South West Coast of Sardinia

Transfer from Alghero (nearest airport) or Cagliari airport to your first accommodation just outside Oristano. On arrival or maybe tomorrow you will collect route notes and bikes at the welcome meeting. Our accommodation is on the Sinis peninsula, between Oristano and the ruins of Tharros.

Today you set off cycling the flat coastal plains of the Sinis wetlands. The salt ponds around the gulf are home to thousands of pink flamingos and a wealth of other birdlife, you may see locals fishing for mullet or bass from traditional grass fassone boats. You continue passing the spectacular white quartz beach of Is Arutas. A short trip down the peninsula to San Giovanni Sinis brings you to the Phoenician ruins of Tharros, with a history of inhabitation stretching back almost 2,500 years. Lastly, you cross the medieval town of Oristano and onto your overnight location in Arborea.

Today you first cycle the Piscinas, on the Costa Verde. It is a flat 8 miles across reclaimed farmland to the colourful fishing village of Marceddì. Rice, soft fruit and vegetables are grown for the cucinas of Sardinia. From Marceddì it becomes more undulating, with low hills and huge sand dunes skirting the coast. At Piscinas we are collected by transport and taken up into the hills for a night in Arbus, or there is an alternative inland route direct to the village, a little hillier, but spectacular scenery.

The toughest day, but some glorious scenery to compensate! You start by flying downhill (but uphill sections also!) from Arbus to the river Mannu, and the start of the miles of golden beaches of Portixeddu. To the left is the massif of Monte Linas, with the Costa Verde and erica covered sand dunes away on your right. After the unfortunately named mining town of Buggerru and the Pranu Sartu plateau is the charming Cala Domestica bay. Inland, the Marganai mountain group rises to almost 3,500 feet. After the 400-foot limestone cliffs of Pan di Zucchero, you arrive at Nebida, another old mining hamlet.

A beautiful descent to Fontanamare followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here, board the local ferry to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro. There is time for a short itinerary around the island, exploring sandy coves and dramatic rocky headlands, tiny hamlets before rejoining the ferry to continue to equally unspoiled Sant’ Antioco. Note that it is not possible to book the ferry in advance, and you will need to pay on arrival.

A morning to maybe explore the coast nearby or for a short cycle ride around the island with its wealth of coves and beaches, green meadows (or golden in the summer) and little villages. After a visit to Sant’Antioco, cross back to the mainland, to visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, one of the most important monuments from the Romanesque period. From here you follow the shoreline of lake Monte Pranu and through the rolling plains of Sulcis.

Once again, rugged mountains rise up to your left, to around 4,000 ft. The village of Sant’ Anna Arresi overlooks the emerald green waters of the Golfo di Palmas. Nearby are the bright white beaches of Porto Pino, backed by dunes and Aleppo pine woods.

The longest day by distance, but gentle countryside across the rugged coastal plains of the Costa del Sud. This is a remote, wild and beautiful region of Mediterranean bush and coastal pools, gleaming white beaches and imposing cliffs. Cape Malfatano and Cala Piscinnì each boast a 16th C tower, while at Capo Teulada the spectacular cliffs rise more than 700 feet from a translucent sea. A short detour will take you to the beautiful beach of Su Giudeu in Chia, while at Pula is the important Phoenician city of Nora.

Tour ends after breakfast, with a transfer available back to Cagliari airport, or bus to Alghero.

NOTE: During the early and late season our standard accommodation may be closed, if this is the case we book you an alternative, sometimes B&B’s or guest house.