Internationale groepsreis Cycling in Sardinia

Start Cabras, in the Sinis peninsula, approx. 110km from Cagliari airport.

We start the week with an optional ride across the fascinating Sinis wetlands, whose lagoons are home to colonies of pink flamingos and a wealth of other birdlife, which nest here for part of the year. We cycle to the coast and the spectacular white quartz beach of Is Arutas. A short ride down the peninsula to San Giovanni Sinis takes us to the Punic and Roman city of Tharros, one of the island's most important archaeological sites from this era, overlooking the emerald sea (optional guided visit of the site). We then head to the town of Oristano, crossing its medieval historic centre to reach Arborea, where we spend the night.

Today we ride through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde (Green Coast), named after the green, wild vegetation that covers much of its mountainous surroundings and the colour of its water. We cycle across reclaimed farmland to the picturesque fishing village of Marceddi and to the long beach of Piscinas, bordered by huge sand dunes - some over 50m high! From Piscinas we head back to our cosy accommodation. 

This is another tough day, but we are rewarded with superb scenery! After a fantastic descent to the Mannu River, we reach the start of the miles of remote golden beaches around Portixeddu. We cycle past the abandoned mines of Pranu Sartu and the stunning inlet of Cala Domestica before reaching the 130m high sea-stack of Pan di Zucchero and the former mining village of Nebida.

Today's route starts with a beautiful descent to Fontanamare followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here, we board the local ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte, the only existing one on Isola di San Pietro. (San Pietro island) There is time to explore this delightful islet with its sandy coves, dramatic rocky headlands and tiny hamlets, before rejoining the ferry to the equally unspoilt island of Sant' Antioco.

This morning we cycle through the lush meadows of the island of Sant’Antioco before crossing back to the mainland and visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, dating back to the Romanesque period. From here we ride across the quiet country lanes of Sulcis until we reach the village of Sant’Anna Arresi. Nearby are the pinewoods, lagoons and beaches of Porto Pino.

Today is the longest day in terms of distance. We pedal across the beautiful southern countryside over the jagged coastal plains of the Costa del Sud, a wild and unspoilt region of gleaming white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs punctuated by 16th Century Spanish watchtowers. We cycle as far as Cape Teulada, Sardinia’s southernmost tip, where dramatic cliffs rise up to 230m above the crystal clear sea. We stop in Pula, famous for its proximity to the ancient Phoenician site of Nora, founded in the 9th Century BC and now partly submerged under the sea (optional guided visit). From the end of the ride we take a transfer to Cagliari, where we celebrate the end of a great cycling week; dinner and overnight in Cagliari.

The tour ends in Cagliari.