Cycling Through Sardinia - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Alghero and Warm-up Ride

Welcome to Sardinia! The island is Italy's second-largest island and is famous for its lengthy coastline and rugged mountainous interior. Arrive at Alghero Airport and take a shuttle to your downtown hotel. 

Enjoy a welcoming aperitif and a crisp glass of local Torbato wine, then meet with your tour representatives to fit your bike for the tour ahead. Depending on arrival time, hit the road for a 22-mile (35 km) warm-up ride to explore the countryside outside Alghero. You'll bike through olive groves, orchards, and vineyards. 

Your first dinner is in the old city center of Alghero. Sardinian cuisine is quintessentially Mediterranean with distinct influences of Alghero's Catalonian heritage. 

Day 2: Monteleone Loop Tour

Leave the city behind and head into Sardinia's countryside today. Depart from Alghero and make your way to Putifigari, climbing at a steady pace to reach the village of Villanova Monteleone. This is the top of the plateau—ride here on rolling roads among pastures and oak tree forests, enjoying the peace and serenity of the quiet rural landscape.

The ride ends with the exciting downhill ride along the Scala Piccada, a winding road that offers fantastic views over Alghero and the bay far below. 

The ride today is 55 miles (90 km), with 4,500 ft (1371 m) of elevation change. 

Day 3: Alghero to Santu Lussurgiu

Today you'll ride along the rugged coastline that connects Alghero to Bosa, a breathtaking 28-mile (45 km) route along cliffs coves, dramatic views of the sea. 

Reach the colorful village of Bosa nestled underneath a beautiful medieval castle, then climb the slopes of the Planargia Hills through Malvasia vineyards. Here you'll reach the Montiferru forests and tackle the longest climb of the day, known as "La Madonnina". This route takes you 3,300 ft (1,000 m) above sea level with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

Your final destination today is the rural village of Santu Lussurgiu, that's built using local granite inside the mouth of an ancient volcano. Enjoy a fantastic dinner made of fresh local ingredients and a well-deserved rest in the historical center. 

The total ride is 55 miles (90 km) with 5,905 ft (1,800 m). 

Day 4: Santu Lussurgiu to Aritzo

From the heart of the Montiferru volcanic massif, descend gradually to the fertile Tirso Valley, crossing it several times before reaching the ancient Roman settlement of Fordongianus on the banks of the Tirso River. 

From here there's a challenging and beautiful climb through the town of Samugheo (famous for its traditional handmade carpets), then across the sprawling vineyards of the Mandrolisai Region. These vineyards produce a great local full-bodied red wine, perfect for unwinding after a long day of riding. 

The end of today's ride takes you through the chestnut forest of Aritzo, right in the middle of the Barbagia region in the heart of Sardinia. 

Today's ride is 52 miles (85 km0 with an elevation change of 5,500 ft (1,700 m) 

Day 5: Gennargentu Loop Tour

Today is one of the most challenging days as you ride Gennargentu Mountain. Leave the hotel and cycle downhill for about 6.2 miles (10 km) to reach the town of Belvì. From here you'll begin the day's longest climb: about 9.3 miles (15 km) to climb 2,624 ft (800 m) of elevation. Reach the Tascusì pass, which sits at 4,084 ft (1245 m) above sea level, then stop for a well-deserved coffee break in the mountain village of Fonni. 

From here a winding descent brings you to the shores of Lake Gusana, where you'll tackle another 3-mile (5 km) ascent with an average gradient of 8%. 

The last 4.3-mile (7 km) climb of the day is not difficult but it comes after 62 miles (100 km) and 6,561 ft (2,000 m) of elevation change, so you may find it a bit challenging. 

Reach the hotel and relax by the pool, giving your hard-working legs a break. Enjoy a glass of wine and celebrate the completion of this incredible day. 

Today's ride is 64 miles (103 km) with 7,500 ft (2,300 m) of elevation change. 

Day 6: Aritzo to Muravera

Leave the profile of the rocky Texile behind you as you ride downhill towards the village of Gadoni and the Flumendosa River Valley, then follow the river banks to reach the Ogliastra Region. 

This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with a plethora of rivers and tributaries that carve valleys and erode bizarrely shaped rocks like the Ogliatra "Heels", limestone plateaus with vertical white cliffs. Cross Orroli, one of the villages that symbolize longevity in Sardinia, then enjoy the long descent from the plateau toward the sea and the fertile countryside of Muravera. 

Today's ride is 68 miles (110 km) with 5,500 ft (1,700 m) of elevation change. 

Day 7: Muravera to Cagliari

Leave Muravera and its orange tree orchards behind you as you head south, then continue through citrus groves and vegetable farms that stretch along the plains at the foot of the Sarrabus Mountains. 

As you reach the sea you'll get the feeling of being on a movie set, thanks to the beautiful coastal road overlooking the island of Serpentara, the secluded sandy coves, and the incredible emerald water. 

The remaining 31 miles (50 km) from Villasimius to Cagliari are a series of up and downhills on an impressive succession of cliffs and beaches, granite hills and ancient Spanish towers. The beaches here are incredible, with endless stretches of sand and inviting blue water. 

Finish your ride with a cycle along a biking path along the beach to reach the Cagliari port. Spend your last evening strolling through the lively streets of the old town, then celebrate the end of the tour with a dinner of local specialties in a family-run restaurant. 

Today's ride is 62 miles (100 km) with 3,000 ft (1,000 m) of elevation change. 

Day 8: Departure from Cagliari-Elmas Airport

Cagliari Airport is only 10 minutes from the hotel, so you'll have plenty of time for a relaxing breakfast and a morning walk through town. Grazie Amici! Travel safe!