La Costa Verde mountain biking in Sardinia

Remote, sparsely inhabited with long golden sandy beaches and stunning mountains, La Costa Verde is the perfect setting for a superb week of mountain biking. Amongst stunning Mediterranean scenery we ride speedy twisting singletracks to the coast, picturesque wooded trails and remote mountain passes which will excite and enthuse riders, whatever their level. Riding through remote mining villages and along rugged coastlines to fishing villages, surrounded by emerald blue seas, many of the rides finish at the beach, so don’t forget to pack your swimwear for the post ride dip!

Our base for the first part of the week, nestling in the peaceful foothills of the Mt Arcuentu Mountains in the south west of the island, is a family-run ‘Agriturismo’ farm, producing wine, organic vegetables, cured meats and mouthwatering home made pasta. From here we take a few days to explore the network of superb trails and singletrack that link these old mining villages and that have now become Sardinia’s most prestigious MTB destination! Returning to base, after a day of thrilling days in the saddle, our agriturismo is the best place to experience traditional cuisine and wine at its delicious best.

Moving to the coast mid-point, our accommodation is another charming agriturismo and is an ideal setting for the second part of our holiday! With sun terraces overlooking uninterrupted coastal and mountain views, and yet only a ‘stones throw’ from the long sandy beach of Portixeddu, what better place to relax after a day in the saddle?

Amongst the riding highlights, and there are many, are the heavenly singletrack descent through Gutturu Pala Gorge, the ‘never ending’ downhill from Mt. Linas and the array of fun singletrack, through the lush cork forests of the Sulcis mountains.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Following our arrival in Sardinia we depart by support vehicle to the Sulcis-Iglesiente, a mountainous region ¼ of the way up the island. Leaving the coastal town of Cagliari behind us, we take a road over the extensive plain of the Campidano, dotted with small towns, before reaching the hilly region below the Mt Arcuentu range and the accomodation which will be our tranquil home for the next few days, in time to sit down to our first Sardinian meal, freshly prepared by our host. Total transfer time 1½ hours.

Day 2
Our initial day’s riding will take us to discover the mining area of Montevecchio: following ancient mining trails, riding through this region offers stunning views of mountains covered in lush green "macchia" vegetation whilst weaving in and out of ghost villages with their scattered mining relics. Setting off from the accommodation, we spend the morning exploring a network of trails around Pozza Sanna, an abbandoned mine hidden in the valley, looping back towards Montevecchio with a steady climb through lush Mediterranean hills. From here, we take an ancient miner’s path, which is now  a superb mountain bike descent, challenging both nerves and skills! Adrenalin flowing we will ride back to the town where a mouth-watering buffet picnic lunch will be waiting for us in the shade of the pine forest of Montevecchio, a just reward for our first morning ride. More fun awaits us for the afternoon, as we take a superb downhill single and double track wind ing steadily down through dense oak woods. We climb out of the valley on a challenging climb which will take us to a pass. From here, a care free whizzing descent along an abandoned miners’ path will take us to the bottom of the Rio Piscinas valley. Time to head back to Montevecchio where there will be time to celebrate our first day riding enjoying a beer (or two) at the local bar before another delicious dinner.

Day 3
Today leaving our accommodation, we ride through the mining area of Ingurtosu. Starting from the Agriturismo, after a short section on tarmac, we head off-road taking us past abandoned mines before we head towards the mining village of Ingurtosu. Two exhilarating singletrack sections await you for this morning ride, winding through the mining area of Ingurtosu and the abandoned washery of Naracauli. We will reach the coast at Piscinas, one of the most famous beaches in Sardinia, where we stop for our Skedaddle picnic. After lunch, a short ride will take us to a vantage point from where you will be able to admire the true expanse of the Piscians sand dunes. Following the little stream of Riu Irvi, we splash through this red coloured stream at least 20 times before we reach the main off road that take us back to Montevecchio.

Day 4
Today we leave our Agriturismo, moving on to the second accommodation, an agriturismo by the coast. Setting off by bike from the Agriturismo, there are a number of options that we can choose from, depending on the level of your enthusiasm, sense of adventure and terrain preferences. Reaching the lower slopes via winding open tracks through oak woods, we can opt for a selection of fun downhill sections with one or two stream crossings put in (since they are always a good laugh!). Alternatively, wider and undulating trails through the woods, over the olive cultivated hills will make for a more "relaxing" morning. Reaching the start of our mountain trail, this route was once the "smugglers way", used by cattle thieves to transport their stolen animals down to the coast. The initial climb is gradual, becoming more challenging as we make our way up to Genna Solioni pass. Following a tight valley and narrow stream, then riding through mountain pastures and meado ws, we finally reach Planucheddu (630 metres) from where we have a breathtaking 360 degrees view of all the Monte Linas range. Giving time to fully absorb the vista and catch our breath, we will embark on a rewarding and fun 10km descent into the sleepy town of Fluminimaggiore. Our carefully chosen picnic spot is just a short ride out of town, where another special lunch awaits us in true skedaddle style. After lunch and a quick visit to the interesting wall paintings, we set off towards the coast, along the fertile Flumini valley, along country lanes, past olive plantations and vineyards. The long and sandy beach of Portixeddu is our destination. If you prefer to stay back on the beach, lie in the sun and relax, no one will stop you! The Agriturismo is within a short ride, where we can settle in and have the afternoon to relax. After our last sunset dip, we head to a local restaurant for another evening of mouth watering food.

Day 5
Today’s biking is a journey through history and varied landscapes, with some singletrack and plenty of stunning views. Leaving Fluminimaggiore behind us, we’ll head towards St Angelo, a scattering of houses set in a lush green valley. Here we leave our transport, set up our bikes and head towards the start of our trail, where we soon join a section of single track which will wind along the contours of the Mt Linas range, opening up to outstanding peak views. Reaching a pass, we ride along a wide open road to where lunch is set up for you. Plenty of time to take in the scenery of this yet again different part of Sardinia, as we dig into another fresh and succulent picnic. An easier afternoon follows, as we take a wide, winding dirt road, leading us to our next exiting biking for today: an exhilarating descent with stunning views of the coast, leading you down to the coast and your accommodation. Time to check out the hamlet on the beach and perhaps accidentally fin d yourself with a cold beer in your hand?

Day 6
For our final day's cycling, a superb route throughout, bringing together "Mare e Monti" and affording the best mountain and coast views so far. Starting from the fishing hamlet of Buggerru, our first section of riding will take us to the idyllic sandy cove of Cala Domestica. After a short section on tarmac, we leave the coast and head into the mountains again, gently climbing into the limestone gorge of Gutturu Cardaxius. The climb will be steady on a well surfaced dirt road, but the surrounding limestone walls will make your ride a very pleasurable one! Reaching the farming hamlet of Grugua, greeting us on our arrival is our delicious picnic lunch and your final time to sample once again some more of the wonderful meats, cheeses and local dishes that you have enjoyed so much during your time here. After a well-deserved siesta (after all you have eaten far too much!) we head off once more. A last chance to take in these stunning mountain views of rugged peaks in a scented Mediterranean scenery, the landscape is now more barren and the route rockier. To end our weeks biking "alla grande", we have a surprise route for you that will have you smiling with delight! A descent that will have you screeching to a halt on some of its tricky corners, to gaze in amazement at the vistas below – you’ll love it! Back on the coast, time to swap your cycle-wear for swimwear - a dip in the Mediterranean Sea high on everyone’s agenda, as is a celebratory drink at the beachside bar! Our time together is completed in style with an exceptional evening meal of more Sardinian delicacies.

Day 7
There will be time to take in the last of Sardinian landscape and beauty, before heading home.

Equipment
We provide everything except personal equipment, clothing and a bike (although we are able to hire bikes at each location.) Apart from your emergency tool kit & spare inner tube you will not be required to take any extra equipment. 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 for the trip. It is essential that this bike is in good working order and so if you are not mechanically minded we recommend taking your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service in good time before departure. 

What the price doesn't include
A) Personal clothing and equipment.
B) Meals and drinks whilst travelling to and from Sardinia.
C) Travel insurance (available if required, £26).
D) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
E) Bike hire (if required, £140).
F) Entrance fees to archaeological sites, approximately 5 Euros per visit.