Cycling in Sardinia (centre-based)

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

Easy:  Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes.  Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

Relaxed:  Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs.  Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling.  Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents.  Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents.  Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: London – Cagliari – Tresnuraghes

The tour begins at Cagliari where you’ll be met at the airport by the More Adventure team. They’ll load your bicycles and luggage onto the support vehicle then you’ll be transferred to our villa in Tresnuraghes which is two hour’s drive. You’ll be introduced to our hosts and checked in before having the opportunity to build your bicycles and relax in the beautiful grounds of the hotel. It may be possible for a short warm up ride into the surrounding hills this afternoon, but this will depend upon flight times and unforeseen delays.

Day 2: Tresnuraghes – Alghero

35 miles & 3000 feet ascent

After breakfast in the villa, we begin our first ride on this magical island. Heading north we begin with a descent to the river Temo and into one of Sardinia’s most attractive villages, Bosa. This charming village is popular with tourists who flock to the beach at Bosa Marina and marvel at the multi-coloured buildings that line the river mouth. Following the coastline north, we begin our first climb of the day which finishes near a parking area with stunning views of the rugged coastline below. After a short descent, the road undulates for the last ten miles, with jaw dropping vistas at each turn. We’ll soon reach Alghero where we’ll stop for lunch. You can either catch a local bus back to the hotel, or ride back along this incredible coastal road. There may also be the option of tackling a more challenging route inland through the mountains back to Tresnuraghes.

Day 3: Tresnuraghes – Sinis Wetlands loop

52 miles & 2400 feet ascent

Our route today heads south from Tresnuraghes to the Sinis Peninsula which boasts over 56 miles of coastline ranging from sandy beaches to calcareous cliffs and rocky bluffs. We reach the high point of the day at just seven miles, after which an exhilarating downhill leads to the sea at Santa Caterina di Pittinuri. Our first stop is S’Archittu, home to an impressive natural limestone bridge, here we’ll stop for coffee. Continuing south, we’ll drop into Is Arutas, a stunning white quartz beach which will be difficult to leave! At the most southerly point of the peninsula is Tharros, an ancient city that is now an open air museum and 8th century archaeological site. Nearby lies Laguna di Mistras, a breeding ground for gulls and flamingoes, and a very popular bird-watching spot. From Crabas at 45 miles, you then have the option of cycling back via a slightly different thirty-mile route, or riding three miles to Donigala Fenughedu for a bus back to the villa at Tresnuraghes.

Day 4: Tresnuraghes – Pozzomaggiore loop

47 miles & 4400 feet

We head inland into the mountains today, beginning with a descent to Bosa where we cross over the island’s only waterway, the Temo river. From here we begin to climb on impeccable asphalt through Mediterranean shrubland to Montresta, just beyond the summit of the pass and perched on a saddle amongst cork trees. We’ll stop here for a quick rest before a fantastic descent back down to the river Temo. We then climb to the ancient village of Padria then onto Pozzomaggiore on the Mejlogu plateau. The village of Pozzomaggiore has a rich history of horsemanship. The Ardi di San Constantino is held here each July, an equestrian event that includes several races and amazing displays of horsemanship. After some lunch we descend for a short distance before the final undulating few miles to the villa. There is an option just after lunch to extend the ride depending on how everyone is feeling.

Day 5: Tresnuraghes – Cagliari

Depending on the time of your flight, there may be one last opportunity to squeeze in a short ride before packing up bikes for your journey home. You will be transferred from Tresnuraghes to Cagliari airport for your flight home which is where the trip ends and we say our goodbyes.
This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed daily mileages, this cannot be guaranteed due to changes to hotel bookings.

Map

Includes

• Cycle leader(s)
• 4 x night’s hotel/villa accommodation
• 4 x breakfasts
• Bicycle mechanical support
• First Aid cover
• Transfers from/to the airport
• GPX files of the route (if requested)

Not Included

• Bicycle and Helmet
• Lunches. evening meals and drinks
• European Health Card (www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do)
• Travel Insurance

Flights

For this trip you will need to fly in and out of Cagliari. Once you have booked on we will send you information regarding exactly what flights to book. The approximate total cost for a return flight (including bike box) from London is between £100 & £250. 

Please do not book any flights until we have confirmed the trip is going ahead.

FAQs

Do you provide bicycles for this trip?

We don't normally hire bikes for this trip but you can hire excellent road bikes from the villa for 19 Euros per day.

How do we transport our bicycles to Italy?

You will need to first book your bicycle onto your flight. Then you'll need to package your bicycle in a bicycle box, bag or cardboard box, then check it in with your main piece of luggage.

We'll need our bicycle bag/box for the return flight - will you transport this throughout the trip?

Yes. Your luggage and bike bag/box will be transported on the support vehicle throughout this trip and we will assist you in any way we can in repacking your bike once the trip has ended.

Can you provide a bicycle transfer service from the UK?

Not for this trip, no.

Isn't 50 miles quite a short day?

There is the option on all cycling days to extend the rides for those who wish to get more miles in the saddle.