland; here you will find near deserted roads that snake into the mountains with many natural wonders around each corner. Some of the things you can expect include the well-groomed vineyards of the local red canonau grapes, the lush cork oak forests of the Ogliastra and the barren limestone peaks in the Supramonte. There are also the abandoned villages of Gairo and Osini, the wonderful natural caves of Ispinigoli, the bronze age village of Serra Orrios, the wall paintings of Orgosolo, the switchbacks of Monte Albo, and the granite rock formations of the Gallura region.
Cycling routes in the east of Sardinia
La Maddalena Loop, northeast coast
A leisurely route exploring the lovely islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, which are connected by a bridge. These islands are home to fantastic beaches. To access the route you will need to take a short ferry from Palau at the beginning and end of the ride.
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Costa Smeralda, northeast coast
The Costa Smeralda in the northeast of the island is another great place for road cycling. This is Sardinia’s best-known and most developed tourist area. But it’s still a joy to cycle in early spring and autumn.
Santa Maria Navarrese to Cala Gonone, SS125 road, east coast
Get ready to ride one of the most panoramic roads of Sardinia! This route takes riders from the fisherman hamlet of Santa Maria Navarrese, up to the Genna Silana Pass which stands at a little over 1000 metres of altitude. beware! There are some tough gradients of 10% to contend with. However, the views of the Supramonte peaks make up for your effort! The road then descends down for 25 kilometres past high limestone peaks and deep gorges, including Europe’s deepest canyon. It finishes in the seaside hamlet of Cala Gonone in the northwest of the island.
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Cycling tours in the east of Sardinia
This region is featured on Saddle Skedaddle’s mountain biking and road cycling coast to coast Sardinia tours. More information on these below.
Exploring the mountain biking trails of East Sardinia (photo credit: Lieven Loots via Saddle Skedaddle)
Sponsor Message
Looking for a Sardinia cycling tour?
We’ve been delivering Sardinia cycling holidays from our Skedaddle Italia base in Sardinia since 2002 and would love you to join us.
We offer guided and self-guided holidays for road cyclists, gravel riders, mountain bikers and leisure cyclists. We have something to suit every kind of rider.
Get in touch and let's discuss!
What are the best Sardinia cycling tours?
All metrics in this article are approximate.
Saddle Skedaddle run place-to-place cycling holidays across Sardinia, suitable for a range of cycling interests and abilities. This includes guided cycling tours and self-guided cycling options in Sardinia.
For its Sardinian tours, Saddle Skedaddle currently sticks to the west and south of the island; these are the least touristy areas and therefore the quietest and most authentic areas to cycle in. Our cycling routes keep as much as possible to quiet secondary country roads and panoramic coastal roads that offer great views of the sea.
Top tip! Skedaddle staff based in Sardinia know the island inside out and can easily cater for private enquiries for cycling routes and holidays all over the island.
Road cycling
West Sardinia
Key statistics
480 kilometres/ 299 miles
5,680 metres of elevation gain
Difficulty
Grade 2/3 out of 5 on Skedaddle’s road cycling grades
What to expect
This road cycling tour takes in the entire length of the west coast of Sardinia. It’s a great option for relatively experienced road cyclists who want a taste of what the west coast has to offer.
You begin in the beautiful city of Alghero. The route hugs the coastline towards Bosa before heading briefly inland to explore the lush forested Montiferru mountains.
Riding back out towards the Sinis Peninsula you pass beautiful marshlands and coastal views as you make your way south towards the Sulcis region.
You take two short ferry journeys to explore Sola di San Pietro (St Peter’s Island) and the small town of Carloforte before continuing on towards our final destination – the colourful town of Pula.
- Terrain: 100% asphalt roads
- Duration: Six days cycling
- Suitable bikes: Road bikes
Highlights
- The beautiful coastal road from Alghero to Bosa.
- Cycling the Sinis Peninsula, where we can observe the Phoenician, Punic and Roman remains of Tharros and some early Paleo-Christian remains.
- Exploring the islands of Sola di San Pietro and Sant‘Antioco. The latter is famed for its Phoenician and Punic settlements and catacombs under the town.
More information
The tour described above is Skedaddle’s Sardinia Coastal Explorer. It’s available on Skedaddle’s website as a guided cycling holiday or a self-guided tour.
Saddle Skedaddle’s coastal explorer cycling tour (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Sardinia Coast to Coast
Key statistics
394 kilometres/ 245 miles
6,550 metres of elevation gain
Difficulty
Grade 2-3 out of 5 on Saddle Skedaddle’s road cycling grades
What to expect
This coast-to-coast road cycling tour starts with a loop ride to make the most of the varied and beautiful sights of the Costa Verde on Sardinia’s west coast. This region includes ocean vistas, the Montevecchio mountains, the Marceddi lagoon where you can catch a glimpse of pink flamingos, and the Campidano Plain.
Then the route begins to head inland, passing pre-historic and bronze age sites as we begin to ride into the rolling Marmilla Hills.
Things begin to feel more wild and remote as you head deeper into the mountains of the Gennargentu. The scenery is spectacular with villages located over steep-sided valleys and shepherds trails and huts dotted across the landscape. It is here in the villages of the Nuoro Province that you find yourselves in one of the world’s famous blue zones.
More incredible mountain roads await in the ‘Tacchi di Usassai’ (spectacular limestone rocks) and Montarbu mountain range.
The final day of riding heads up Sardinia’s natural monument – an impressive rocky outcrop called Perda Liana. The journey ends winding through forests and vineyards towards the east coast at Bari Sardo.
- Terrain: 100% asphalt roads
- Duration: Six days cycling
- Suitable bikes: Road bikes
Highlights
- The accomplishment of cycling coast to coast across one of the Mediterranean’s largest islands.
- Exploring one of the world’s five blue zones in the Nuoro Province.
- Cycling the spectacular mountains of the Gennargentu and the quiet, mountain roads of the Montarbu mountain range.
More information
The tour described above is Skedaddle’s coast-to-coast road cycling holiday. It’s available on Skedaddle’s website as a self-guided tour.
Saddle Skedaddle’s coast to coast road cycling holiday (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Leisure cycling
Central and Southwest Sardinia
Key statistics
328 kilometres /204 miles
4,080 metres of elevation gain
Difficulty
Grade 3 out of 5 on Saddle Skedaddle’s leisure cycling grades
What to expect
Sardinia Island Flavours allows you to experience the beauty of Sardinia’s countryside as well as the spectacular southwest coast.
The journey begins in the fertile hills of Marmilla home to exquisite natural landscapes and archeological sites.
You stop at the Bronze Age Barumini and nearby museum, spot wild horses on the Giara volcanic plateau and cross the Campidano Plain with its thermal springs.
Heading west towards the coast the route reaches a tiny fishing village called Buggerru and passes the towering limestone cliffs of Masua, before crossing to the island of St Pietro.
You visit the historic island of St Antioco before pedalling south for the final stretch along the Costa del Sud.
- Terrain: 100% asphalt roads
- Duration: Six days cycling
- Suitable bikes: leisure-style hybrid bikes and e-bikes
Highlights
- Exploring the quiet, rural region of Marmilla.
- Exploring Sardinia’s picturesque southwest coast.
- Cycling the Costa del Sud, a wonderful 20-kilometre twisting road that rises above rugged cliffs above a deep blue sea.
More information
The tour described above is Skedaddle’s Island Flavours tour. It’s available on Skedaddle’s website as a guided cycling holiday or a self-guided tour.
Saddle Skedaddle’s Island Flavours cycling tour (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Gravel cycling
Central and southwest Sardinia
Key statistics
445 kilometres/ 277 miles
4,470 metres of elevation gain
Difficulty
Grade 3 out of 5 on Saddle Skedaddle’s gravel grades
What to expect
This Cape to Cape gravel riding tour begins in the southwest of Sardinia from Capo Sperone on Sant’Antioco island.
Your first day of cycling follows the spectacular Sulcis coast riding along sandy beach trails. Sand soon turns to dirt and gravel as you head into the lush countryside to explore the forest of Gutturu Mannu.
Your journey crosses the Campidano Plain along dirt roads towards the rock-cut neolithic burial grounds of Pranu Efis. Then you head onto another important archaeological site – the Bronze Age Su Nuraxi at Barumini.
The journey then climbs to the highest point of the tour on the gravel roads of Monte Grighine. After a thrilling descent, you can celebrate with a dip in the thermal waters near the remains of Roman baths at Fordongianus.
The journey begins to head west again towards the coast, and you ride through the pretty valley of the Tirso River and pass small villages as you make your way to the Sinis Peninsula. Your final day of riding is a loop ride taking in the beautiful vistas of the Sinis Peninsula and Cabras Lagoon, before you celebrate your journey’s end at Capo Mannu.
- Terrain: Mix of gravel paths, dirt tracks and sandy beach trails
- Duration: Six days cycling
- Suitable bikes: Gravel bikes
Highlights
- Cycling along the scenic Sulcis coast.
- Climbing the gravel roads of Monte Grighine, the highest point of the route at 675 metres above sea level.
- Learning about Sardinia’s rich past at the historic sites of Pranu Efis and Barumini.
More information
The tour described above is Skedaddle’s Cape to Cape tour. It’s available on Skedaddle’s website as a guided cycling holiday or a self-guided tour.
Saddle Skedaddle’s cape to cape gravel riding tour (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Mountain biking
Sardinia Coast to Coast
Key statistics
280 kilometres/175 miles
5,075 metres of elevation gain
Difficulty
Grade 3 out of 5 on Skedaddle’s mountain biking grades
What to expect
Central Sardinia is ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts and Skedaddle’s Coast to Coast mountain biking route has been designed to appeal to a range of riding abilities. The route includes a mix of fun trails that aren’t too technical.
This cycling holiday begins on the east coast with a loop ride around the ancient mining village of Montevecchio. From here you take a cross-country journey through the Campidano Plain and into the Marmilla Hills with short climbs and fast-sweeping downhill trails. The landscape is ever-changing as the journey heads up onto the Giara di Gesturi volcanic plateau.
The trail then follows a mix of fun rocky singletrack and gravel roads, before picking up an old disused railway line. Lush green pastures soon give way to mountain trails as the route heads up into the wild Gennargentu mountain range.
After descending through woodland, you climb up again to the village of Seulo, in Sardinia’s ‘blue zone’. From here the route follows forest tracks into the Montarbu range. After soaking in the views of Perda Liana (rocky outcrop) and Sardinia’s highest peak, Punta Lamarmora, the route picks up one of the many trails to Jerzu.
The grand finale is a ride through ever-changing landscapes as you leave the dramatic ‘Tacchi’ behind and follow undulating country lanes to the sandy beach of Cardedu.
- Terrain: A mix of dirt trails and gravel roads
- Duration: Six days cycling
- Suitable bikes: Mountain bikes
Highlights
- The sense of achievement biking coast to coast across one of the Mediterranean’s largest islands – including a celebratory swim in the sea at Cardedu.
- Spending an evening in the mountain village of Seulo, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
- Catching a glimpse of wild horses on the Giara di Gesturi volcanic plateau.
- The loop ride from Montevecchio boasts incredible views of towering sand dunes and lush green hills.
More information
The tour described above is Skedaddle’s coast to coast MTB tour. It’s available on Skedaddle’s website as a guided cycling holiday or a self-guided tour.
(photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
What are the key cycling events in Sardinia?
Sardinia used to have its very own pro cycling race, the Giro della Sardegna. This attracted some of cycling’s biggest legends including Eddy Merckx. Today, the local Giro still exists but has become a 4-day amateur cycling event that is held annually every April.
Giro Sardegna Gravel
The ever-soaring popularity of gravel biking events has also led to the organisation of the UCI-sponsored Giro Sardegna Gravel. This runs parallel to the amateur Giro.
Challenge Forte Village Triathlon
Along the South Coast, the Challenge Forte Village Triathlon also attracts professional athletes and amateurs alike. This event takes place every October and includes a 90-kilometre bike ride.
Bikepacking events
Several local bikepacking events exploring different parts of the island are offered on a yearly or two-yearly basis.
These events are mainly frequented by locals, although they do attract some Italian and foreign cyclists as well. These events typically cross the island from coast to coast (Sardinia Crossing), explore the centre of the island (Belvì Trail), or take you on the best coastal trails from the north (Nurra Trail) to the south (Mining Trail).
Practicalities for planning a Sardinia cycling tour?
When to visit
Be aware! Sardinia’s temperatures regularly reach over 30 °C in the peak summer months of July and August; that’s pretty hot for cycling…
The best months for cycling in Sardinia are April to June and between September and October. This is when Saddle Skedaddle runs our cycling trips.
During the spring months, you can expect many wildflowers such as poppies and asfodelo, as well as almond and cherry trees in bloom. In the autumn months, you will notice the oak and chestnut trees in the mountains turning shades of orange and red.
Top tip! One of the best times of year for plenty of sunshine and pleasant cycling weather is September. There are also fewer tourists in coastal locations, compared with the busy summer months.
Il Bastione, Cagliari’s balcony with a view (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Accommodation for cyclists
Remember to double-check accommodation bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking as policies often change.
Be aware! Sardinia is not a destination known for big cycling hotels equipped with extensive cycling facilities.
However, there are a range of options that are suitable for cyclists and can cater for your specific needs. This includes more modern hotels located in cities and towns and agriturismo (small, rural guesthouses) in rural locations on the island.
Top tip! If you are travelling independently, it is best to book accommodation in advance. Many hotels and guesthouses are small with limited rooms and availability.
Saddle Skedaddle prefers to stay in small, locally run accommodation that gives a flavour of the destination you are cycling through. This includes agriturismos and family-run B&Bs. Each accommodation option caters for cyclists’ needs and comes with secure bicycle storage.
The Agusteri Hotel in Nebida on the West Coast (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Tips for Sardinia bike rental
Prices, services and bike brands often change. Please let us know if anything is incorrect.
Most main towns and tourist areas have operators that offer good quality bike hire for both road cyclists and mountain bikers.
These include the capital city of Cagliari in the south, the town of Pula in the southwest, Alghero in the northwest and Olbia in the northeast. The main rental places will usually deliver bikes for a fee.
Be aware! Several popular tourist hotels offer leisure and/or e-bike hire. But we’ve often found the quality of these bikes is not very good.
Saddle Skedaddle offer quality bike hire as part of our cycling holiday services. Bike hire options include:
- Road bikes
- Gravel bikes
- Leisure-style hybrid bikes
- Mountain bikes
- E-bikes
Top tip! If you plan to visit independently and want to hire bikes as part of your stay, Saddle Skedaddle can also assist with bike rental. Subject to availability.
How to get to Sardinia
Sardinia has two main airports to fly into:
- Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) in the south of the island
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Aiport (OLB) in the northeast of the island. This is a good option for anyone wanting to explore the northeast of the island (Costa Smeralda)*
- Alghero Aiport (AHO) in the Northwest of the island. This is a good option for anyone wanting to cycle the west of the island, you can easily fly home from Cagliari.
*We can arrange a transfer from Olbia.
Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to access the island. However, for those with more time, there are also multiple ferry options from mainland Italy, Corsica and Sicily to consider.
Saddle Skedaddle include airport transfers as part of our cycling holiday services.
Panoramic views on the Belvedere at Nebida (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Sponsor Message
Looking for a Sardinia cycling tour?
We’ve been delivering Sardinia cycling holidays from our Skedaddle Italia base in Sardinia since 2002 and would love you to join us.
We offer guided and self-guided holidays for road cyclists, gravel riders, mountain bikers and leisure cyclists. We have something to suit every kind of rider.
Get in touch and let's discuss!
Tips for getting the most from Sardinia cycling holidays?
Food and drink
As mentioned previously, Sardinia’s designation as a Blue Zone has led to increasing research and interest in the local diet as this is believed to be one of the key contributing factors to the centenarians’ healthy lifestyle.
There is no shortage of fantastic home-cooked food in Sardinia so get ready to indulge!
As with most Italian diets, local dishes are often pasta-based and feature lots of fresh, local ingredients. Some must-try dishes include:
- Fregola: a Sardinian pasta that is reminiscent of cous cous. This is not to be confused with actual Sardinian couscous dishes, which are of north African influence.
- Maloreddus alla campidanese: a kind of Sardinian gnocchi.
- Culurgiones: another stuffed pasta with fillings that vary from village to village. One of the specialities you’ll find inland is su porceddu (roast suckling pig).
- Carasau forms the basis of many antipasto spreads. This is a kind of thin and crispy bread that is based on an ancient recipe. It’s generally served with meats and cheese.
- Sas seadas is a famous Sardinian desert. This is a kind of fried pastry stuffed with soured fresh cheese and served with lemon and honey.
Sardinia also has many native grapes and produces delicious regional wines. For example, in the Sulcis region in the south, you can enjoy Carignano as a red or rose wine. In the Marmilla region inland you’ll find Monica red and Nuragus white. Along the coast of the Sinis region, the Vernaccia has a wonderful dry white wine. You can also try Mirto liqueur, which is made from myrtle berries.
Be aware! Generally, all villages have a bar, café or convenience store. But be mindful that they close between 1 pm – 5 pm. There also aren’t many water fountains around so it’s a good idea to carry extra water with you, particularly in warm conditions.
Saddle Skedaddle include legendary picnic lunches on their guided cycling holidays. These typically include a selection of locally sourced bread, cheeses, meats and freshly prepared salads.
What to pack
Sardinia’s Mediterranean weather means you’ll want to pack plenty of lightweight, breathable layers to keep you comfortable. You’ll also want to bring some good sunglasses and sun cream to protect from the sunshine.
A packable waterproof is also worth considering for any heavy downpours.
Take a look at these packing essentials for more useful information.
Getting around
Be aware! There are not a lot of public transport options in Sardinia.
There are only three train lines on the island. However, you can take your bike on these trains. You have to buy a separate ticket for your bike which costs three and a half euros.
There are some bus connections to main towns, but these don’t always have space for bicycles.
So, if you are organising your own cycling tour of Sardinia a hire car is a good option to enable you to access more cycling routes on the island.
Language
Before coming to the island, learn a few words in the Sardinian language – Sardo, which is closely linked to Latin and more similar to Spanish, than Italian.
Whilst Italian is widely spoken, locals will be delighted if you address them in their language. Here are some common phrases:
- Good morning: bona di
- Thank you: gratzias
- Goodbye: arrividerci
Great views over the cliffs of the Sinis Peninsula (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
Highway code and travel information
As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Italy are here.
You should also read and follow Italy’s highway code.
What does Saddle Skedaddle offer?
Saddle Skedaddle have a base in Sardinia and has been running cycling holidays here for over 20 years. Their experienced team are incredibly passionate about sharing the best cycling routes Sardinia is home to.
We have five cycling holidays in Sardinia, each catering to different cycling needs, including road cycling, gravel cycling, mountain biking and leisure cycling.
Our Sardinia bike tours are amongst some of our most popular tours in our holiday range and our itineraries here aim to give you a real flavour of Sardinia’s diverse landscapes and insight into the traditional way of life.
Skedaddle’s small group cycling holidays typically range from 6 to 14 riders and provide expert support including:
- Accommodation
- Excellent guides with local knowledge
- Support vehicle
- Luggage transfers
- Airport transfers
- Bike hire
- Skedaddle picnics
- Outstanding customer service
For anyone who is looking for flexible dates, Skedaddle’s self-guided tours are a great option. You’ll get all the same support (including emergency back-up) as the group tours, minus the riding guides and support vehicle.
Where can cyclists find out more about what Skedaddle offer?
You can head to our website to find out more about the range of Sardinia cycling tours we have to choose from, this includes:
- Island Flavours leisure cycling holiday – guided or self-guided
- Coast to Coast mountain biking holiday – guided or self-guided
- Cape to Cape gravel riding holiday – guided or self-guided
- Coastal Explorer road cycling holiday – guided or self-guided
- Coast to Coast road cycling holiday – self-guided
Perfect tarmac on the coastal road near Arbus in West Sardinia (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
What’s next?
A big thank you to Lieven Loots from Saddle Skedaddle for sharing these Sardina cycling insights.
The stunning Sardinian coast, ancient ruins, the opportunity to escape mass tourism in the rural interior and a vast number of cycling routes certainly make it an appealing Mediterranean island to consider for a bike tour.
Like the idea of cycling in Italy and looking for more options? Don’t miss:
- Guide to Puglia, for more beautiful Italian beaches and rugged coastline
- Via Francigena, for a historic long-distance cycling route
- Guide to Northern Italy, for the best regions to consider
Looking for more island adventures by bike? Don’t miss our guides on Mallorca and the Canary Islands. You might also like this round-up of the best cycling islands.
Got a question for Saddle Skedaddle?
Fill out this form and we will pass it to Saddle Skedaddle who aim to reply (within 24 hours wherever they can!)
Got a question for Lieven?
Fill out this form and we will send it to Lieven. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!Lieven Loots is one of Saddle Skedaddle's most experienced guides and a Product Manager for Skedaddle Italia, based in Sardinia.
Originally hailing from Belgium, Lieven has been living in Sardinia since 2012 and began guiding for Skedaddle in 2013. His enthusiasm for exploration, bike packing and gravel riding is contagious, and he brings a lot of fun and knowledge about the best trails. He's also an archaeologist and is always eager to share his insights into (the history and archaeology of) Sardinia.
(Photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)
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Sponsor Message
Looking for a Sardinia cycling tour?
We’ve been delivering Sardinia cycling holidays from our Skedaddle Italia base in Sardinia since 2002 and would love you to join us.
We offer guided and self-guided holidays for road cyclists, gravel riders, mountain bikers and leisure cyclists. We have something to suit every kind of rider.
Get in touch and let's discuss!