Day 1: Welcome to Sardinia!
Arrive at the Cagliari airport where you will be transferred to your first accommodation and be briefed on the walking tour. Dinner is included.

Day 2: Two walking options to begin the tour – Easy Option – Loop of Sanna Mines

A gentle start to your walking holiday, beginning at La Miniera Fiorita and following old miners’ trails past abandoned buildings and through lush vegetation. As the route is not overly long, you have plenty of time to explore the fascinating old zinc and lead mines – mineshafts with their original equipment, former factories, and workers’ villages, all set amid lush oak woods. It is likely that you will see some Sardinian deer during your walks. In the afternoon you can visit the museum in Montevecchio, which offers a historical account of the mining tradition of this area. (5 miles/8 kilometers, 3hrs)  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Medium Option – Loop walk  Mt Arcuentu

Begin your tour by exploring the Mt Arcuentu range, a volcanic range that rises quite dramatically from the Campidano Plans. After a short transfer, the walk starts on a gentle path that becomes steeper as you reach the sacred basalt summit. A shrine nestled in the dense oak wood and the surrounding views make it a truly remarkable place. Descend across pasture land all the way to your accommodation in Montevecchio. (6.2 miles/10 kilometers, 4hrs) Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Day 3: Hike from Montevecchio to Piscinas
Today walk towards the coast on gently meandering footpaths through dense shrub and past shepherd holdings. The path reaches Riu Irvi, an iron-colored stream that you will cross several times before reaching the majestic sand dunes of Piscinas, one of the biggest in Europe that stretches for several miles along the coast. Coated in juniper and Mediterranean scrub, the dunes reach heights of up to 164 feet/50 meters in places. A short section will lead you to your next accommodation. (9.63 miles/15.5 kilometers, 5hrs) Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4: Rest day
You choose – perhaps time to relax or another day exploring the sand dunes. Breakfast is included today.

Day 5: From Piscinas to Sibiri
Your walk today will take you along a river upstream through a small canyon before rising through Mediterranean scrub to join an abandoned railway. Pass buildings which reflect the richness of the past industry of this area including the Brassey washery, named after its English owner, the Viscount of Brassey. You may also explore Pozzo Gal, a well preserved shaft recently opened as a multi-media museum. Walk through Ingurtosu Village where you can admire the interesting architecture of the Administrative offices. Take a network of goat trails that will lead you to Bidderdi Pass and towards Mt Linas range to your next Agritourism accommodation. Here another delightful meal awaits you. (12.43 miles/20 kilometers, 5 1/2hrs) Breakfast and lunch included today.

Day 6: Hike Sibiri to Fluminimaggiore
Starting from the Agriturismo, you will take the mountain trail close to Mt Linas. This route was once the “smugglers way,” used by cattle thieves to transport their stolen animals down to the coast. The initial climb is gradual, following a tight valley and narrow stream, then walking through mountain pastures and meadows, and finally reaching Planucheddu (2,067 feet/630 metres) from where you will experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the Sulcis Iglesiente mountain range.  Take time to fully absorb the vista and catch your breath, before embarking on a rewarding 6.2 mile/10 Km descent into the sleepy town of Fluminimaggiore. This is the first time during this trip that you come into a village. After a short coffee break and a quick visit of the interesting wall paintings known as “murales”, the last section of walk is towards the coast. The route will take you along the fertile Flumini Valley – with country lanes, olive plantations and vineyards — gradually taking you to your next Agriturismo. (12.43 miles/20 kilometers, 6 hrs). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Day 7: Loop walk of Fighezia and Portixeddu beach
Your final day walk will lead you to the coast again and the long sandy beach of Portixeddu. Here you have the option to take an easy stroll along the coast towards Buggerru or to follow the trails along the rocky promontory towards Capo Pecora. Your final hotel is set in a stunning location with terrace views of Portixeddu and the lush green mountains of La Costa Verde, an idyllic way to end this trip. (7.5 miles/12 kilometers, 4 hrs) Breakfast and lunch included today.

Day 8 – Departure Day
After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast is included.

Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Coming soon.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

With an average daily distance of 48 km and climb of 478 m, we classify this tour as moderate plus. Days 1, 4 and 5 are easy with a climb below 230 m, day 6 is moderate (climb 550 m). The two hardest days are 2 and 3 with an overall climb of 1050 and 700 m respectively.Over 90% of the total distance develops on secondary paved roads with very limited motorized traffic. The rest is on compact unpaved roads.

Why This Tour

All islands have a peculiar fascination, and Sardinia is no exception. Lying a little less than 200km from the Italian mainland and at same distance from the Tunisian coast, Sardinia is often a pleasant surprise to the curious traveller.The tour develops in the fascinating South-West of the island, an area formerly interested by mining activity that has kept mass tourism away. Nowadays mining has stopped leaving unspoilt beaches and a glorious undeveloped coastline to enjoy during this week long “Off the beaten track” bike tour.

You will find at least one beautiful pristine beach every day and also dramatic cliffs and numerous lagoons which accounts for a rich diversity of wildlife, as do the forested mountains and the wild macchia that carpets the interior.

The sand dunes of Piscinas (some of the highest in Europe), the imposing rock of Pan di Zucchero and the Costa del Sud are just some of the scenic highlights of this tour.

The Phoenician and Roman settlements of Tharros, Sant’Antioco and Nora are a must for those interested in archaeology.

Travel Notes

The reference airport for the tour is Cagliari. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals from London to Sardinia.Easyjet flies daily from London Luton to Cagliari and Ryan air offers a daily connection (two flights from April to October) from Stansted to Alghero in Northern Sardinia.

A dedicated bus service operates the route Alghero airport-Oristano-Cagliari. The bus leaves the airport half hour after the flight has landed. If the flight is late, the bus waits for the flight arrival. On arrival, you should take the bus down to Oristano. At the end of the tour, the same bus will take you from Cagliari to Alghero airport.

More expensive alternatives to low-cost carriers are BA or Alitalia. They don’t fly direct and it is necessary to change in Rome or Milan.

Group tour price

• 4-5 people € 1510 per person
• 6-7 people € 1330 per person
• 8+ people € 1210 per person

Pricing philosophy

What’s included in the guided tour

• 7 nights accommodation on double occupancy basis (4 Agriturismo and 3 hotels)
• 7 breakfasts
• 5 packed lunches (sandwiches – fruit – snack – water)
• 4 dinners with wine included
• Arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport to Montevecchio
• Departure transfer: from Pula to Cagliari airport
• Luggage transfers
• Maps and road book provided

The price does not include:

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Admissions and entrance fees to sites
• Expense of personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
• Any items that has not been mentioned in the price inclusion part
Self-guided option
This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1055 per person. This option includes:

Tour code

SAM

Day 1 – Welcome to Sardinia!

Following arrival in Cagliari we make the short transfer to your accommodation in the village of Nebida. The rest of the day is spent organizing bikes and going through the route notes – making sure all is well for your bike tour of Sardinia. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 2 – From Nebida to Calasetta – 17.4 miles/28 kilometers + optional 6.2 miles/10 kilometers on Carloforte Island

From Nebida start your trip with a great ride along the coast, leaving the rugged limestone and heading towards the lower lands and the Islands of St Pietro and St Antioco. You have a chance to give your legs a rest as you catch a ferry across to the island of St Pietro. Here the landscape and the culture are yet again different from what you have experienced so far. Carloforte was founded by the coral fishers of Genoa, who moved here from Tunisia where they had lived since the middle of the 16th century. This influence is felt in the architecture of the islands as well as the cuisine.  With its pastel-coloured houses set along narrow cobbled lanes it makes an interesting place to explore, stopping for a fine meal at one of the town’s good fish restaurants. The island is in fact well known for its fishing community, in particular the fishing of tuna.  Since ancient times, fishermen have awaited the arrival of schools of tuna that stream by along the same route, not far from the islands. Another short journey on a ferry will take you across to the island of St Antioco, where a short ride will take you to the town itself. Your accommodation for the night is in a delightful hotel on the coast. Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Day 3 – Exploring St Antioco Island – 28 miles/45 kilometers

Today it is dedicated to exploring the island of St Antioco. Riding along the coast, you reach St Antioco itself. It is worth spending a few hours to wander and visit some of the hidden archaeological sites of this ancient town. The development of the area in fact goes back to the Nuragic times, but truly thrived only when the Phoenicians founded it as “Sulcis” in 259 BC. Worth a visit is the Punic Necropolis and Thophet, as well as the Catacombs below the Church of St Antioco. Traveling south along the quiet roads, you will discover the rugged coastline and remote sandy coves that make this island unique. Your hotel is back at Calasetta. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 4  – From Calasetta to Teulada  – 29.8 miles/48 kilometers

Leaving the island across the bay of Palmas, you’ll be able to see a number of birds, including pink Flamingos. As we cycle on towards the Sulcis mountains, we pass agricultural land and scattered farms in the communities of Masainas. A short detour takes us to the stunning beach of Porto Pino. Here we have time to explore the little fishing hamlet and spend some time on the beach. Moving on, the landscape turns to hills and you will arrive at your next accommodation outside Teulada. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included today.

Day 5 – Biking Teulada to Santadi – 31.1 miles/50 kilometers

Leaving the Agriturismo we first head into Teulada, on the foothills of the Sulcis Mountains. From here we gradually climb past some remote farming hamlets. As you cycle past vineyard after vineyard, it will become obvious that you are entering the wine region of Santadi wines. Not far from here, we will visit the Caves of Is Zuddas with its varied chambers of limestone formations including stalactites and aragonites that are beautiful and unique. We stop for some wine tasting before riding on to Giba and the rolling fertile fields towards St Anna Arresi. Accommodation is at the same Agriturismo with another taste of excellent Sardinian food and wine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are again included.

Day 6 – An exciting ride from Teulada to Pula- 28.6 miles/46 kilometers

Today offers some great cycling along a roller coaster road towards Pula, your next destination for this trip. The Costa del Sud is a wonderful route of twisting, turning road above rugged cliffs that plunge into the deep blue sea. There are many outlook points and small sandy coves to stop and enjoy the sea. Cala Tuerredda is one of the most stunning beaches along this coast, protected by two promontories. From here the road climbs away from the coast, dropping back toward the long sandy beach of Chia. A short detour to the right will take you to Chia tower, worth a visit for its spectacular view of Chia beach and the islands. The next section of biking follows the main road north, along a quiet coastal road, finally reaching the little town of Pula. The excellent Gelateria in the main town square, which serves homemade ice-cream, is a well deserved treat and reward after this today’s journey. Breakfast and lunch are included today.

Day 7 – Biking Pula to Nora – 15.5 miles/25 kilometers

Our last day of biking allows us to enjoy the area around Pula. We first bike down toward the coast, where we will explore the interesting Roman ruins of Nora, set in a stunning little bay. In 238 BC the Carthaginians ceded Sardinia to the Romans, who made it their province. Nora became the most important Phoenician town, and capital of the Roman province. Due to Saracen raids, the people were forced to move inland and Nora gradually fell into ruins. Today, it is an impressive site of the Carthaginian city with the Temple of Tanit, the goddess of fertility. From the Roman times you can see the ancient baths decorated with mosaics, paved roads, sewage systems and palaces. Riding on, we follow the coastline, biking past stunning beaches. Our return journey to Pula takes us through the tomato growing area of St Margherita di Pula. Breakfast, lunch, and a farewell dinner are included today.

Day 8 – Departure Day

After breakfast (which is included), you will be transferred to the airport/departure and end of our services. Ciao!

Actual tour itinerary may vary slightly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Siciclando carefully chooses every aspect of a tour, including the accommodations.

Our choices are based on comfort and quality. We often choose hotels that are family-owned and operated because they provide a richer experience and because it is important to us to support the efforts of these individuals. We have developed relationships with many wonderful hotel operators. Here is a sample of the hotels on this tour.

• Calasetta
• Teulada
• Pula

Tour accommodations will be based on availability and the time of year. Once you have made your final payment for the tour, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes daily accommodations and contact information.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

With an average daily distance of 48 km and climb of 478 m, we classify this tour as moderate plus. Days 1, 4 and 5 are easy with a climb below 230 m, day 6 is moderate (climb 550 m). The two hardest days are 2 and 3 with an overall climb of 1050 and 700 m respectively.

Over 90% of the total distance develops on secondary paved roads with very limited motorized traffic. The rest is on compact unpaved roads.

Why This Tour

All islands have a peculiar fascination, and Sardinia is no exception. Lying a little less than 200km from the Italian mainland and at same distance from the Tunisian coast, Sardinia is often a pleasant surprise to the curious traveller.

The tour develops in the fascinating South-West of the island, an area formerly interested by mining activity that has kept mass tourism away. Nowadays mining has stopped leaving unspoilt beaches and a glorious undeveloped coastline to enjoy during this week long “Off the beaten track” bike tour.

You will find at least one beautiful pristine beach every day and also dramatic cliffs and numerous lagoons which accounts for a rich diversity of wildlife, as do the forested mountains and the wild macchia that carpets the interior.

The sand dunes of Piscinas (some of the highest in Europe), the imposing rock of Pan di Zucchero and the Costa del Sud are just some of the scenic highlights of this tour.

The Phoenician and Roman settlements of Tharros, Sant’Antioco and Nora are a must for those interested in archaeology.

Travel Notes

The reference airport for the tour is Cagliari. Low-cost airlines are offering good deals from London to Sardinia.

Easyjet flies daily from London Luton to Cagliari and Ryan air offers a daily connection (two flights from April to October) from Stansted to Alghero in Northern Sardinia.

A dedicated bus service operates the route Alghero airport-Oristano-Cagliari. The bus leaves the airport half hour after the flight has landed. If the flight is late, the bus waits for the flight arrival. On arrival, you should take the bus down to Oristano. At the end of the tour, the same bus will take you from Cagliari to Alghero airport.

More expensive alternatives to low-cost carriers are BA or Alitalia. They don’t fly direct and it is necessary to change in Rome or Milan.

Group tour price

• 6-7 people € 1390 per person
• 8+ people € 1290 per person

Pricing philosophy

Additional fees:

• Hybrid bike hire (with use of helmet, puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube) € 100,00
• Any extra day hybrid bike hire € 15,00
• Road bike hire (with use of helmet, puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube) € 175,00
• Any extra day road bike hire € 25,00
• Single occupancy accommodation € 140,00
• Single traveler extra charge. It includes the single occupancy accommodation € 220,00
• Additional night/s in Cagliari per person € 50,00 to € 80,00, according to the B&B and Hotel
• Additional night/s in Pula – per person € 45
• Additional transfer of clients during the self-guided Biking that is not already included in the price, € 50 to € 120 according to the distance

Services included in the group guided tour:

• 7 nights accommodation on double occupancy basis (2 Agriturismo and 5 three star hotels)
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 dinners wine included
• 6 buffet style picnic lunches + snacks and fruit
• Arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport to Montevecchio
• Departure transfer: from Pula to Cagliari airport
• One English speaking guide on the bike
• One support vehicle and driver – luggage transfer
• Maps provided

Self-guided option

This tour is also available as a self-guided option at a cost of € 1.150 per person. This option includes:

• 7 nights accommodation on double occupancy basis (3 Agriturismo and 4 three star hotels)
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 dinners wine included
• Arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport to Montevecchio
• Departure transfer: from Pula to Cagliari airport
• Luggage transfers
• Maps and road book provided
• If hiring bikes- panniers and bike kit

Services not included (same for self-guided and group guided):

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Admissions and entrance fees to sites
• Expense of personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, etc.
• Any items that has not been mentioned in the price inclusion part

Tour code

SAM