ItalySARDINIA: COAST TO COAST
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
ItalySardinia: Coast to Coast
Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Length: 8 Days
Level: 
Price: from €1,590 EUR
This self-guided cycling holiday tours the Northern part of Sardinia, crossing from coast to coast. On the way you will discover the scenery, culture and history of one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
Starting in the stunning historic city of Alghero and finishing on the Costa Smeralda, on this holiday you will ride along coast, traverse the inland hills and beautiful lakes and you will cross the Maddalena national park.
There are two route options each day, meaning that you can make the holiday as challenging as you like. Shorter routes are rolling, while the longer routes visit some of the higher mountains - including Monte Limbara, the highest road in Northern Sardinia. This tour follows a unique route, especially designed to fulfil our strict criteria regarding accommodation, quiet roads, places of interest and much more.
Below you can find the itinerary. This is completely customizable, if you would like to do more nights, or visit different towns, please get in touch and we can work with you to organize the trip. Click on the tabs to see more highlights, as well as all the practical information about the holiday.
Day 1 - Arrival - Alghero
The holiday begins in the beautiful town of Alghero. We will pick you up from the airport or train station and transfer you to the hotel on the edge of the old town.
Alghero is one of the most interesting and charming towns in Sardinia. Having been inhabited for over 4000 years, its architecture and culture contains Roman, Visigoth, Catalan and Italian influences. The strongest of these is Catalan - still the language spoken by many in the town - and locals often refer to Alghero as little Barcelona.
The delightful historic center is protected by a city wall and numerous ramparts, while on the edge of the town you will find a large marina area and town beach.
Alghero is one of the most interesting and charming towns in Sardinia. Having been inhabited for over 4000 years, its architecture and culture contains Roman, Visigoth, Catalan and Italian influences. The strongest of these is Catalan - still the language spoken by many in the town - and locals often refer to Alghero as little Barcelona.
The delightful historic center is protected by a city wall and numerous ramparts, while on the edge of the town you will find a large marina area and town beach.
Algero Old Town
Day 2 - Bosa Coastal Road
The first day in the saddle is one of the most spectacular, hugging the rugged coastline the whole way as you head south towards the town of Bosa. The scenery is really spectacular, with stunning views throughout the day, and the quiet, rolling road is a delight to cycle.
There is the option to extend the route to the Capo Caccia lighthouse, a fine viewpoint to the north of Alghero.
Both routes finish in the historic town of Bosa, which is dominated by the 12th century Serravalle Castle. Bosa also is home to a small but bustling old town and several great beaches on the edge of the town.
Shorter Route: 47km / 900m elevation
(29 miles / 3,000 ft elevation)
Medium Route: 67km / 1,300m elevation
(41 miles / 4,300 ft elevation)
Longer Route: 98km / 1,350m
(59 miles / 4,400ft)
Both routes finish in the historic town of Bosa, which is dominated by the 12th century Serravalle Castle. Bosa also is home to a small but bustling old town and several great beaches on the edge of the town.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 47km / 900m elevation
(29 miles / 3,000 ft elevation)
Medium Route: 67km / 1,300m elevation
(41 miles / 4,300 ft elevation)
Longer Route: 98km / 1,350m
(59 miles / 4,400ft)
Bosa Beach
Day 3 - Route of the Nuraghi
Today we head inland, enjoying the scenery on the gentle climb to Montresta. Montresta is famous for its murals which adorn the walls of much of the village and make for a colorful spectacle.
The route then continues further east, passing several ancient Nuraghi sites. The Nuragic civilization is the oldest recorded in Sardinia, predating the Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian and Roman invasions. The Nuraghi are known for building large stone buildings, some of which are still standing today. On this route you will see several of these, dating back up to 4,000 years. The Nuragic civilization continued into Imperial Roman times, but disappeared around the 2nd century AD.
In the evening you will stay in a charming boutique hotel in the Valle dei Nuraghi region.
Shorter Route: 76km / 950m
(47 miles / 3,050ft)
Longer Route: 92km / 1,550m
(57 miles / 5,200 ft)
The route then continues further east, passing several ancient Nuraghi sites. The Nuragic civilization is the oldest recorded in Sardinia, predating the Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian and Roman invasions. The Nuraghi are known for building large stone buildings, some of which are still standing today. On this route you will see several of these, dating back up to 4,000 years. The Nuragic civilization continued into Imperial Roman times, but disappeared around the 2nd century AD.
In the evening you will stay in a charming boutique hotel in the Valle dei Nuraghi region.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 76km / 950m
(47 miles / 3,050ft)
Longer Route: 92km / 1,550m
(57 miles / 5,200 ft)
Ancient Nuraghe Village
Day 4 - Monte Limbara & Tempio Pausania
Today you head west, continuing on beautiful rolling roads through the central part of Northern Sardinia. The lack of traffic and great scenery make for a really enjoyable day on the bike, as you ride along roads lined with picturesque dry stone walls.
The ride crosses the impressive Coghinas Lake, before following a rolling route through the Balasacia Mountains. This quiet, twisting road has gentle gradients and is great fun to ride.
The more adventurous can do the longer route which extends to the stunning Monte Limbara. At nearly 1,400m, this is the highest climb in Northern Sardinia and is a known training spot for local professional Fabio Aru. The views from Monte Limbara make it well worth the effort to climb, with an incredible 360 degree panorama over much of the north of the island. The route from here is largely rolling, as you pass through picturesque vineyards and olive groves.
The day finishes in the town of Tempio Pausania, which is famous for its granite buildings which beautifully adorn the historic center. The town and surrounding region are also known for their white wines.
Shorter Route: 71km / 1,250m
(44 miles / 4,000 ft)
Longer Route: 93km / 1,900m
(57 miles / 6,300 ft)
The more adventurous can do the longer route which extends to the stunning Monte Limbara. At nearly 1,400m, this is the highest climb in Northern Sardinia and is a known training spot for local professional Fabio Aru. The views from Monte Limbara make it well worth the effort to climb, with an incredible 360 degree panorama over much of the north of the island. The route from here is largely rolling, as you pass through picturesque vineyards and olive groves.
The day finishes in the town of Tempio Pausania, which is famous for its granite buildings which beautifully adorn the historic center. The town and surrounding region are also known for their white wines.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 71km / 1,250m
(44 miles / 4,000 ft)
Longer Route: 93km / 1,900m
(57 miles / 6,300 ft)
Green Scenery & Quiet Roads
Day 5 - Liscia Lake
The route today follows quiet country lanes through picturesque pastures and farmland. The region is known for its production of sheep and goats cheeses, which we thoroughly recommend sampling in local bars and restaurants. You will also ride through scenic beech and oak forests, some of which are used to supply the thriving local cork industry.
The destination is the attractive Liscia Lake, where you will stay in a beautiful retreat, which is perfect for relaxing.
The longer route includes an additional loop around the lake, where you can see olive trees which are literally thousands of years old, as you ride across the hilly landscapes of the Gallura region.
Shorter Route: 40km / 650m
(25 miles / 2,200 ft)
Longer Route: 79km / 1,550m
(50 miles / 5,000ft)
The longer route includes an additional loop around the lake, where you can see olive trees which are literally thousands of years old, as you ride across the hilly landscapes of the Gallura region.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 40km / 650m
(25 miles / 2,200 ft)
Longer Route: 79km / 1,550m
(50 miles / 5,000ft)
Sardinian Vineyards
Day 6 – Green Sardinia & Palau
The route today begins by visiting one of the most famous and best preserved Nuraghe on the island - the Giant's Tomb at Coddu Vecchiu. From here you leave behind the more mountainous terrain of Central Sardinia, and head towards
the rolling green hills that characterize the north-east of the island. The landscape offers picture-perfect views throughout the day.
The ride finishes along the coast, ending in the small town of Palau, home to a great beach and a unique rock formation known as 'The Bear's Cape'. Here you stay in a luxurious spa hotel.
Shorter Route: 57km / 900m
(36 miles / 3,000 ft)
Longer Route: 70km / 1,100m
(44 miles / 3,700 ft)
The ride finishes along the coast, ending in the small town of Palau, home to a great beach and a unique rock formation known as 'The Bear's Cape'. Here you stay in a luxurious spa hotel.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 57km / 900m
(36 miles / 3,000 ft)
Longer Route: 70km / 1,100m
(44 miles / 3,700 ft)
Beautiful Quiet Roads
Day 7 - La Maddalena National Park
The final day in the saddle offers two route options, but we strongly recommend to do the longer route (which is easier today than on previous days). This route begins by catching a ferry the short distance to the islands of Maddalena and Caprera - a stunning National Park. Here you will ride around both islands, taking the dramatic causeway which links the two, and enjoying
some of the finest scenery on the entire Mediterranean Coast. The island of Caprera was the home and burial place of the 'Father of Modern Italy' Giuseppe Garibaldi.
After enjoying the stunning islands, you return by ferry to Palau for the evening.
Shorter Route: 35km / 450m
(21 miles / 1,500 ft)
Longer Route: 51km / 750m
(32 miles / 2,500 ft)
After enjoying the stunning islands, you return by ferry to Palau for the evening.
Cycle Routes:
Shorter Route: 35km / 450m
(21 miles / 1,500 ft)
Longer Route: 51km / 750m
(32 miles / 2,500 ft)
La Maddalena National Park
Day 8 - Departure / Costa Smeralda
The holiday comes to an end after breakfast.
You are free to explore the delights of the Costa Smeralda, before we transfer you to Olbia in time for your onward flight or ferry.
If you would prefer to stay longer in the region; either in one of the small coastal villages, or a larger town on the island, we would be happy to arrange that for you.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
You are free to explore the delights of the Costa Smeralda, before we transfer you to Olbia in time for your onward flight or ferry.
If you would prefer to stay longer in the region; either in one of the small coastal villages, or a larger town on the island, we would be happy to arrange that for you.
To find out more information about this holiday; including practical information, prices, dates and more tour highlights; return to the top of the page and click on the various tabs.
Olbia Roman Aqueduct
This cycling holiday discovers northern Sardinia, riding from coast to coast across the island. It's a diverse tour with a great mix of coastal and mountain scenery, as well as a real focus on the fascinating history and culture of the island.
There is also plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fantastic local food; and many great places along the rides to refuel with a delicious gelato.
Check out just a few of the many highlights in our tour album below:
There is also plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fantastic local food; and many great places along the rides to refuel with a delicious gelato.
Check out just a few of the many highlights in our tour album below:
Coastal Road
The routes follow the coast on the first two days, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Alghero
As well as Italian, Catalan is the main language of Alghero. The city was under Catalan rule for much of the Middle Ages and Early Modern period.
Alghero Wall
Cycling around the top of Alghero's fortified walls.
Colourful Murals
These depict some of the traditional aspects of Sardinian life.
Bosa Beach
The coast is home to beautiful sandy beaches.
Nuraghi Civilization
The ancient civilization predates Roman occupation of the island. The Nuraghi civilization lived in mountain villages and fiercely defended their homeland from invaders.
Quiet Roads
The quiet roads on this tour make for stress free cycling.
Vineyards
Sardinian wine is not the most well known in Italy, but it is of high quality, and the vineyards make a nice backdrop for riding.
Gelato
Be sure to try plenty of the traditional Italian gelato. Make mine a pistacchio!
Historic Sardinia
Castles and historic palaces are dotted throughout Northern Sardinia. The island has been strategically important throughout history, being almost equidistant between Italy, France and Spain.
Open Scenery
There is little dense forest in Sardinia, and so there are open views on most rides.
La Maddalena National Park
Cycling around these stunning islands is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the holiday. They are full of hidden coves and spectacular beaches. The islands have also played a prominent role in Italian history: Guiseppe Garibaldi - the man who unified the country, is buried here.
La Maddalena Town
This beautiful town is the largest on the island and is a great place to stop for lunch after riding around the National Park.
Roman Aqueduct - Olbia
Sardinia played an important role in the Roman economy. It supplied much of the grain that would feed the citizens of Rome itself.
Sardinia Coast
The tour ends as it began - on the Mediterranean coast.
Included
- ✔ Seven Nights Accommodation (see the Hotels section for more details)
- ✔ Breakfast in the hotel each day
- ✔ Transfers to and from the arrival and departure points (see below for details)
- ✔ Luggage transferred between hotels
- ✔ Detailed maps and route information for each day, with clearly marked points of interest
- ✔ GPS routes and mobile app to easily follow the routes
- ✔ Detailed information pack about the routes, restaurants and everything to see along the rides
Not Included:
- ❌ Bicycle Hire - optional extra - €200 EUR. (see below for details)
- ❌ Flights
- ❌ Tour Extensions
- ❌ Travel Insurance
- ❌ Ferry ticket from Palau to La Maddalena on Day 7. This can be easily bought on the day at the port and costs around €12 EUR per person. We provide full details of how to purchase these.
Bicycles
Bicycle hire is an optional extra for this tour, as we know that some of you may prefer to bring your own.
We can provide road bikes, lightweight hybrids (trekking bikes) or e-bikes for this holiday. If you plan to do the longer rides then we generally recommend road bikes to cover the distance more comfortably. Our full carbon road bikes have disc brakes, 11 speed compact chainsets and large cassettes so that you can climb easily at your own pace.
For the shorter routes, hybrid bikes and ebikes can also be a good option if you are more used to riding them. More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. We provide either these or similar models. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required.
We can provide road bikes, lightweight hybrids (trekking bikes) or e-bikes for this holiday. If you plan to do the longer rides then we generally recommend road bikes to cover the distance more comfortably. Our full carbon road bikes have disc brakes, 11 speed compact chainsets and large cassettes so that you can climb easily at your own pace.
For the shorter routes, hybrid bikes and ebikes can also be a good option if you are more used to riding them. More details about our bikes can be found on our bicycles page. We provide either these or similar models. The exact model depends on availability, so please get in touch if you would like more information.
All of our bikes come with helmets and handlebar bags if required.
Difficulty Level & Roads
We rate this tour as Medium to Challenging level, depending on whether you do the shorter or longer rides.
The shorter routes are suitable for a first time cycling holiday, but are more challenging than our easiest tours and so it's advisable to have done some preparation rides in the weeks before the trip. The minimum daily distances are fairly low, but the route is undulating, with some longer climbs at lower gradients.
The longer routes are more challenging. They average around 80km (50 miles) and have significantly more climbing on some days.
If you like the look of the tour but are worried about the distances, an electric bike may be worth considering. You can switch off the motor if you don't need it, but it can help if you are struggling at any point.
The routes all follow paved roads and are very quiet. We hate riding in traffic, so avoid busy roads wherever possible.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels here.
The shorter routes are suitable for a first time cycling holiday, but are more challenging than our easiest tours and so it's advisable to have done some preparation rides in the weeks before the trip. The minimum daily distances are fairly low, but the route is undulating, with some longer climbs at lower gradients.
The longer routes are more challenging. They average around 80km (50 miles) and have significantly more climbing on some days.
If you like the look of the tour but are worried about the distances, an electric bike may be worth considering. You can switch off the motor if you don't need it, but it can help if you are struggling at any point.
The routes all follow paved roads and are very quiet. We hate riding in traffic, so avoid busy roads wherever possible.
Find out more about our tour difficulty levels here.
Arrival and Departure
The tour begins in Alghero, home to one of three busy international airports in Sardinia. There are low cost flights to Alghero from many international destinations. It is also easy to reach Alghero from other places in Sardinia (such as Cagliari or Olbia) by public transport.
The departure point is Olbia. Home to the Olbia-Costa Smeralda airport, there are flights from here across Europe. You can also catch the daily ferry from Olbia to Livorno, Genoa or Civitavecchia (Rome).
As part of the holiday, we will transfer you to and from the required airport or train station at the start and end of the tour.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Sardinia. Or if you would like us to transfer you from a different arrival point
The departure point is Olbia. Home to the Olbia-Costa Smeralda airport, there are flights from here across Europe. You can also catch the daily ferry from Olbia to Livorno, Genoa or Civitavecchia (Rome).
As part of the holiday, we will transfer you to and from the required airport or train station at the start and end of the tour.
Please contact us if you would like any advice or more information regarding getting to and from Sardinia. Or if you would like us to transfer you from a different arrival point
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse through some of the frequently asked questions about this cycling tour. If you have any further questions, or would like any more information, please contact us and we will answer by email.
When can I do this tour?
This tour is available starting on any date throughout the year. We generally recommend spring and autumn as the best times of year in terms of temperature, but if you don't mind wearing
a light jacket, then winter is also often very pleasant.
July and August are the hottest and busiest months on the island, so we would generally recommend avoiding these times of the year unless you are experienced riding in the heat.
Why do you not follow the coast the whole route?
There are a couple of main reasons why we do not follow the coast. Firstly, several sections of the Sardinian Coast are quite busy with traffic, making them not so enjoyable to ride.
Secondly, we believe the inland routes are the most scenic in some parts of the island, which enables you to see the many different sides of Sardinia.
Nevertheless, there is still over 150km of riding along the coast on this tour, so if you love the sea you will still get plenty of time to enjoy it!
What is a single supplement?
Our prices are based on two people sharing a hotel room (in a double or twin room). For cyclists that wish to stay in their own room, the single supplement is payable.
Can I personalise or change aspects of this tour?
Absolutely! The itinerary can be modified however you like.
If you would like to change the number of nights, the ride distances, the hotels, towns or anything else, please contact us and we can work with you to tailor the holiday.
Do you run this as a guided tour?
We can ride this as a guided and supported holiday for groups of six or more. Please
to discuss the options.
What is your cancellation policy?
The full cancellation policy can be found in out terms and conditions.
Why book with us?
We are a small and independent company who are locally based, which offers several advantages:
- We have a lot personal experience of all of our tours, which have been refined over many years. We believe we are genuine experts in the regions where we run tours, and we are also close at hand to offer support and a personalized service.
- We are flexible and can tailor our itineraries to suit your requirements.
- We have low overheads. We don't spend money on advertising and don't use third party agents. We only sell our tours through this website.
By cutting out the middle man, you can be sure that more of what you pay is
being spent on the important things: like hotels, equipment and other services.
- We are a registered and fully bonded tour operator in accordance with EU regulations.
Hotel Catalunya
In Alghero you stay in this excellent 4-star hotel situated a short distance from both the historic center and the beach. This charming hotel has large rooms and is perfectly
located for exploring the fascinating sights of Alghero.
Hotel Palazzo Sa Pischedda
In Bosa you stay in this 3-star boutique hotel situated in the old town, close to the castle. It's housed in a converted palace and has stylish, modern rooms.
Giardino degli Aranci
In Mores you stay in this beautiful boutique hotel situated in the center of the village. Surrounded by delightful gardens and with a large outdoor pool, the hotel is great for relaxing, and also has an excellent pizzeria on site.
New Petit Hotel
This attractive hotel is situated on the edge of the historic center in Tempio Pausania, just a two minute walk from the cathedral and Piazza Faber. You can easily explore the impressive granite lined streets of the town. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped.
Hotel Valkarana Country Relais
In Sant Antonio you stay in this 4-star country retreat, situated on the banks of Liscia Lake. The stunning location of the hotel is surrounded by fine gardens and a wonderful swimming pool terrace. Here you can really appreciate the tranquility and beauty of rural Sardinia, and enjoy the comfort of the stylish rooms.
La Vecchia Fonte
You spend two nights in this excellent 4-star hotel next to the marina in Palau. The rooms are large and very comfortable, and the hotel is surrounded by excellent restaurants and is just a short walk from the town's charming beach.
To find out more about how we select our hotels, please see our accommodation page.
Bespoke Tour
We currently have no open dates for this holiday. Groups of eight people or more contact us to arrange a private guided tour starting on any date. Similar tours that you may be interested in:
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*Bike Hire Included