WESTERN WONDERS SARDINIA
An
8 day bike tour in Western Sardinia
A
pleasant cycling holiday in Sardinia, perfect for exploring beautiful
coastlines, discovering ancient traditions and tasting delicious
Mediterranean cuisine. This cycling trip is based on the central western
part of Sardinia. Tour starts from Tresnuraghes, an ideal location to
explore both the coast and estuary around Bosa, as well as the small
villages of this corner of Sardinia. An area famous for its production
of Malvasia wine and olive oil: as you cycle past vineyards, olive
groves and open fields with sheep grazing, you will have a real
Mediterranean feel. Moving south and following the coastline, you'll
drop into the plains and marshlands of the Oristano region. Sandy
beaches, turquoise sea, remains of ancient colonisations, rich birdlife,
and a culture which developed around fishing ...cycling the Sinis
peninsula is the best way to explore this region. Your cycling trip in
Sardinia couldn't end without a visit to the most important archaeological
site on the island, and the best testimony of the Nuragic civilisation.
After a short transfer, you'll ride through the rolling hills of
Marmilla, past open fields cultivated with wheat and vineyards. Barumini
is your destination, home to the UNESCO Heritage site of Su Nuraxi. Your
trip ends in Cagliari, the ancient, yet vibrant capital of Sardinia.
Program
|

|
Day
1
|
Tresnuraghes
After
arriving at your accommodation, depending on flight times, there
should be some time to relax and try out your bikes; your local
representative will present the itinerary and your cycling
programme for the upcoming week. (Your welcome meeting may be
held the following morning.)
|
Day
2 |
Bosa
Loop Ride
You start your cycling holiday as you make your way to Bosa,
a colourful town on the side of the River Temo. Before exploring
the narrow streets that lead up to the Castello di Serravalle,
you’ll ride along the Temo to view the charming Chiesa di St
Pietro di Sorres. In Bosa, there is a
traditional
winery where you can try some of the scented local Malvasia, the
typical wine from Bosa. Time to cycle back to Tresnuraghes! You’ll
ride to Bosa Marina before starting a gentle climb up to
Tresnuraghes.
Distance: 35 km/ 22 miles; Ascent + 400 m
|
Day
3
|
Tresnuraghes
to Santa Caterina
Your first stop today will be Tinnura, renowned for the
pastoral mural paintings which decorate the whole village. After
a break to explore around, you’ll carry on riding and stop in
Sagama to visit the 18th century church, before riding on to
Sennariolo and to Cuglieri. The countryside alternates between
oak trees, olive groves and vineyards. After a visit to the
Basilica in Cuglieri, you’ll carry on towards the coast, with
a gradual descent leading you to the stunning coastline of S‘Archittu.
Photo opportunities of this unique sandstone rock formations,
and weather permitting even swimming time!
Distance: 35 km / 22 miles approx.; ascent 350 m
|
Day
4 |
Santa
Caterina to San Salvatore
Your journey continues south today as you head towards the
Sinis Peninsula, steeped in ancient history and natural beauty.
You’ll stop off at Is Arutas beach, stretching for many kms
and famous for a particular sand rich in quartz, which enhances
the stunning turquoise colour of the sea. Time and weather
permitting, it’s the perfect location for a dip. Moving
further south, you’ll stop for the night in the small hamlet
of San Salvatore.
Distance: 50 km / 31 miles approx..; ascent 250 metres
|
Day
5
|
San
Salvatore to Cabras
A day to explore the Sinis Peninsula, only a short cycle away
from your accommodation. You’ll have time to visit the
Punic-Roman ruins on Tharros, one of the most important
settlements in the Mediterranan. Cristianity was brought to
Sardinia by the Romans and the little, but charming, church of
San Giovanni is a testimony of the first Christian settlements
on the island. Leaving the coast you head back inland, riding
past Cabras lagoon and arriving into Cabras itself. Here the
Museum of Archeology is worth a visit as it houses the unique
statues of Monte Pranu that date back to the Nuragic Bronze era.
After settling into your accommodation you’ll have time to
explore this small town.
Distance: 25 km /15 miles; ascent 50 metres
|
Day
6
|
Cabras
to Barumini (+ train ride)
Your journey continues as you head towards Oristano, the
capital of the 4th biggest province in Sardinia. From here you’ll
transfer by train to the central part of the Marmilla, to San
Gavino Montreale, where you’ll resume your ride. Today you’ll
appreciate the variety of landscapes that Sardinia has to offer.
Marmilla is rolling and you’ll be riding past cultivated
fields of wheat and vineyards on your way to Barumini, below the
plateau of the Giara.
Distance: 12 + 40 Kms / 7 + 24 Miles approx.; ascent 500
metres
|
Day
7
|
Barumini
and Cagliari Rest Day
With a rest day ahead, you can take a leisurely breakfast
before visiting the Archeological site of Barumini. Designated a
UNESCO heritage site, Su Nuraxi is the best preserved and
complex nuraghe of Sardinia, dating back to 1800 BC, testifying
a fascinating and imposing bronze age of Sardinia, unique to the
island. Late morning, we’ll transfer you to Cagliari, allowing
you time to wander the narrow streets of this interesting town.
|
Day
8
|
End
of tour after breakfast
|
Included
in the tour:
-
7
nights with breakfast
in rooms with private facilities.
-
route
instructions and maps
-
tour
information
-
luggage
transportation (1 piece per person)
-
Help
line
Not
included in the tour:
-
travelling
to and from Sardegna
-
transfer
airport-hotel-airport
-
bike
rental
-
tourist
tax (about € 10,00
for the whole tour)
-
Lunches
and beverage
-
train
ticket on day 6 (€ 3,00 p.p.)
Period
|
March-October
(July and August only on request not recommended because of high
temperatures and traffic). |
level
2
|
For the leisure cyclist who exercises regularly. Will
include some steeper cheeky climbs. Distances of between 20-40 miles / 35-65 kms
per day. The tour alternates between countryside and stunning
coastal views. You’ll be riding primarily on very good paved roads, except for
a few short sections that lead you to your accommodation. You will be riding in
a region full of rolling hills and long flat stretches, passing olive groves,
vineyards and marsh lands. Around
the Sinis Peninsula the terrain is flat but becomes
hillier in the Marmilla region on day 6. The climbs are never too steep or long
(ranging from 300 – 500 meters per day) and the roads generally have little traffic.
total 197 km / 122 miles
|
Participants
|
minimum 2 persons |
Prices
p.p. 2018
|
in 2 star
hotels / B&B
|
|
in
double room € 650,00 |
|
single
supplement €
195,00 |
|
in
3/4 star hotels |
|
in
double room € 725,00 |
|
single
room supplement €195,00 |
|
half
board supplement € 165,00 |
|
bike
rental €125,00 ; e-bike rental €210,00 |
|
transfer
from and to Cagliari airport € 195,00 |
|