Sardinia Cycling

Would Sardinia be a suitable destination for cycling enthusiasts?

Bike enthusiasts from all over the world are increasingly drawn to cycling in Sardinia for their cycling tours. Although it is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, almost as big as Sicily, it has a much smaller population of only 1.5 million people compared to almost 5 million in Sicily (for bike tours in Sicily look here). This means that once you leave the main cities such as Cagliari, Alghero, Sassari, and Olbia, you’ll find yourself cycling through pristine nature on secondary roads that are well maintained with very few cars passing through.

Along the way, you’ll encounter quaint villages with rich historical and culinary traditions, whose inhabitants are curious and welcoming towards cycle tourists. Perhaps, this is because they share a passion for exploration and a love for the unhurried pace that a bicycle tour offers, much like the shepherds who have historically been one of the main activities of the Sardinians. As you pedal through the countryside, the landscape will change dramatically, making it worthwhile to explore the entire island.

Our 15-day tour (the Big loop of Sardinia), which can be split into two separate tours, provides an excellent opportunity to experience all the diverse and stunning scenery that Sardinia has to offer.

Can cyclists feel safe while riding in Sardinia?

Sardinia’s low population density translates into fewer cars on the road, particularly outside the peak holiday season of July and August when many Italian families arrive by ferry with their cars. Even during the warmer months, our experience and tours on the secondary roads allow cyclists to ride in peace and safety, as the local drivers are generally respectful towards cyclists.

Moreover, Sardinia boasts a low crime rate, and its population is welcoming and prepared to receive cycling tourists. The primary danger cyclists may face is being caught without water, food, or necessary bike repair tools miles away from the nearest town, particularly during lunchtime when everything may be closed. However, this is precisely the allure of the island, as it offers a sense of freedom and connection with nature that is unparalleled. With excellent 4G/5G coverage throughout the island, and a call to our workshop, even minor problems can be easily solved with ease.

What are the best routes for a cycling tour in Sardinia?

Cycling tourism in Sardinia first emerged in the west coast area (here’s an example of bike tour in the west coast of Sardinia), where the road from Alghero to Bosa and beyond to Cabras and the Costa Verde offers breathtaking views and little traffic, making it a popular route for a bike tour in Sardinia. Covering over 70km a day, it’s ideal for experienced cyclists and road bikers. Alternatively, starting from the Costa Verde with shorter stages of around 50 km can be equally beautiful but less strenuous (check this cycle tour on the Costa Verde of Sardinia, perfect for trekking bikes, gravel bikes, and ebikes).

However, this doesn’t mean other areas of Sardinia are not worth exploring, such as crossing the island to tackle the Gennargentu mountains and arriving at Villasimius on the east coast for a final ride overlooking the sea. Another remarkable cycle tour in Sardinia is the old SS125, now perfect for cycling after the new SS125var opening, that offers sea and mountain views and leads to Santa Teresa di Gallura, the northernmost point of Sardinia. You can choose to pedal part of the Big loop of Sardinia by bike or embark on a 14-day cycle tour that covers all the scenic routes we’ve discussed.

Self-Guided Bike Tour in Sardinia

The Green Coast and Cagliari – Ready to Book

A nice ride discovering the south west coast of Sardinia: the Costa Verde. Forget the big tourist resorts, this area of Sardinia is still totally intact and keeps the marks of the mining economy, flourishing until a few decades ago. In the second part of the tour we will ride in the two islands, San Pietro and Sant’Antioco, with their fishing traditions, and in the fabulous South Coast, famous for its beaches. The last evening we’ll be in Cagliari for a shopping session and the celebration dinner.

The west coast of Sardinia – Ready to Book

Riding all Sardinia west coast, starting from the fascinating Alghero, then across the wilderness of Costa Verde, completing your adventure with the unspoilt beach of Chia and the lively village of Pula.

The Big loop of Sardinia – Ready to Book

An island like a continent! Doing the Big Loop of Sardinia you’ll pedal along the east coastline with white sandy beaches, you’ll climb limestone and granites mountains, you’ll visit glamour villages of the Costa Smeralda and then back along the west coast, the favorite one from thousands of cyclists. This could be your adventure of a lifetime!

Sardinia traverse by bicycle – Ready to Book

This is a real expedition across Sardinia, it’s a trip through 4000 years of history, an adventure between primordial sounds and silences, a challenge among the bluest sky you’ve ever seen and the clearest sea in which you’ve ever swim.

What makes Sardinia a Blue Zone?

In the 1950s, a group of researchers observed an unusual concentration of people living to be over 100 years old in certain regions of Sardinia. These areas shared a common lifestyle that included a diet high in fresh vegetables, regular physical activity, and strong social connections. Similar patterns were found in other regions around the world with high numbers of centenarians, including Okinawa (Japan), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California).

Dan Buettner, an author and National Geographic Fellow, dubbed these regions the “Blue Zones”. By taking a bike or walking tour of Sardinia, you can explore the secrets of this longevity formula, which includes a Mediterranean diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, along with physical activities like cycling and walking, as well as stress management and social connections. It’s the Sardinian way of life!

Sardinia Blue Zone

Sardinians greet each other by saying, “A kent’annos” — “May you live to be a hundred.” Descendants of a mysterious ancient people, Sardinians are twice as likely to become centenarians than other populations. Could the answer be Sardinia’s Slow Food-style cooking? Its heart-healthy red wine? The outdoor exercise that comes with shepherding? A visit to this Mediterranean island, where people treat food with sacred respect, reveals the secrets of longevity.

Tenores singing
A talk with a local shepherd
Tasting its wines from local unique grapes
A lunch in a local Agriturismo