- Cycle the unspoiled southwest coast of Sardinia
- Explore fascinating archaeological sites and picturesque fishing villages
- Enjoy warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine
- Relax on Mediterranean beaches
Cycling in Sardinia
8 Days
from
8 Days
from
Cycling
Itinerary
Cabras Cagliari
Fly to Cagliari; transfer to Cabras
Fly to Cagliari and transfer to our hotel in Cabras, in the Sinis peninsula.
Start Cabras
Start Cabras, in the Sinis peninsula, approximately 68mi (110km) from Cagliari Airport. Take time to settle in, our cycling starts tomorrow.
Ride through the Sinis wetlands to the Phoenician site of Tharros
We start the week with a ride across the Sinis wetlands, where pink flamingos and a wealth of other birdlife populate the lagoons in season. We cycle to the coast and the 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 most important archaeological sites from this era on the island, overlooking the emerald sea (optional guided visit of the site). We then head to the town of Oristano, crossing the medieval historic centre to reach Arborea, where we spend the night.
Cycle along the Costa Verde and on to Piscinas beach
Today we ride through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde (Green Coast), named after the wild vegetation that covers much of the mountainous surroundings and the colour of the water. We cycle across reclaimed farmland to the picturesque fishing village of Marceddi and to the long beach of Piscinas, bordered by huge dunes – some more than 165ft (50m) high. From Piscinas, we head back to our cosy accommodation.
Cycle past abandoned mines, the golden beach of Portixeddu and the white sea stack of Pan di Zucchero; continue to the former mining village of Nebida
We tackle one of the more challenging cycling days on the tour, but are rewarded with superb scenery. After a fantastic descent to the Mannu River, we reach the start of 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 425ft (130m) high sea stack of Pan di Zucchero and the former mining village of Nebida.
Descend to Fontanamare; board the ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte
Our 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). We have time to explore this delightful islet with its sandy coves, dramatic rocky headlands and tiny hamlets, before rejoining the ferry to the equally unspoiled island of Sant’Antioco.
Cycle through the meadows of Sant'Antioco; visit the Romanesque Pisan sanctuary and ride along the quiet country lanes of Sulcis
This morning, we cycle through the lush meadows of Sant’Antioco before returning to the mainland and visiting the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, which dates 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.
Cycle the rolling hills of the Costa del Sud; climb to the high point of Cape Malfatano for views of the coast; transfer and overnight in Cagliari
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 unspoiled region of gleaming white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs punctuated by 16th-century Spanish watchtowers. We cycle as far as Cape Teulada, the southernmost tip of Sardinia, where cliffs rise 755ft (230m) above the crystal-clear sea. We stop in Pula, which was founded in the 9th century BCE and is 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 with our final dinner.
Fly to London
End in Cagliari; transfer to the airport and fly to London.
End Cagliari
The tour ends after breakfast. If you’re keen to explore more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate).
- Six days cycling
- Average 32mi (52km) per day
- 90 percent vehicle support – the vehicle doesn’t accompany the group on the isle of San Pietro (Day 5)
- 90 percent paved, 10 percent easy gravel roads and sandy paths
The cycling consists of three relatively easy days, cycling mainly flat routes (days 2, 5 and 6), two more challenging days with relatively long, steady climbs (days 3 and 4) and one longer stage with undulating terrain (Day 7).
- Days 2 and 6 are considered Activity Level 1 (Leisurely)
- Day 5 is considered Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
- Days 3, 4 and 7 are considered Activity Level 3 (Moderate), with Day 3 the most challenging (ascent: 3,280ft/1,000m)
The route follows a mixture of quiet minor roads, cycle paths and non-technical tracks. The support vehicle is available if you prefer to opt out of a section. This trip is ideal for cyclists who exercise regularly and have a good level of fitness.
Part of the enjoyment of this trip is to spend time at the beaches en route. On most days, we stop at a beach where there will be time to relax and swim.
Farmhouses and hotels
We use comfortable three- and four-star hotels and good quality agriturismos (renovated farmhouses). All accommodation is locally owned and family-run and the hotels have been carefully selected for their welcoming atmosphere and delicious home-made cuisine. All rooms are comfortable with en suite facilities. Some hotels have a swimming pool, one is conveniently located near a beautiful beach, while others are in the quiet Sardinian countryside or pretty villages.
Examples of hotels we use are:
- Cabras: Villa Canu
- Arborea: Hotel le Torri
- Arbus: Agriturismo Rocce Bianche
- Nebida area: Locanda L’Agusteri or Hotel Don Pedro Portoscuso
- Sant’Antioco: MuMA Hostel or Hotel Moderno
- Sant’Anna Arresi area: Lù Hotel or Grotta del Tesoro
- Cagliari: Hotel Italia or Due Colonne
We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip (subject to availability). Please check with your sales representative for availability and prices.
Due to the layout of the accommodations, single bedrooms vary in size, and in the hotel in Cagliari they can either be double rooms for single use or standard single rooms, according to availability. Please be aware that some single rooms can be on the small side.
Reviews
Add your own reviewHard Work
Hard ups, scary downs and hard off-road sections.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader (Giovanni) was very good, very welcoming and a source of a lot of local information. However, his estimations of how long to this point or that were a bit loose (aka totally unreliable). There was a driver (Simone) who guided the cycling some days, and he was also very good, lots of local knowledge and way more realistic about distances.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you don't like descending, don't forget that what goes up hairpin bends must come down hairpin bends. The grading of moderate is applied to the whole trip, but some of the days were way beyond moderate in terms of long ascents. The description of the surfaces as "10 percent easy gravel roads" is so far off the truth - steep in places and very bumpy with large chunks of rock is more like it. Nothing I would describe as an easy gravel road. If you are not sure about the climbing I'd suggest getting an e-bike. I had one and although they are VERY heavy it made going up a pleasure.
Suggestions
Fabulous views over the coast, the food was great and people very welcoming.
Amazing trip !!
Amazing trip, great mix of cycling and beach with swimming. The scenery and the routes were so beautiful. It was one of the best cycling trips I have done. And of course the Italian food was. excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the rugged coastline of Sardinia and the beautiful coves and beaches.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Súper nice and fun to be with. They were very helpful and attentive.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was. Very hot do the trip later in September or October!
Suggestions
I would recommend they stay at Tharros the first day and allow time there to see ruins, eat, and swim. That is on of the highlights of the trip and we barely stayed half an hour. I was very disappointed . I would skip Torre Grande, that place was awful and the beach and water was dirty. No need to go there.
Super Trip
We had pretty bad weather but apart from a few minutes we managed to avoid the rain – until Cagliari. The trip was superb, mainly because of the leader Giovanni and driver Antonio, though our group (11 in total) could not have got on better – a superb bunch of folks. The cycling was spectacular on days 2,3 and 6 with mountain roads and spectacular views. We also managed to swim twice and enjoy lunch on 3 beach restaurants. Giovanni and Antonio really looked after us, having to revert to plan B or C due to the cold and dull weather. The highlight for me was Carloforte – beautiful place. The worst thing was the flight times from the UK, meaning we arrived late at our first hotel and on our return home. Overall – brilliant week, would highly recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
Coast road on day 6 with beautiful beaches - oh and Carloforte
Thoughts on Group Leader
First class. Had a lot to contend with due to the strange weather. Was very good on safety for us all - could not have done more
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do it and enjoy the culture, food, wine and terrain. Super trip for wild swimmers and those appreciative of the Island’s history
Suggestions
This is our 4th Exodus cycling holiday and we’ve loved every one - more than any other, Sardinia was all about the people - but isn’t it always?
Feedback
Excellent trip, great time of year to go. The trip was well put together and the cycling was safe and varied.
Would say I thought it was more a 3.5-4 than the 3 it was given.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some of the views were amazing and the wild flowers were a joy
Thoughts on Group Leader
Giovanni Pasella was one of the best leaders that I have had with Exodus, very knowledgable and did his best to make our trip interesting and relaxed. Marc also was very good and we always had a laugh
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for hills
Suggestions
Thank you to everyone at Exodus and to Giovanni
Great trip, but a couple of REALLY tough climbs
We had an excellent group of five, and Giovanni and Marc our guides were excellent.
The scenery, mountains, beaches, cliff tops, historic ruins are wonderful as are the wild flowers and flamingos. The hotels were all of a good quality and most had swimming pools.
The cycling is harder than the 3 rating suggests. I’ve done a number of cycling trips, but days 2 and 3 have serious climbs on them and two of the five of us had to take the van for the last part.
Foodwise, I’m a vegetarian and while there was always something to eat, it was more often grilled veg than would have been ideal. We mostly ate in fish restaurants. That said, there were a couple of standout meals that were superb.
The bikes are good quality, perhaps a little heavy, and provided with panniers – best to put them in the van on the climb days.
Most Inspirational Moment
Drinking cold beer in a cliff top bar, watching the sun go down after a hard days cycling.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, Giovanni and Marc took turns to cycle with the group. They worked together really well and I think we all felt well looked after. They clearly are knowledgeable and passionate about the area, its history and wildlife and were delighted to share this with us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you get offered the choice, the wine tasting is good fun - I bought a couple of bottles and it does travel!
Suggestions
May be a single rating isn't enough, I think this is a 4 on days 2 & 3, and 3 the rest of the time.
Amazing trip
A really great trip, Sardinia is a very beautiful place and we had a fantastic week of cycling, eating, socialising and learning about this beautiful Island from our lovely guides
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of a very challenging climb, the sense of of achievement and Endorphine release, the camaraderie with others in the group reaching the top, followed by the spectacular descent with beautiful scenery in glorious sunshine - magic!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Simone was fantastic, such a nice man who gave the impression he was really enjoying being with us and telling us about his beautiful Island. He was organised, safety conscious, knowledgeable and great company. His sidekick / driver Marc was also lovely - smiley, friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Exodus seem to have a knack of finding fantastic guides who really know their stuff, are professional, organised and lovely people!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need to be quite fit on this trip - 3 days of significant climbing so if you are not a regular cyclist you should consider an E-bike. I loved the challenges as cycle back home but some people found it quite hard work on the more challenging days
Suggestions
I was surprised what an interesting and beautiful place Sardinia is - really spectacular scenery and not just on the coast. We enjoyed all the meals and nice accommodation and we were lucky to have a great group - we all got on well (mix of Brits and Canadians). Lots of laughs and lovely food and wine and beer as well as cycling! Bikes all excellent, lovely weather, no punctures - weren't we lucky!! I would highly recommend.
Cycling in Sardinia
A very enjoyable week of cycling in Sardinia’s south west coastal area with a lovely group. Some long climbs which were rewarded with equally long descents. The weather was sunny for the first couple of days, thereafter overcast and occasionally rainy, but this did not dampen the spirits of the group. The leaders – Michele and Simone were excellent, ensuring all the group had an enjoyable time. The hotels and agriturismos we stayed in along the route were all very good with excellent home cooked food.
Most Inspirational Moment
it has to be the long climbs on days three and four and the equally long thrilling descents! Cyclists consume a lot of calories and there was no shortage of delicious food from breakfast, snack stops, lunch and dinner. Not to mention the re-hydrating with local beer and wine at the end of a long day cycling!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele and Simone were excellent. They supported all of us on the daily rides making sure everybody had an enjoyable time and took it in turns to cycle and drive the support van. They provided snacks during the rides and ensured we arrived at lunch stops on time for pre-booked lunch. Nothing was a problem for them - from fixing the occasional puncture to ordering food for us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you have your own pedals/cycling shoes and saddle then I strongly recommend you take them. I did not take mine and cycled in trainers, I managed ok, but it would have been a lot easier, especially on the hills if I had my own pedals and cycling shoes.
Suggestions
You need to have a reasonable level of fitness tailored to cycling and have some off-road experience as there is a small amount of non-technical off-road cycling.
A lovely Island
I went with four friends which made for good companionship and plenty of laughs, We made sure that we mixed with the group and made some good friends, and hopefully enhanced their enjoyment. We were lucky with the weather which threatened to have some storms but we seemed to have sunshine most of the time. I loved the morning coffee stops and the daily beach stops for a swim. Some of the rides were quite challenging and surprised the first timer in our group. The resulting downhill sections were fabulous. Most hotels had swimming pools which were very welcome at the end of the day.
Most Inspirational Moment
The long downhill rides after the steep climbs. The nice beaches and hotels with swimming pools. Having a beer with the group at the end of the ride. The final night as a group in Cagliari.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both the leaders. Simone and Giovani were excellent. Giovani was very knowledgeable about the island and its history, which he was keen to tell us about. He was quite strict but we soon warmed to him and brought out his softer side by using some banter.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The hills on day 2 and three are very challenging. I have done grade 3 climbs on previous Exodus trips and these were long and challenging. Knowing that the hills would be a challenge and no longer a spring chicken, I had an e bike. I have embraced e mountain biking at home on the South Downs and it is fabulous. Although the e bike I had wasn't an ideal design, it certainly helped and enhanced my enjoyment. My advice would be to have one if you have any doubt. Why suffer? the e bikers were able to chat on the hills and enjoy the scenery, whereas the normal bikers couldn't talk.
Suggestions
If you like coffee stops, nice beaches and swimming pools, this is the trip for you. Beware of the hills!
Review
Very well organised and enjoyable trip taking in some amazing scenery both coastal and inland.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the variety of the cycling, especially the off road bits. Learning about how Sardinia's past was related to the monuments we passed and the food and culture.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lovely, friendly, patient, friendly and jovial hosts who always tried to please everyone, all the time. Great fruit breaks!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some hills were quite long and steep. If you want to enjoy more, consider getting an electric bike! However, the van was available all the time allowing you to hop on and off throughout the day giving a great flexibility.
Suggestions
Watch out for the mosquitoes! Take repellent with you.
Brilliant - but really glad we had e-bikes
Great way to see the beautiful Sardinian West coast, including salt pans, flamingos, the dramatic coastline & turquoise seas.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Costa del Sud was truly spectacular; the annual San Salvatore festival in Cabras; the giant sand dunes of the Costa Verde and the islands of San Pietro & Sant’Antioco. All of it really!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both Alessandro & Simone were superb: multi-tasking, great local knowledge, dealing with logistics, accommodation, restaurants, fixing bikes, making us a superb lunch. And they were brilliant when one of our group had a bad fall. They are both passionate about their country & it showed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
My knees are knackered (little/no cartilage) and although I cycle at home, my knees would never have coped with this trip without an e-bike. There are some very challenging hills. Even the keen cyclists in our group felt that it would be better described as Moderate/Hard. With an e-bike it was still a challenge but a very satisfying one. Also it was incredibly hot - if the trip was offered mid-late September/early October, I think it could be even more enjoyable.
Suggestions
Our only criticism was that the days were often long, starting at 9am & arriving at our next hotel at around 5ish. Personally I think the days should have ended at 4pm so you had a bit more time to either explore or have a swim before dinner. It’s a pretty full on itinerary!
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
07 Oct 2023 07 Oct 2023
Saturday Saturday
14 Oct 2023 14 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Adult Price From Usually £ 1,849Now £ 1,749Saving £ 100 Usually £ 2,149Now £ 2,049Saving £ 100
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 280
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Apr 2024 27 Apr 2024
Saturday Saturday
04 May 2024 04 May 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 1,949 £ 2,279
Optional Single Supplement +£ 330
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 May 2024 11 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
18 May 2024 18 May 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 1,999 £ 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +£ 330
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 May 2024 25 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
01 Jun 2024 01 Jun 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 1,999 £ 2,579
Optional Single Supplement +£ 330
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 Jun 2024 01 Jun 2024
Saturday Saturday
08 Jun 2024 08 Jun 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 1,999 £ 2,399
Optional Single Supplement +£ 330
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 Aug 2024 31 Aug 2024
Saturday Saturday
07 Sep 2024 07 Sep 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 1,999 £ 2,399
Optional Single Supplement +£ 330
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 1,999 £ 2,349
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 330
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 1,999 £ 2,349
Optional Single Supplement +£ 330
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.
Cycling in Sardinia
8 Days
from
8 Days
from