Plunge into the wild yet romantic beauty of south-western Sardinia and cycle beside empty beaches and sandunes in total freedom and at your own pace. The terrain is rugged in parts, with high cliffs ascending from the coast, interspersed with long sandy beaches, grass covered dunes and breathtaking views. The ride commences through the fascinating Sinis wetlands, home to colonies of pink flamingos, white quartz beaches and the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. At Costa Verde you’ll encounter some of the wildest scenery on the island before pedalling on to some of the highest sand dunes in Europe, many up to 50m high. Your self-guided cycling journey will also take you to the fascinating abandoned mines of Ingurtosu and Planusartu, the golden beaches of Portixeddu and the impressive Pan di Zucchero cliffs before descending to Fontanamare. The trip concludes with sensational cycling along the beautiful Costa del Sud, with its gleaming white beaches, and a visit to an ancient Phoenician settlement.
Highlights
- Explore the spectacular south-west coast
- Cycle past white quartz beaches and towering sand dunes
- Visit Phoenician ruins and ancient mines
- Enjoy the superb coastal scenery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Cabras
Make your own way to Cabras, where you will meet with our local representative for an explanation of the route and bike delivery. Cabras is a small town with a lot to see and do, and is located near a splendid lagoon which is sometimes home to flamingos.
Day 2 Circular ride visiting the Phoenician ruins of Tharros, then to Arborea (68km)
Start your trip with an optional loop of the fascinating Sinis wetlands, where you can see colonies of pink flamingos in season (Spring) and quartz beaches, and reach one of the most beautiful spots on the island: the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. Local wine production is mainly a sherry-like Vernaccia and you may be able to visit a cellar along the way. Cross the medieval historic centre of Oristano to reach Arborea, where you stay overnight.(B)
Day 3 Cycle through the Costa Verde to Piscinas beach (46-54km)
Today you cycle to Piscinas beach through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, which has some of the wildest scenery on the island. Initially there is a flat 12km section across reclaimed farmland to the colourful fishing village of Marceddi. Rice, fruit and vegetables are grown here for the “cucine” (kitchens) of the island. From here the route becomes more undulating, with sand dunes over 50m high, some of the highest in Europe, skirting the beach. It is possible to be collected here (on request only) and driven up to Arbus, or you could take the steep but spectacular inland route directly to the village by bike. Overnight in Arbus in an agriturismo or family run hotel. (B)
Day 4 Cross the Arbus Highland to Nebida (41km)
This leg takes you back into the ancient mining past of Sardinia, as you pass the fascinating abandoned mines of Planusartu and Acquaresi. A descent takes you to the golden beach of Portixeddu, from where you continue via the looming mass of the Pan di Zucchero cliff. You can admire the old ore washery ‘Laveria Lamarmora’ at Nebida, where you stay overnight in a cosy ‘locanda’. (B)
Day 5 Cycle to Portoscuso, ferry to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro, continue to Sant’Antioco and Calasetta (43km)
Start the day with a beautiful descent to Fontanamare, followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here you board a ferry (at own expense) to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro, where the locals still fish for red tuna. There is time for a short tour round the island, exploring sandy coves and rocky headlands with tiny hamlets, before taking another ferry to the equally unspoiled island of Sant’Antioco, to end your day in Calasetta. Note that it is not possible to book the ferry in advance. (B)
Day 6 Cross back to the mainland and cycle to Sant’Anna Arresi (40km)
This morning you can laze at the beach or take a short ride to explore the island’s coves and beaches, green (or golden in the summer!) meadows and little villages. Cross back to the mainland to cycle through vineyards and olive groves and savour the peace and quiet of the rolling plains of Sulcis. You can visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, one of the most important monuments from the Sardinian Romanesque period. Rugged mountains once again rise inland. Continue to your hotel at Sant’Anna Arresi / Porto Pino. (B)
Day 7 Peddle to Pula (57km)
Your last cycling day is at the beautiful Costa del Sud, with its gleaming white beaches, unspoiled natural landscape and imposing cliffs: Cape Malfatano with its a 16th century tower, and Capo Spartivento. A short detour leads to the beautiful beach of Su Giudeu in Chia, and at Nora you can visit the ancient Phoenician settlement. Overnight in Pula. (B)
Day 8 Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast. (B)
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (hotel taxes extra, payable locally – allow €10-15)
- Luggage transfer
- Rental bike with panniers, repair kit, bike computer and water bottle (electric bike available on request – supplement applies), helmet on request
- Welcome meeting and information pack including route notes & maps per room booked
- Emergency hotline
- Optional transfer at the end of day 3 to Arbus
UTX-CSR
Images courtesy of Utracks
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