Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the stunning landscapes of Sardinia, Italy. This self-guided tour takes you along the breathtaking south-west coast, where you'll pedal past white quartz beaches, towering sand dunes, and ancient Phoenician ruins. Experience the rich history of Sardinia as you visit old mines and the historic settlement of Nora. Cycle through the Costa Verde to the picturesque Piscinas beach and admire the old ore washery at Nebida. Enjoy the serene beauty of the islands of San Pietro and Sant'Antioco, and explore the lush vineyards and olive groves of the mainland. With comfortable accommodations in 3-star hotels and the option to upgrade, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a nature enthusiast, this journey promises an enriching experience amidst Sardinia's natural and historical wonders. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Cabras
Location: Cabras
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Make your own way to Cabras, where you will meet with our local representative for an explanation of the route and bike delivery. If you arrive late afternoon or early evening all information will be left at the hotel for you. If you have booked the trip to arrive on a day other than Saturday, everything will be left awaiting your arrival. Cabras is a small town with a lot to see and do, and is located near a splendid lagoon which is sometimes home to flamingos. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Circular ride to the Phoenician ruins of Tharros, and to Arborea (36 or 68km/22 or 42mi)
Location: Sinis wetlands, Tharros, Oristano, Arborea
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your trip with an optional loop of the fascinating Sinis wetlands, where you can see colonies of pink flamingos in season (Spring) and quartz beaches, and reach one of the most beautiful spots on the island: the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. Local wine production is mainly a sherry-like Vernaccia and you may be able to visit a cellar along the way. Cross the medieval historic centre of Oristano to reach Arborea, where you stay overnight.
Approx. ascent/descent: +/- 185m/607ft
Day 3 : Cycle through the Costa Verde to Piscinas beach (46-54km/28.5-33.5mi)
Location: Costa Verde, Piscinas Beach, Marceddi, Arbus
Accommodation Name: Agriturismo or Family Run Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you cycle to Piscinas beach through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, which has some of the wildest scenery on the island. Initially there is a flat 12km/7.5mi section across reclaimed farmland to the colourful fishing village of Marceddi. Rice, fruit and vegetables are grown here for the “cucine” (kitchens) of the island. From here the route becomes more undulating, with sand dunes over 50m/164ft high, some of the highest in Europe, skirting the beach. It is possible to be collected here (on request only) and driven up to Arbus, or you could take the steep but spectacular inland route directly to the village by bike. Overnight in Arbus in an agriturismo or family run hotel.
Approx. ascent/descent: +1000m/3280ft, -580m/1902ft
Day 4 : Via the mines of Sulcis to Nebida (41km/25.5mi)
Location: Planusartu, Acquaresi, Portixeddu, Pan di Zucchero, Laveria Lamarmora, Nebida
Accommodation Name: Locanda
Meals Included: Breakfast
This leg takes you back into the ancient mining past of Sardinia, as you pass the fascinating abandoned mines of Planusartu and Acquaresi. A descent takes you to the golden beach of Portixeddu, from where you continue via the looming mass of the Pan di Zucchero cliff. You can admire the old ore washery 'Laveria Lamarmora' at Nebida, where you stay overnight in a cosy 'locanda'.
Approx. ascent/descent:+765m/209ft, -1070m/3510ft
Day 5 : Cycle to Portoscuso, ferry to Carloforte, ride to Sant'Antioco and Calasetta (43km/26.5mi)
Location: Fontanamare, Portoscuso, Carloforte, Isola di San Pietro, Sant'Antioco, Calasetta
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a beautiful descent to Fontanamare, followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here you board a ferry (at own expense) to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro, where the locals still fish for red tuna. There is time for a short tour round the island, exploring sandy coves and rocky headlands with tiny hamlets, before taking another ferry to the equally unspoiled island of Sant'Antioco, to end your day in Calasetta. Note that it is not possible to book the ferry in advance.
Approx. ascent/descent: +290m/951ft, -435m/1417ft
Day 6 : Cross back to the mainland and cycle to Sant'Anna Arresi/Teulada (40km/25mi)
Location: Sulcis, Tratalias, Sant'Anna Arresi, Teulada
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you can laze at the beach or take a short ride to explore the island's coves and beaches, green (or golden in the summer!) meadows and little villages. Cross back to the mainland to cycle through vineyards and olive groves and savour the peace and quiet of the rolling plains of Sulcis. You can visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias, one of the most important monuments from the Sardinian Romanesque period. Rugged mountains once again rise inland. Continue to your hotel at Sant'Anna Arresi / Teulada.
Approx. ascent/descent: +150m/488ft, -65m/214ft
Day 7 : Peddle to Pula (57km/35.5mi)
Location: Cape Malfatano, Capo Spartivento, Su Giudeu, Nora, Pula
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your last cycling day is at the beautiful Costa del Sud, with its gleaming white beaches, unspoiled natural landscape and imposing cliffs: Cape Malfatano with its a 16th century tower, and Capo Spartivento. A short detour leads to the beautiful beach of Su Giudeu in Chia, and at Nora you can visit the ancient Phoenician settlement. Overnight in Pula.
Approx. ascent/descent: +530m/1738ft, -590m/1935ft
Day 8 : Trip concludes (Goodbye - Arrivederci)!
Location: Pula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels -
7 breakfasts
Enjoy 7 breakfasts during your stay.
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7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels
Stay in 3-star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Digital information pack
Receive a digital information pack with a navigational app, route notes, and maps.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included for 2 pieces per person with a maximum of 20kg each.
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Rental touring bike
Rental touring bike with helmet, pannier, map, handlebar phone holder, and water bottle per bike, plus repair kit with inner tube and tools per 2 bikes.
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Welcome meeting
Attend a welcome meeting or call if day 1 is not a Saturday.
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Travel to Cabras and from Pula
Travel arrangements to Cabras and from Pula are included.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals and drinks not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no guide is included.
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Single supplement
A single supplement will apply if you are traveling alone or book a single room.
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Excess luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the included 20kg.
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Ferry tickets to Carloforte and Calasetta
Ferry tickets to Carloforte and Calasetta are not included. Allow EUR10 per person for each ferry.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes are not included. Allow EUR10-15.
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Optional airport transfers
Optional airport transfers are available at an additional cost. Please ask our team for details.
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Dinners, lunches & beverages
Dinners, lunches, and beverages are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not included.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sights
Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sights are not included.
Grading
GRADE 3 - Daily cycling distances between 40 and 57km (25 and 35.5mi). There are 3 mainly flat easy stages, 2 undulating stages and 1 stage that is more hilly. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. ...more ...less
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, with the option to upgrade to premium accommodations. Most rooms feature ensuite facilities with showers, and alternative accommodations may be provided if necessary. Some hotels offer separate bath facilities for guests.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes a rental touring bike with helmet, pannier, map, handlebar phone holder, and water bottle. A repair kit is provided for every two bikes. Optional transfers are available, including an end-of-day transfer to Arbus on day 3.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 3-star hotels, with an option to upgrade to premium hotels for an additional cost. The hotels typically have ensuite/private facilities, although some may have a separate room with a bath available to guests.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts. Other meals, such as lunches and dinners, are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
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Is there a guide provided during the cycling tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no guide is included.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A rental touring bike with a helmet, pannier, map, handlebar phone holder, and water bottle is provided. A repair kit with an inner tube and tools is available for every two bikes. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included, allowing for 2 pieces per person with a maximum weight of 20kg each. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Are there any optional transfers available during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional transfer at the end of day 3 to Arbus, which must be requested and is payable locally.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as level 3, with daily cycling distances between 40 and 57km. There are 3 mainly flat easy stages, 2 undulating stages, and 1 stage that is more hilly. It is suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cycling in Sardinia
8 Days Starting in Cabras, Italy and ending in Pula, Italy
Visiting: Cabras, Sinis wetlands, Tharros, Oristano, Arborea, Costa Verde, Piscinas Beach, Marceddi, Arbus, Planusartu, Acquaresi, Portixeddu, Pan di Zucchero, Laveria Lamarmora, Nebida, Fontanamare, Portoscuso, Carloforte, Isola di San Pietro, Sant'Antioco, Calasetta, Sulcis, Tratalias, Sant'Anna Arresi, Teulada, Cape Malfatano, Capo Spartivento, Su Giudeu, Nora, Pula ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CSR
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
