• Meals: Dinner

Following your arrival in Cagliari, we depart by support vehicle to Sulcis-Iglesiente (approx 1 hour transfer), a mountainous region 3/4 of the way down the island. We take a road that winds through extensive plains dotted with small towns, before reaching the hilly region below the Mount Arcuentu range; your tranquil home for tonight, and that used by Skedaddle for their mountain biking weeks on the island.

An early arrival at the accommodation means there’s plenty of time to sit down and enjoy the first Sardinian meal of the holiday, freshly prepared by your host.

• Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Ascent: 650-800 Metres Approx.

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 trip. Starting from the agriturismo you’ll head out towards the coast in order to 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 you descend towards the coast, you’ll 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 and go for a swim.

You then jump back on your bikes and follow the coast north for a while, before heading eastwards, either taking a well-marked trail which will cross a stream 21 times, or cycling up a cemented road with grand views of the coast behind you. With one last effort, you’ll ride back to Montevecchio and the agriturismo which again is your home for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.

A fast forest trail will take you down past the Montevecchio mines, along a disused railway track to then ride across the Campidano plain, the largest and most important on the island. Taking undulating country roads, you bike across the plain, making your way towards the ancient Roman remains of the Sardara hot springs.

A brief stop in the town of Sardara to visit the remains of a prehistoric “Well Temple”, will give you an insight into the Sardinian Nuragic Bronze Era.

The final section in the afternoon will take you into the Marmilla hills, passing olive groves and vineyards and small agricultural towns. Today’s destination is a friendly hotel located near the archeological site of Su Nuraxi, a short distance from Barumini.

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?

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.

With a shorter day ahead, you can spend a bit more time over breakfast and take the opportunity to visit the most imposing Archaeological Nuragic complex on the island: the remains of Su Nuraxi. Built over 3,000 years ago, this three storey fortress will enthral any contemporary architect! The museum in the town will further your insight into this unique Sardinian history.

Getting back on the bikes, you continue on your journey following a disused railway line and gradually edging your way up towards the lower slopes of the Gennargentu range.

Your final destination for the day is a small family-run B&B located in the town of Laconi where you will have time before dinner to explore the beautiful park and Aymerich Castle.

• Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Ascent: 1,100 or 1,450 Metres Approx.

Today is a challenging day as you will be climbing on road to a 1040 metre pass through the Gennargentu range in the very heart of Sardinia. Leaving Laconi you continue your journey, gently climbing 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 will take you close to the village of Gadoni and over the Flumendosa River before the final ride on a tarmac section to Seulo and tonight’s accommodation.

In these mountain villages, you will find a high concentration of ultra-centenarians! Nuoro Province was the first event identified “Blue Zone,” where people live well into their 100’s. You’ll spend your evening immersing yourself in their way of life (and maybe learn a few of their secrets). While you’re here, make sure to sample the delicious homemade pasta and wine of the region.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

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 the route edges 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 (1,868 metres) forever present in the distance. The silence is broken only by the sound of sheep bells, cows and goats. You might even be lucky enough to spot Royal Kites, vultures, rock thrushes and pipits while cycling along.

The morning climb is rewarded by an afternoon descent towards the Natural Park of Santa Barbara near Ulassai. From here it is just a short distance until reaching your next accommodation. Whilst you remain in the bluezone hot spot you may be interested to know, Sardinia is unique among the blue zones as the only location where the ratio of male and female ultra-centenaries is just about even. Other blue zones the proportion is around 5 women : 1 man!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 500 Metres Approx.

Today is the grand finale of your cycling adventure with some off road biking through the wild and rugged landscape of Codula di Fuili in the Supramonte di Baunei. Leaving your accommodation, the initial part of the day will involve some road cycling to reach the start of the trail. The route will skirt the Urzulei range, averaging 800 metres, until reaching 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! You are now in the true wilderness of the Supramonte – limestone rocks tower above, and wild boar and horses graze in the lush meadows. It’s here that the biking reaches its thrilling climax, as you cycle through the forest of Givine, surrounded by rocky pinnacles, centenary juniper trees and abandoned shepherd huts.

This ancient mule track travels down towards the most impressive Sardinian coastline, first above the Fuili Gorge, locked between high white cliffs, then down to Bari Sardo.

After a richly deserved swim and spot of relaxation, it’s time to celebrate the great adventure. With many little restaurants and pizzerias with balconies overlooking the beach, there is no better way to finish the adventure than enjoying another succulent meal, sipping wine and watching the stars glitter over the eastern Mediterranean sea…. Bliss!

• Meals: Breakfast

It’s a relatively early start to the day for the return journey to Cagliari (approx 2 hour transfer). Depending on flight schedules, 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!

If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking exploring the rugged coastline, sea caves and white sandy beaches. Our local team can join you for a day’s guiding or we can provide the information and equipment to allow you to enjoy the routes self-guided, just give us a call for further info.