Coast to coast mountain bike holiday, Sardinia

A lovely route alternating between dirt tracks and quiet asphalt roads, steep climbs and thrilling descents. This is a challenging journey deep into the heart of Sardinia, requiring a reasonable level of fitness rather than technical ability.

Starting in the south west near Montevecchio, at the Agriturismo famous amongst ‘Skedaddle aficionados’ for its delicious home made pasta, we set off through hills carpeted with green, past remote mining villages, towards the towering sand dunes of Piscinas, where the adventure officially begins.

Our route heads east taking us past an ever changing landscape of olive groves and vineyards, lush green oak woods and into breathtaking wilderness mountain scenery. The challenge culminates with a lovely descent through the mountains of Supramonte to the stunning emerald green Orosei Gulf.

After a richly deserved swim and spot of relaxation, time to celebrate our great adventure. With many little restaurants and pizzerias with balconies overlooking the beach, there is no better way to finish our adventure together than enjoying another succulent meal, sipping wine and watching the stars twinkle over the eastern Mediterranean Sea…bliss! Accommodation for the last night is in a superb hotel overlooking the coast, ideal for a relaxing end to your journey.

Self-Guided Option

If you can’t find a date to suit or want to go it alone, there are self-guided options. We book all your accommodation, take you to the start point from the airport, transfer your luggage and then provide you with route notes and maps for you to do the trails ‘unguided’ either as the below itinerary or as a road version of the coast to coast.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day One - Arrival in Cagliari & transfer to Montevecchio
Following our arrival in Cagliari, we depart by support vehicle to Sulcis-Iglesiente, a mountainous region 3/4 of the way down the island. We take a road that winds through open plateaux and extensive plains dotted with small towns, before reaching the hilly region below the Mount Arcuentu range; our tranquil home for tonight, and that used by Skedaddle for their mountain biking weeks on the island. We arrive at our accommodation in plenty of time to sit down to our first Sardinian meal, freshly prepared by our host.

Day Two - Mining Towns & Piscinas Dunes - 40 Kms/25miles
Today’s first ride is a journey through varied landscapes, a loop ride giving a true taster of what Sardinia has to offer and a great start to your holiday. Starting from the agriturismo we head out towards the coast in order officialise the coast to coast adventure. The view is breathtaking: ahead of you, the towering sand dunes of Piscinas stretch across the horizon, surrounded by hills carpeted with lush green Maquis vegetation. As we descend towards the coast, we will pass abandoned mining dwellings and machinery, the only testimony of a once thriving community. Reaching the coast, you will have time to absorb this remarkable landscape of sand dunes, go for a swim before heading back onto your bikes for the next fun section off-road. We will follow the coast north for a while, before heading eastwards, taking a well marked trail which will cross a stream 21 times. With a last effort, we ride back to Montevecchio and the Agriturismo which agai n is your home for the evening.

Day Three - Campidano - 41 kms/26miles
A fast forest trail will take us down to the Campidano plain, the largest and most important on the island. Taking ondulating country roads, we bike across the Campidano, making our way towards the ancient roman remains of the Sardara hot springs. Regenerated after our lunch, a brief stop in the town of Sardara to visit the remains of a prehistoric “Well Temple”, will give us an insight into Sardinian Nuragic Bronze Era. The final section in the afternoon will take us into the Marmilla hills, climbing gradually towards Collinas village, passing olive groves and vineyards. Today’s destination is a friendly hotel located in the quiet village of Villanovaforru. Sitting in the “Piazza”` with a cool drink, overlooking the village church and the old folk sitting around, what better way to end another great day on the bike?

Day Four - The Hills of Marmilla - 48kms/30 miles
Following a hearty Sardinian breakfast we set off on today’s ride with a superb winding trail over the Marmilla hills. Alternating between tracks and country roads, we ride past olive groves, vineyards, small farms and sleepy villages. The short climbs will be rewarded with fast sweeping downhill trails. One cannot come to Sardinia without visiting the most imposing Archaeological Nuragic complex on the Island: the remains of Barumini. Built over 3000 years ago, this three storey fortress will enthral any contemporary architect! After a relaxing picnic lunch, we continue on our journey following a disused railway line gradually edging our way up towards the lower slopes of the Gennargentu range. Our final destination for the day is another Agriturismo, located close to the town of Laconi. Dinner will be once more another example of the excellent quality of Sardinian cuisine and wine.

Day Five - Laconi & Rest Day
Today the option of simply relaxing by the swimming pool, or for those still raring to go, various options can be arranged. For the most energetic a ride into Laconi, a quiet village that houses a beautiful park, surrounded by the Aymerich Castle. Time is set aside to have a relaxing morning exploring the town, bars and street market. Alternatively a shuttle can be arranged for you between the agriturismo and the town. There are many walks in and around the accommodation, if you wish to stretch your walking legs and give your cycling legs a rest. Dinner is at the Agriturismo.

Day Six - Laconi & the Gennargentu – 45 kms/28miles
Today is a challenging day, as we will be climbing on road to a 1040 metre pass through the Gennargentu range in the very heart of Sardinia. Our first destination on leaving the Agriturismo is Laconi, a quiet village that houses a beautiful park, surrounded by the Aymerich Castle. Time is set aside to have a relaxing morning exploring the town, bars and street market. Continuing our journey, we gently climb towards the Gennargentu, winding through lush oak woods, before finally reaching higher ground. The landscape will have now altered and is relatively barren and wild and the sky filled with birds of prey circling in the thermals in search of prey. The unspoilt nature of this area makes it a fascinating area for naturalists, walkers and cyclists alike. It is an area that most vividly reflects the ancient character of the island. Shepherd trails and huts litter the landscape and villages perch over steep sided valleys. An enthralling fast-winding off-road descent wi ll take us close to the village of Gadoni and over the Flumendosa River. Still grinning from ear to ear, we ride the final tarmac section to Seulo to tonight’s accommodation outside town.

Day Seven - Barbagia di Seulo - Perda Liana - Flumendosa Lake - 50 kms/31miles
A combination of off road and road biking will take us through another day of exhilarating landscapes and deeper into the heart of Sardinia. Utilising mountain trails, you’ll have fun exploring the Montarbu range, as we edge our way towards the fascinating mountain peak of Perda Liana. Once more the vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges are outstanding, with the highest peak in Sardinia, Punta Lamarmora (1868 metres) forever present in the distance. The silence is broken only by the sound of sheep bells, cows and goats. We might even be lucky enough to spot Royal Kites, vultures, rock thrushes and pipits as we cycle along. The morning climb is rewarded by an afternoon descent towards Lake Flumendosa, one of the biggest reservoirs in Sardinia. After a Skedaddle “cheeky climb”, a technical track will lead us down to the lake shore. From here it is just a short distance until our next Hotel accommodation in Villagrande Strisaili. Yes you’ve g uessed it, lots more delicious home made pasta and wine to be sampled!

Day Eight - Ogliastra – Supramonte di Baunei - 62 kms/38miles
Today the grand finale of your cycling adventure with some off road biking through the wild and rugged landscape of Cadula di Fuili in the Supramonte de Baunei. Leaving the Hotel, the initial part of the day will involve road cycling to reach the start of the trail. We will be skirting the Urzulei range, averaging 800 metres, until we reach the high plateau of Genna Croce and Genna Silana at 1000 mt! You have guessed it! With only 25 kms left to the coast, it means a lot of down! We are now in the true wilderness of the Supramonte – limestone rocks tower above us, wild boar and horses graze in the lush meadows. It’s here that our biking reaches its thrilling climax, as we immerse ourselves in the forest of Givine, surrounded by rocky pinnacles, centenary juniper trees and abandoned shepherd huts. This ancient mule track takes us down towards the most impressive Sardinian coast line, first above Fuili Gorge, locked between high white cliffs, then down to C ala Gonone, a small seaside town in the Orosei Gulf. After a richly deserved swim and spot of relaxation, time to celebrate our great adventure. With many little restaurants and pizzerias with balconies overlooking the beach, there is no better way to finish our adventure together than enjoying another succulent meal, sipping wine and watching the stars glitter over the eastern Mediterranean sea…. Bliss! Accommodation for the last night is in a superb Hotel overlooking the coast, ideal for a relaxing end to the trip.

Day Nine - Return to Cagliari
A relatively early start to the day for our return journey to Alghero or Cagliari. Depending on departures, time is set aside to wander around the city; the perfect place for those last minute goodies or just relax in one of the many plazas sipping a last glass of ‘vino rosso’ whilst you scribble down a few lines on those post cards you have been meaning to write all week!

Equipment
We provide everything except personal equipment, clothing and a bike (although we are able to hire bikes at each location). If you are planning on bringing your own bike we strongly advise a mountain bike with a minimum of 24 gears and at least front suspension as well as tyres with an appropriate level of tread. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the Information Pack sent with your booking confirmation

What the price doesn't include
A) Personal clothing and equipment.
B) Travel insurance (available if required, £26).
C) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
D) Bike hire (if required, £140)
E) Single room option (if required ) - £140
F) Entrance fees to archaeological sites.