Sardinia gravel bike tour
Sardinia gravel bike tour
Gravel Cycling Sardinia: Explore the Wildest Corners of island
This Gravel Sardinia Bike Tour is designed for cyclists seeking to discover Sardinia in a new way: on gravel bikes. The tour traverses the heart of Sardinia, commencing in Sardara and culminating in the Marmilla, navigating old rail routes, exploring caves, old mines, and admiring the marine protected areas like the Sinis Peninsula.
The Unique Terrain of Sardinia for Gravel Biking This Gravel Bike Trip not only promises thrilling rides but also introduces you to the island’s rich flavors and the elegance of its diverse cultures.
Wow moments
• Discover the natural wonder of Piscinas with its golden sand dunes and stunning landscapes.
• Reach Barumini Su nuraxi unesco site
• Indulge in authentic local bread like carta da musica, pistoccu, alongside fresh seafood, showcasing Sardinia’s rich culinary tradition.
• Autochthonous Wine Tasting: Experience unique wine tasting sessions featuring indigenous varieties such as Red Carignano del Sulcis and White Vermentino di Gallura,
genuine immersion into the local enogastronomic culture
participants will have the opportunity to savor authentic local dishes, including “Mallorreddus” (small gnocchi made from semolina) and “Culurgiones” (traditional Sardinian ravioli). Moreover, they will relish delicacies made from excellent fresh fish, an essential part of Sardinian culinary tradition. discover the stories behind these unique wines, and understand the profound connection between tradition, the land, and the unique flavors of the island
DAY 1
Arrival to San Gavino train station on your own and from there, van transfer is included to your first hotel. Welcome to Sardara located in the middle of Campidano Area! this village with four thousand inhabitants, has always been a strategic junction and was once the border between the Giudicati of Arborea and of Cagliari. Sardara’s history is linked, today as in Antiquity, to the thermal springs: the Aquae Neapolitanae led to the establishment of a densely populated Roman residential area (2nd-1st century BC). Two kilometres from the village, your stay will be an experience of well-being in an establishment surrounded by greenery. The waters gush out at a temperature of between 50 and 68 degrees C and are beneficial and therapeutic.
Meet and greet fit your bikes and introduce you to each day ride
optional loop Distance 45.0 km +281 m / -282 m
DAY 2
Your inaugural gravel journey commences in Sardara, leading you to Barumini through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, gentle uphills, and an unforgettable panorama, all against the backdrop of fascinating ancient megalithic structures. Upon reaching Barumini, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Su Nuraxi archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delve into the Nuragic village and its ancient fortress before resuming your ride. On your way back to Sardara, relish the scenic route through vineyards and olive groves, passing by archaeological sites such as the Giants’ Tombs, prehistoric burial structures. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the downhill stretches guiding you back to Sardara.
Distance 67,9 km / 42,1 mi Elevation +864 -864
45% unpaved
DAY 3
Today’s ride starts from your hotel in Sardara, the road starts to climb slightly, offering you an increasingly wide view of the surrounding plain. You pedal enjoying the scenery and the feeling of freedom that only a gravel ride can give. You’ll arrive in Sanluri, a medieval village that will enchant you with its towers and walls. Here you can stop to visit the castle, an imposing building that dominates the town. Continuing your ride, you’ll pass through the agricultural heartland, where vineyards and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. The scent of ripe grapes and the sight of farmers tending to their crops create a truly authentic experience until to arrive in San Gavino, with its lively market and friendly locals, offers a welcome break. As you approach Guspini, the landscape transforms once more. The road winds through ancient cork oak forests, providing a cool and shaded respite from the midday sun. The gnarled trunks of these majestic trees have witnessed centuries of Sardinian history. The town welcomes you with its colorful houses and lively squares.
Distance 55,9 km / 34,7 mi – Elevation +447 -427
66% unpaved
DAY 4
Start your day with a warmup around a basalt columned volcanic cone before going through the center of Guspini itself ahead of a spectacular panoramic climb overlooking Guspini and the surrounding Campidano plains. You are heading towards Montevecchio on the way of an old trail way used by the mines. Then again down towards the dunes and beach of Piscinas, following creeks and streams with several additional mining sites all the way down to the river outlet of Piscinas. The sandy dunes and river outlet consumed the roads and flora along the coast, almost all the way to Portu Maga where you will head back up and over the mountain of the Green Coast known mostly to locals. This old rolling and twisty mountain road will take you back to the mining village Sa Tanca and to Montevecchio which has been mined since Nuraghic times. Roll down the mountain via the countryside taking you all the way back into Guspini, around the volcanic cone of basalt columns and taking you back to your accommodation where you can relax by the poolside with a refreshing drink.
Distance 61,6 km / 38,2 mi – +1232 -1232
38% unpaved– Hilly
DAY 5
Today’s ride starts from Guspini and takes you to the Gulf of Oristano, rich in farmlands and lagoons important for irrigation and wildlife.
EASIER WAY Passing from the rolling hills with ancient olive groves, the occasional vineyard and the typical scent of Mediterranean herbs you’ll arrive inland to the fishing village of Marceddì, where you can admire the lagoons as you cross the bridge.
CHALLENGER WAY Passing from the mine village of Montevecchio, the rolling hills will takes you to the beautiful panoramic road of the Green Coast, where you can have a break to enjoy the beautiful beaches and have a swim in the coralline water typical of this area, until to reach the fishing village of Marceddì.
The scenery changes and you will see most agricultural lands and their little villages, the most important one is Arborea. Arborea was a marshy lowland, drained, farmed and inhabited by farmers from Veneto and Friuli in the 1920s and is still an important agricultural region for all of Italy today. You will also pass the most important river in Sardinia, the River Tirso which stretches 152 kilometers from the central mountainous region to the Gulf of Oristano. From here, continue cycling on the several lagoons who takes you in Santa Giusta and Oristano. Once you pass Oristano, only a few kilometers are left to reach the Beach Village of Torre Grande, your today’s destination.
Distance 72,2 / 44,8 mi – Elevation +246 -344
48% or 27% unpaved
DAY 6
Today’s ride takes you on mixed paved, salty, dusty and sandy flat fields with slight elevation, perfect for gravel offroading.
Heading towards the peninsula of Sinis, you are just between the Lagoon of Cabras and the Gulf of Oristano. Here there are many prehistoric discoveries like quaternary tombs, Nuragic towers, Nuragic wells, Spanish towers and even a reconstruction of a neolithic village. Pushing through the sandy agricultural trails, you will eventually see and feel the winds of the Mediterranean Sea with its white quartz pebbled beaches of Mari Ermi, Is Arutas and Maimoni found only here on the shores of Cabras. Coming back from the Cape of San Marco (Tharros peninsula), you can visit one of the oldest churches in Sardinia right there in San Giovanni di Sinis. Then there is the ancient Hypogeum of San Salvatore, where you can still find ancient drawings, a well, frescos and engravings on its walls. Here they also filmed old Spaghetti Westerns and you can find Roman ruins scattered about. You head back through the eucalyptus fields on sandy gravel and asphalt roads
Distance 46,1 / 28,6 miles – Elevation +287 -287
62% unpaved
DAY 7
After breakfast, end of tour. You can take a cab or the bus to Oristano train station. From here you can reach Cagliari or other destination on the island.
Depending on your departure time, it is possible to have a short loop on the area in the morning.
INFO TOUR
best period : March, April, May, June, September, October
DIFFICULTY : moderate
TOTAL DISTANCE 188 up to 205 miles
TOUR REVIEWS
Price & Inclusions
Price
Cost: Euro 1550 per person in double occupancy
Single room supplement Euro 400
Inclusions
Six nights in excellent four & three-star superior hotels
Six breakfasts
1 dinner in Sardara
All Baggage transfers
RideWithGPS App: tracks, route notes, off-line navigation
Trip notes: Sightseeing & meals suggestions
Maps with elevation gain
Delivery bike at Cabras hotel & bike fitting
Pick-up of bikes and gear in Gesturi
Keepsake Cicloposse water bottle
Sales taxes
Not Included
Bike Rental per entire tour
Gravel or E-bike euro 260;
Perfect for your Holiday in Sardinia, and renowned as the Best Rooms in Sardinia, equipped with all the comforts of a luxury 4 star Hotel, giving you relaxation and charm in a lovely and simple environment, suitable for families, couples and groups of friends.
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