Cycling in Sardinia

Name: Cycling in Sardinia
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (79 reviews)

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Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Group Size :

5 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

MWK

Cycle the wild southwest coast and relax on stunning beaches

Often referred to as the land of silence, Sardinia is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with crystal-clear sea, limestone ridges and deep gorges. During the week, we ride across the wild and pristine southwest, passing abandoned mines, ancient ruins and gleaming white beaches. The route starts with a circular ride through the Sinis wetlands, home to flamingo colonies, then moves to the spectacular Costa Verde (Green Coast) named for its abundance and variety of Mediterranean vegetation.

After cycling past the ancient mines of Ingurtosu and Planusartu, we reach Portixeddu beach, where the white cliff of Pan di Zucchero towers out of emerald waters. We then board a ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte and explore the delightful isle of Sant’Antioco before crossing to the mainland, where we conclude a week of wonderful cycling by pedalling across the rolling hills of the Costa del Sud, home to white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs. Having built a good appetite, you have plenty of opportunities to sample mouth-watering local cuisine: the perfect mix for a great week of cycling.

Highlights

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

Key Information

Seven nights in comfortable three-star hotels and agriturismos
Six days cycling with full vehicle support
90 percent paved, 10 percent easy gravel roads
Group normally 5 to 16, plus leaders. Minimum age: 16
Mix of easy riding and climbs from the coast
E-bikes available for an additional cost

Countries visited: Italy

What's Included

All breakfasts and two dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Local bike hire
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Local taxes (approximately €10 per person, see Trip Notes)
E-bike hire

6 Days of Cycling

Pace:

Moderate: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; 90 percent paved, 10 percent easy gravel roads

Day 2

60 km / 37.3 miles

Day 3

57 km / 35.4 miles

Day 4

41 km / 25.5 miles

Day 5

59 km / 36.7 miles

Day 6

40 km / 24.9 miles

Day 7

57 km / 35.4 miles

Responsible Travel

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

As much as possible, we try to use accommodations that are locally owned or at least employs local staff and uses local produce. For most part of this trip, we will spend the nights in agriturismos (renovated farmhouses) and experience a stay in a local farm. This ensures that our visit benefits the locals and provides them with employment opportunities.

As a cycling trip, it allows easier access to the local communities and hence, facilitates interaction with the locals from the visits to local cafes and restaurants as well as markets to purchase traditional gifts and get a real impression of the country. Water is especially important and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital to not cause too much waste from single use plastic bottles. Tap water is drinkable in Sardinia hence, we strongly encourage clients to bring their own reusable bottles and refill it throughout the journey.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…

Itinerary

Start Cabras, in the Sinis peninsula, approximately 68mi (110km) from Cagliari Airport. Take time to settle in, our cycling starts tomorrow.

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.

Ascent: 165ft (50m); descent: 165ft (50m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Ascent: 3,280ft (1,000m); descent: 1,900ft (580m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Ascent: 2,690ft (820m); descent: 3,610ft (1,100m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Ascent: 1,080ft (330m); descent: 1,575ft (480m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Ascent: 390ft (120m); descent: 165ft (50m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 16^th-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.

Ascent: 1,740ft (530m); descent: 1,740ft (530m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The tour ends after breakfast. If you’re keen to explore more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and two dinners are included.

Traditional Sardinian cuisine is full of local and delicious recipes. Popular specialities include roast suckling pig and excellent seafood. To help you avoid the more touristy restaurants, your local leader will happily provide you with recommendations.

To drink, you can seek out Sardinian wines, including vermentino, nuragus, cannonau and monica, and sample mirto, the Sardinian after-dinner liqueur made from the leaves of the myrtle plant.

Weather

Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate, usually warm in spring and autumn with hot, dry summers. April, May, September and October usually have average daytime temperatures around 20C-25C (68F-77F). Rain is unlikely but possible throughout the year.

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.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Colin Prince

Reviewed June 2019

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

David Netherwood

Reviewed June 2019

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.

Kate Ferguson

Reviewed May 2019

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.

Paul Jefferies

Reviewed October 2018

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.

Rex Yetton

Reviewed September 2018

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!

Glenda Cornwell

Reviewed September 2018

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.

Liz Leonard

Reviewed September 2018

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!

Robert and Wendy Mann

Reviewed August 2018

Well organised

The tour was well organised and Michaela, assisted by Ado, dealt with everything very well. The bikes are very good but be prepared for some stiff climbs on the first two days and the Mistral at any time. Don’t forget your Camelbak or your sunblock.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of any hill then flying down the other side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, he managed everything superbly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some preparation.

Suggestions

A printout of each day's travel, as with the trip in Sri Lanka, would be good.

John Pope

Reviewed June 2018

Cycling Sardinia

A good trip, if a little light on interesting places to stop and look at during the day, and a little heavy on very hot beaches. This was I think our 8th cycling trip, and one of the least interesting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views of some nice mountains, although nothing to match what we saw further north after the cycling when we hired a car to drive up to Olbia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, except that he did not seem to grasp that, for the English at least, the sort of people who go on cycling holidays are in general not the sort of people who want to lie on the beach in the middle of the day. On his last attempt to rouse us from a shady bar to go to the beach 100% of the group declined to go, preferring to push on to the lunchtime restaurant. He was absolutely brilliant is dealing with my dietary requirements as a coeliac.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Difficult to persuade Sardinian restaurants to provide any vegetables! If you are a vegetarian be prepared to live on pasta with tomato sauce, and salads consisting of little but iceberg lettuce.

Brid and Tony Delap

Reviewed June 2018

Absolutely wonderful trip

This was an amazing cycling trip which included stunning scenery, roman ruins, beaches, disused mines, coastal plains, ferry trips to two islands, country roads (some dirt tracks) and even a crossing of a shallow river!! Our guides Michele and Allesandro really made this trip wonderful and hastle free.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our final day cycling over the coastal plains of the Costa del Sud, even though challenging at times, the amazing views over the pristine beaches, cliffs and 16th century watchtowers made it all worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Michele was exceptional. From the moment we arrived at the airport to our farewell in Cagliari, he was always there to answer our questions, translate and offer recommendations. Even for something as trivial as buying shampoo, he escorted us to the door of the supermarket. Some meals were included with the package but for all others he made recommendations and accompanied us to fabulous restaurants. We also had the flexibility to do our own thing, if we so wished, but we were a very close group and we really enjoyed the company of Michele and Allesandro, our driver. They were great guides, both of them had a great sense of humour but were also exceptionally knowlegeable and professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The first few days were unseasonally dull with a little rain. Make sure to pack a warm layer and a water proof jacket.

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