Overview
Cycle Sardinia’s unspoilt southwestern coast
Often referred to as the ‘land of silence’, Sardinia is a place of
outstanding natural beauty, with its crystal-clear sea, limestone ridges and
deep gorges. During the week we ride across the wild and pristine
southwestern part of the region, passing abandoned mines, ancient ruins and
gleaming white beaches. The route starts with a circular ride through the
fascinating Sinis wetlands, home to colonies of pink flamingos, then moves on
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 the beautiful beach of Portixeddu where
the impressive Pan di Zucchero white cliff towers out of the emerald waters.
We then board a local 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 pedalling across the rolling hills of
the stunning Costa del Sud, with its white beaches, coastal pools and
imposing high cliffs. Having built a good appetite, you will have plenty of
opportunities to sample Sardinia’s unique, mouth-watering cuisine: the
perfect mix for a great week of cycling! Highlights * Cycle along Sardinias unspoilt southwestern coast
* Explore fascinating archaeological sites and picturesque fishing villages
* Enjoy Sardinian warm hospitality and delicious cuisine
* Relax on Sardinia’s stunning beaches ItineraryDay 1
Fly to Cagliari; transfer to Cabras.Fly to Cagliari and transfer to our hotel in Cabras, in the Sinis Peninsula. Day 2
Ride through the Sinis wetlands to the white quartz beach of Is Arutas and
the Phoenician site of Tharros.We start the week with a ride across the fascinating Sinis wetlands, whose
lagoons are home to colonies of pink flamingos and a wealth of other
birdlife, which nest here for part of the year. We cycle to the coast at Mari
Ermi and the spectacular 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 island’s most important archaeological sites from this
era, overlooking the emerald sea (optional guided visit). Day 3
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 green, wild vegetation that covers much of its
mountainous surroundings and the colour of its water. We cycle across
reclaimed farmland to the picturesque fishing village of Marceddi and to the
long beach of Piscinas, bordered by huge sand dunes – some over 50m high!
From Piscinas we head back to our cosy accommodation. Day 4
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.This is another tough day, but we are rewarded with superb scenery! After a
fantastic descent to the Mannu River, we reach the start of the 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 130m
high sea-stack of Pan di Zucchero and the former mining village of Nebida. *
* Day 5
Descend to Fontanamare; board the ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte.Today’s 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 existingone on Isola di San Pietro.
(San Pietro island) There is time to explore this delightful islet with its
sandy coves, dramatic rocky headlands and tiny hamlets, before rejoining the
ferry to the equally unspoilt island of Sant’ Antioco. Day 6
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 the island of
SantAntioco before crossing back to the mainland and visit the Pisan
sanctuary at Tratalias, dating back to the Romanesque period. From here we
ride across the quiet country lanes of Sulcis until we reach the village of
SantAnna Arresi. Nearby are the pinewoods, lagoons and beaches of Porto
Pino. Day 7
Pedal across the rolling hills of the Costa del Sud; climb up 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 unspoilt region of gleaming white beaches, coastal pools and
imposing high cliffs punctuated by 16th Century Spanish watchtowers. We cycle
as far as Cape Teulada, Sardinias southernmost tip, where dramatic cliffs
rise up to 230m above the crystal clear sea. We stop in Pula, famous for its
proximity to the ancient Phoenician site of Nora, founded in the 9th Century
BC and 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; dinner and overnight in Cagliari. Day 8 Fly to London.End in Cagliari; transfer to the airport ad fly to London.
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