Sardinia Splendour
the perfect cycling holiday for adventurous riders:
explore Sardinia’s sparkling coasts, fascinating archaeology, and wild heartland.
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Cycle Sardinia's Blue Zone: Wellness, Culture, and Ancient Trails
Experience Sardinia like never before on a cycling tour through one of the world’s most fascinating Blue Zones - a region renowned for its extraordinary number of centenarians and timeless approach to healthy living. From the island’s Mediterranean climate to its nutrient-rich local cuisine - sun-dried figs, crisp pane carasau, and the antioxidant-packed Cannonau wine - Sardinia offers a living blueprint for longevity.
Pedal at your own pace from pristine beaches and turquoise waters into the rugged, ancient heart of the island. Along the way, you’ll meet locals who embody Sardinia’s slow-living philosophy and discover why this island is a global symbol of wellness and vitality.
This journey goes far beyond scenic cycling routes. Sardinia is a cultural and archaeological treasure chest, home to mysterious megalithic villages, Nuragic ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your route winds through landscapes shaped by granite mountains older than the Alps, revealing stories carved into stone over thousands of years.
Prepare for an immersive adventure filled with natural beauty, authentic encounters, and unforgettable discoveries!
World Heritage Sites
Cave Tour
Guided Rides
Wine Tasting
Transfers
Mechanical Support
Sea Swimming
Guest Reviews
In the Saddle
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD to on-bike
- Circle Maddalena Island on a breathtaking loop of quiet roads and crystal seas
- Discover Alghero’s old town, a vibrant blend of ancient roots and medieval charm
- Pedal the Costa Smeralda, tracing turquoise waters and hidden coves
- Admire a coastline worthy of a Game of Thrones set, with dramatic cliffs and otherworldly view
- Reach Castelsardo, a pastel-coloured gem above the Gulf of Asinara
beyond the ride
What to look forward to off-bike
- Visit Porto Cervo, the elegant and glamorous heart of Sardinia
- Enjoy La Maddalena Island followed by a seaside gelato
- Savour Porceddu and other delicious Sardinian specialities
- Explore Alghero, a cultural mosaic of ancient ruins, medieval walls, and Catalan Gothic charm
- Reach Capo Caccia, the Coral Coast’s iconic headland and home of Neptune’s spectacular cave
Itinerary
18 km | 250 m
After meeting at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, we transfer to our charming hotel in Palau, in north-eastern Sardinia. Once settled, we’ll ensure your bike is perfectly fitted before heading out for a gentle ride to nearby Porto Pollo to stretch the legs.
As we leave town, keep an eye out for the Lestrigons, the legendary man-eating giants of Palau mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Towering above the town, a colossal granite hill - noted by the Greek scholar Ptolemy over 2000 years ago - has eroded into the shape of a bear. For millennia, sailors have used it to navigate the coast, and we can follow it too… straight to a delightful dinner in Palau’s town centre.
Hotel Palau | Palau
60 km | 650 m
We take the ferry to La Maddalena, an archipelago of 62 islands, though we’ll explore just two: La Maddalena and Caprera, where Giuseppe Garibaldi - the legendary revolutionary who fought for independence in Italy and South America - spent his final 30 years.
After returning to the mainland by ferry, we’ll climb a few gentle hills on our way south to Cannigione and the marina at Porto Cervo.
Back in Palau, why not toast your ride with a Garibaldi cocktail - three parts orange juice, one-part Campari, with a orange wedge garnish.
Hotel Palau | Palau
60 km | 600 m
Starting from Palau, we’ll ride along one of Sardinia’s most scenic coastal roads, tracing the turquoise waters and hidden coves of the Costa Smeralda.
The route takes us to Porto Cervo, the island’s elegant and glamorous heart, where you can soak in the stunning coastline.
After the ride back to Palau, we’ll enjoy a seaside lunch to savor the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean, before returning to the hotel for some well-earned relaxation.
Hotel Palau | Palau
65 km | 800 m
Prepare for a coastline straight out of an episode of Game of Thrones. After a short transfer to Rena Majore, we mount our bikes and set out through wild green bracken to the rolling coast road, which will take us along the island’s northern edge. The succession of rock pools and inlets carved from the granite by the turquoise sea fuels the imagination.
Our destination is Castelsardo, a member of the “Italy’s most beautiful villages” club. Its colourful, pastel-shaded houses overlook the Gulf of Asinara beneath a twelfth-century castle.
Hotel Puntanegra | Alghero
51 km | 910 m
Half-close your eyes and you could be in Istanbul or Dubrovnik. With its domed churches, terracotta roofs, and yellow walls, the old town in Alghero is a cultural mosaic of ancient archaeology, medieval ramparts and Catalan Gothic cathedrals built over Phoenician and Roman ruins.
Today, we ride through Alghero magical historic centre, then head out along the island’s fabulous west coast to another iconic village: the hillside gem of Bosa Marina.
The day concludes with a transfer back to the hotel, followed by a farewell dinner in the charming city of Alghero.
Hotel Puntanegra | Alghero
40 km | 350 m
At first light, we’ll set off for a peaceful and relaxing ride along the coast, pedaling in the calm of the early morning. Our route takes us to one of the most iconic spots on the Coral Coast: Capo Caccia, home to the famous "Neptune's Grotta" - a cave with ornate stalactites and stalagmites, featuring a spectacular underground saltwater lake.
>After returning to the hotel, enjoy breakfast and prepare for check-out. Our team will take care of your transfer back to Olbia Airport, ensuring a smooth end to your Sardinian adventure.
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Price | Availability | ||
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| Sun 12 Apr - Fri 17 Apr | From €2999 |
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| Sun 26 Apr - Fri 01 May | From €3299 |
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| Sun 10 May - Fri 15 May | From €3699 |
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| Sun 07 Jun - Fri 12 Jun | From €3699 |
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| Sun 12 Jul - Fri 17 Jul | From €3699 |
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| Sun 13 Sep - Fri 18 Sep | From €3699 |
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| Sun 27 Sep - Fri 02 Oct | From €3299 |
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| Sun 11 Oct - Fri 16 Oct | From €2999 |
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Ridley Bikes & Gear
Ridley ASTR GRX600 – Explore epic landscapes! Lightweight, responsive, and adventure-ready. Perfect for gravel, touring, and thrill seekers.
Ridley Kalazy – Cruise in comfort with flat handlebars, smooth ride, and stylish design. Ideal for relaxed, scenic holiday cycling.
Ridley Urbx Mixte E-Bike – Glide through your holiday with ease; upright comfort, smooth handling, and stylish design making every ride relaxing, scenic, and unforgettable.
The nuts and Bolts
What's Included?
- 5 nights' 4* accommodation
- Transfers (from specified airport/train location)
- All breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- Bike Hire
- Water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package
- 5 beautiful rides around the North Coast
- Wine tasting and vineyard tour
- Van and mechanical support with snacks and water
- Bike cleaning service
- IBT cycling jersey
- IBT water bottle
- City taxes
What's Not Included?
- Travel insurance (must be purchased before the tour)
- Flights
- Beverages
- Lunches
- Nutrition
- Tips and gratuities
At a Glance
- Level: This tour is aimed at leisure cyclists, although it is also popular with more experienced riders.
- Total Kilometres: Almost 300 km (186 miles) across 6 riding days.
- When: April - October, ideal for off-season departures and enjoying Sardinia at its sunniest and most peaceful.
- Start: The tour begins with a transfer from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to Palau, on the north coast of the island.
- Finish: The tour finishes in Alghero on Sardinia’s west coast, followed by a comfortable transfer to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport.
- Nearest Airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is both the arrival and departure hub for this tour.
- Top Tip: Spring and autumn offer the best riding conditions — mild weather, fewer crowds, and Sardinia at its most beautiful.
- Average Age of Guest: Perfect for riders of all ages: whether you’re 30 or a spirited 82, everyone can enjoy the thrill of this Sardinian cycling adventure!/li>
- Male vs Female %: Well balanced, making it a great choice for couples, friends and families alike.
| Where to Meet | Please arrange to meet us at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) at 2pm. 24 hours before meeting we will contact you via WhatsApp to confirm the name of staff meeting you. |
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| Drop off Location | Following the conclusion of the tour we will assist you with planning and booking of onward travel. We will run one transfer to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) leaving the hotel at 10.30 am. For other destinations or departure times, please contact us at alberto@italybiketours.com |
| Transfer Time | Please consider eating lunch before we collect you from Olbia. The transfer time from the airport to the hotel is 45 minutes. On the return journey the transfer time is 1 hour 40 minutes to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB). |
| Riding in the Puglia | The general road conditions in Sardinia are very good with fantastic weather. One must consider that the roads are shared with car owners and bikers. |
| Cuisine | The food in Sardinia is excellent. Enjoy specialties like Porceddu (roast suckling pig), Culurgiones (stuffed pasta), and Fregula (toasted semolina pasta). Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarian diets, and homemade local wines and craft beers are a must-try. Please let us know when booking if you have any special dietary requirements. |
| Hotel Facilities | The hotels on this tour have spas and we recommend bringing swimming costumes. Hotels also have laundry service, good WiFi and bar service. Hotels may charge extra for the use of these facilities. |
| Private Tours & Groups | We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you a private tour should you be in a group of more than six people. The private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements. |
| Weather | Sardinia has fantastic weather throughout the riding season. In the event of challenging weather conditions our highly experienced guides may adjust rides accordingly to maximum enjoyment and most importantly safety. |
| What Happens Next? | Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page. If you’d like help arranging any hotels or activities before or after your tour, please contact lynn@italybiketours.com. |
Hotels
HOTEL PALAU ★★★★
HOTEL PUNTA NEGRA ★★★★
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Get In Touch
If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy, please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back!
ITA: +39 320 638 4713
Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of page.
Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com