With superb coastal scenery, mountain landscapes and a climate to match, the Mediterranean island of Sardinia is perfectly suited to a cycle holiday. Our twin-centre trip starts in the west, exploring the dramatic coastline and Malvasia vineyards. Crossing the rugged interior we pass through mountains and beautiful traditional villages. In the eastern town of Orosei we cycle through Bidderosa Natural reserve, to idyllic beaches and culminate our ride with the grand Supramonte mountains.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Olbia. Bus to Bosa Marina
Our journey begins in Olbia on Sardinia’s north-eastern coast. Joining at the airport today, we complete the rest of the journey to the resort town of Bosa Marina by bus, a drive of some two and a half hours. Lying close to the historic medieval town of Bosa, at the mouth of the River Temo, Bosa Marina sits on the shores of the Mediterranean, overlooking a wide expanse of sandy beach on the island’s north-west coast.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Explore the Temo Valley and the Malvasia vineyards by bike
This morning we take a warm up ride along the Temo River Valley and into the heart of medieval Bosa. The only riverside town in Sardinia, Bosa is a charming mix of red tiled rooftops, cobbled streets and pastel coloured houses that lies in the shadow of the ruined walls of a 12th century fortress. Continuing along the valley, we then pay a visit to the vineyards at Malvasia, before heading up to the village of Tresnuraghes and the old pirate watchtower of Torre Foghe. We then return to Bosa Marina by way of a different route.
Total cycling distance approximately 55 km/4 hours. +/-550m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
3
Drive to Vilanova Monteleone, then cycle back to Bosa via Alghero
Heading out of Bosa this morning we turn north, taking a short drive up to the village of Vilanova Monteleone, from where we begin our day’s cycling. From here we head towards the coast, to pay a visit to the historic old town of Alghero, a wonderfully atmospheric collection of narrow streets and Catalan churches that can trace its origins back to the Genoese of the 12th century. After visiting the town we begin our ride back to Bosa, following the remote coastline of Oristano back to our hotel.
Total cycling distance approximately 72 km/5 hours. +700m/-1,500m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
4
Cycle through the central mountains to Orosei
Departing Bosa Marina this morning we drive to the village of Fonni, in Sardinia’s mountainous centre. Here we find ourselves amongst the Gennargentu Mountains (Tower of the Wind), home to forests of cork oak, Sardinian deer and wild boar. From Fonni we then cycle on to Orgosolo, lying in a lush valley at the foot of the Supramonte Mountain range. Famed for its evocative murals, Orgosolo is a town steeped in the proud traditions of Sardinian nationalism. Continuing along the Supramonte, we head next for Oliena, before turning east towards the coast and the lovely old town of Orosei.
Total cycling distance approximately 85 km/6 hours. +700m/-1,500m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
5
Free day in Orosei
We have free time today to enjoy some of Orosei’s natural and historic highlights. The region is renowned for its beaches and its stunning coastline, whilst the town itself is a charming collection of whitewashed buildings and historic churches. This area is also rich in archaeological remains, with a number of ancient Nuragic towers, or ‘Giant’s Tombs’ littering the surrounding landscape. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these distinctive structures are a fascinating reminder of Sar-dinia’s prehistoric past and a great deal of mystery still surrounds their purpose and, indeed, their origins.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
6
Exploring the coastline and villages around Orosei
Leaving from the hotel this morning we cycle north along the coast, heading first for the stunning beaches of the Bidderosa Natural Reserve and then on to the Capo Comino lighthouse. The rug-ged coast around Capo Comino is known for its beaches and bays, its fine white sand and dunes dappled with clumps of Mediterranean scrub. From here we turn inland, making our way towards the village of Onifei before riding back to Orosei.
Total cycling distance approximately 70 km/5 hours. +/-500m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
7
Cycle up to the Genna Silana Pass (1,015m)
Today presents us with our most challenging day, as we ride from Orosei up to the Genna Silana Pass high in the Supramonte Mountains. The long gradual climb is around 40 kilometres, taking us from sea level and up over 1,000 metres. From here the views across the mountainous land-scapes stretch over the Orosei Valley and out towards Tiscali and the Sa Gorropu Gorge. After a chance to enjoy the views we begin the descent to Dorgali village, negotiating a number of small back roads down to the coast at Cala Osala and from there back to Orosei.
Total cycling distance approximately 80 km/6 hours. +/-1,015m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
8
Tour ends Olbia Airport
We drive back to Olbia this morning, where our tour ends at the airport.
Included meals: Breakfast
