Olbia airport is very well served with daily flights. Aim to arrive by late morning. Transfer to your hotel overlooking the iconic island of Tavolara. Subject to your arrival time, after having checked and fitted your bikes we will head off for a small warmup loop in the afternoon or alternatively we can organize a visit to Tavolara.
Night south of Olbia on the coast
We ride along the coast until late morning, following the same route taken by the Giro d’Italia in 2017. We then head across the mainland to the North-West coast via really quiet small roads. Our final destination is the medieval coastal town of Castelsardo, with its 12 century citadel and famous Doria castle. The view from the hotel overlooks the old town and the sea and at sunset is simply breathtaking.
110km with 2000m+
Night in Castelsardo (on the coast)
Today’s destination is Alghero, the most Westerly town in Sardinia. We will take a few detours inland to ride some of the quietest and pleasant gravel roads you will ever experience. Heading back towards the sea will take us into Alghero most Catalan of the Italian cities, where the Spanish influence in its architecture and dialect is still discernable. Alghero is without doubt one of the prettiest medieval cities on the island and its historic town centre is a great place to hang out for gelato or a drink and pick one of the many excellent restaurants. Sea food is of course the main specialty here especially the local lobster.
110km with 1610m+
Night in Alghero (on the coast)
A shorter cycling day since the morning will be taken up by a short boat trip to visit Neptune’s Grotto, for which we assure you it is worth giving up a bit of cycling time. This is the largest marine cave in Italy, with stalagmites and stalactites creating incredible rock formations that have to be seen in person! We will be back at the port for lunch to enjoy some of the best Focaccia in town. We will then get on our bikes for a relatively short ride South to end the day in Bosa, which is one of the most charming villages in Italy. It’s pastel coloured houses that rise up toward the castle are often compared to a Paul Klee painting and make for a very picturesque setting for the evening.
Active: 50km with 900m+
Pro: 75km with 1000m+
Night in Bosa (on the coast)
We head for the mountains and the centre of the island. The landscape changes dramatically as the quiet country road slowly climbs through forests of cork oak. The pool waiting for you at the hotel will provide welcome relief from a surprisingly tough day in the saddle. This is unexplored Sardinia which does not often see too many tourists and makes for a pretty special cycling experience.
Active 110km with 2400m+ (1650m-)
Pro: 135km with 2800m+ (2000m-)
Night in a small village in the heart of Sardinia
Although this is still a lumpy ride for once you get more descending than climbing as we head back to the seaside, this time ending up to the East of the island. We ride along the beautiful Cedrino lake before the grande finale winding descent towards Cala Gonone. The beach right outside of the hotel offers a well earned rest. Cala Ganone is difficult to access as getting there by car is hard work and this makes this small seaside resort so special. You are surrounded by massive limestone cliffs that frame the entire town and give it its unique appeal.
Active: 100km with 1700m+ (2440m+)
Pro: 130km with 2400m+ (3200m-)
Night in Cala Gonone (on the coast)
Wake up to an unforgettable sunrise over the cliffs of Cala Ganone and enjoy a rooftop breakfast. We set off for our final challenge which will see us riding through Sardinian maquis scrub land which is interspaced with the typical prickly pear cactuses which were originally introduced by the Spaniards that had brought them over from Mexico. We will end the day with a beautiful 10km downhill stretch which will take us to sea and the outskirts of Olbia.
Active: 90km with 900m+
Pro: 120km with 2100m+
Night south of Olbia (private beach and pool)
After an eventful week, it’s time to say our goodbyes. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Olbia airport.
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