The West Coast of Sardinia biking tour

Enjoy the wilderness of Sardinia's western coastline from Alghero to Cagliari

TOUR CODE: SWAC-23

Date 1

Starts on: May 6, 2023
Ends on:May 14, 2023
Type:Scheduled

9 days

Starts in: Alghero
Ends in: Pula
Activity level: recreational
Total elevation:5,599 M
Total distance:409.8 KM
  • Alghero
  • Cagliari
Fly in/out

€ 1780

Guided group tour

Start: May 6, 2023

Small group minimum 6 riders | Private groups, any size on requested dates

what's included

Accommodation

7 nights at 3-star hotel; 1 night at 4-star hotel

Meals
Three dinners; all breakfasts.
Support level
Guiding; van assistance; mobile workshop; spare bike, bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase; group transfers from Alghero airport to Alghero and from Pula to Cagliari airport; luggage transport; 10% discount on bike rentals.
Not included
Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
On request
Individual arrival transfer from Alghero airport to Alghero € 25 p.p.; individual departure transfer from Pula to Cagliari airport € 60 p.p.; supplement for single accommodation € 250 p.p.; bike rental.

€ 999

Self guided tour

start: April to October

what's included

Accommodation

7 nights at 3-star hotel; 1 night at 4-star hotel

Meals
Three dinners; all breakfasts.
Support level
Detailed briefing. Access to SardiniaCycling App with all the information regarding your tour, the itinerary, points of interest as well as all the documentation for your trip. Telephone assistance during your stay. 10% discount on bike rentals.
Not included
Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc; drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; arrival and departure transfer; bike rental; luggage transport.
On request
Arrival transfer from Alghero airport to Alghero € 25 p.p.; departure transfer from Pula to Cagliari airport € 60 p.p.; supplement for single accommodation € 250 p.p.; bike rental; luggage transport (€ 670 + 10 per pax).

€ 1459

Supported tour

start: April to October

Small group minimum 6 riders | Private groups, any size on requested dates

what's included

Accommodation

7 nights at 3-star hotel; 1 night at 4-star hotel

Meals
Three dinners; all breakfasts.
Support level
Detailed briefing. Access to SardiniaCycling App with all the information regarding your tour, the itinerary, points of interest as well as all the documentation for your trip. Van assistance; mobile workshop; spare bike, bars, gels and electrolytes available on purchase. Group transfer from Alghero airport to Alghero; group transfer from Pula to Cagliari airport. Luggage transport. 10% discount on bike rentals.
Not included
Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.
On request
Individual arrival transfer from Alghero airport to Alghero € 25 p.p.; individual departure transfer from Pula to Cagliari airport € 60 p.p.; supplement for single accommodation € 250 p.p.; bike rental.

Get inspired

Enjoy the wilderness of Sardinia's western coastline from Alghero to Cagliari
Giovanni Lamieri, tour designer at SardiniaCycling

The west coast of Sardinia offers everything that cyclists desire. On an island where the presence of mass summer tourism is the reality, the fact that the west coast is made up of many small tourist resorts, ensures that it is never affected by the frenzy and traffic typical of seaside resorts. The cities and small towns are the actual tourist resorts, the concept of an artificial tourist village is foregin to the island. This is great for travelers who love authenticity and unique experiences. Cycling in a paradise! Every day - and every few kilometers - the landscape changes in the morphology of the reliefs, in the type of vegetation, in its history but also in traditions, food and wine. We start from Alghero - a spectacular historical town - and we cycle from north to south, we will stray from from the coast a few times to explore the hills inland that can give us not only spectacular views, but also help us to get a more complete understanding of Sardinian culture. This tour is of medium-low difficulty, designed to leave you free to visit an archaeological sites, enjoy a good lunch at an unmissable restaurant or spend a few hours on one of the many beaches that you pass along the way. You never face insurmountable mountains or killer slopes and many of our friends have chosen to travel with light luggage in tow. You ride on the classic roads of Sardinia, where ascents and descents alternate seamlessly while never giving space to flat. After exploring virgin natural areas, small medieval villages, lagoons and vestiges of the ancient mining industry, we end the tour in Pula (cycling between Pula and Cagliari mean contending with lots of traffic and navigating through indusrial areas, and we don't recomend it). From there, we suggest to extend your stay by one night in Cagliari, which, like Alghero, offers a historic center to explore, with churches, museums, cafes and quality restaurants.

Resources

Our Route

Day 1: Welcome to Sardinia

Arrival at Alghero airport, transfer to Alghero, check-in and welcome.
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 2: From Alghero to Bosa

This day begins with a ride through the narrow cobbled streets of old Alghero. From there we continue south along the Riviera del Corallo on a scenic road overlooking the sea with alternating climbs and descents. This rolling coastal road leads to the medieval town of Bosa. It’s the only true river town of Sardinia, and its famous for its wine, embroidery, gold filigree and leather tanneries. Overnight in Bosa.
Distance: 54km
Elevation gain: 895m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 3h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 3: From Bosa to Santu Lussurgiu

The coast is what attracts most people to our island, but if you want to experience the authentic Sardinia you must head inland. The medieval village of Santu Lussurgiu is a perfect example of the culture, hospitality, gastronomic traditions and the quality of life inland Sardini has to offer. To enjoy all this, we turn away from the coast and climb into the mountains of the Montiferru region. Continuing up we will pass though Tresnuraghes, Sennariolo and Cuglieri. The last of these small villages contains the Basilica of Santa Maria della Neve that you will see long before you reach the town. From Cuglieri, a long climb in the shadow of an oak forest, leads you towards Santu Lussurgiu, where you'll stay overnight.
Distance: 41.9km
Elevation gain: 1,100
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 3,30h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: From Santu Lussurgiu to Cabras

A decidedly relaxing stage allows your legs to recover and gives you time to visit some interesting places. There is the village of Seneghe that is known for its honey and olive oil. The Archaeological Sites of Monte Prama and Tharros will help you connect with ancient history of the island. There are also the beautiful beaches, such as Putzu Idu, Mari Ermi and Cabras. The hardest part of the day will be choosing where to spend your time. The destination is Cabras where warm hospitality await you.
Distance: 50km
Elevation gain: 178m
Riding terrain: mostly flat
Riding time: 2,30h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 5: From Cabras to Torre dei Corsari

The plain of Arborea is only area of Sardinia where you will find flat straight roads. Once a marshy area, as a result of land reclamation it has become one of the most important agricultural areas in Italy. Enjoy this unique region and its flat roads as this is only an intermezzo between the more 'hilly' stages. The stage ends in Torre dei Corsari, with its long dune lined beach. We recommend taking advantage of the flat roads and reach the destination early for a swim in the turquoise sea before staying the night.
Distance: 52.4km
Elevation gain: 314m
Riding terrain: mostly flat
Riding time: 3h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 6: From Torre dei Corsari to Portixeddu

Traversing Sardinia's Costa Verde is the objective of the day. This stretch of coast is characterized by lush nature and beaches with imposing sand dunes. It was once the heart of the island's mining industry and now the vestiges of that past face the constant encroachment of nature. On the bike this is a mountain stage, consisting of three long climbs, although they are never very steep. After all the climbing your reward is a long enjoyable descent, with a view of the gulf that is home to our destination: the small tourist resort of Portixeddu, where dinner and the overnight stay are planned.
Distance: 61.1km
Elevation gain: 1,288m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 4h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 7: From Portixeddu to San'Antioco

Before leaving the hotel you should put a large memory card in your camera. This stage offers spectacular views of the coast that you will definitely want to capture in photographs. The coastline of Buggerru, Masua and Nebida has many climbs, but the time you'll spend going uphill is never tedious, as slow place allows these breathtaking views to etch deeply into your memory. A stop at Cala Domestica is a must before tackling the second climb of the day. The last half of the of the stage is mostly flat as you head toward Sant'Antioco, where the overnight stay is planned.
Distance: 69.9km
Elevation gain: 895m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 4h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 8: From Sant'Antioco to Pula

Leaving Sant'Antioco the first section of todays stage is relatively flat. However, from the moment you pass Porto Pino you will experience the constantly alternating ups and downs that characterize the stage as a whole. The stretch of coastal road from Porto Teulada and Chia is recognized as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. The pale pastels of the rocks and cliffs, the deep greens of the vegetation, and the deep blue and turquoise of the sea stand in stunning contrast to one another. The Aragonese towers (from the Spanish occupation of Sardinia) that once protected the coastline are found at multiple points along way. This superlative road is a fitting way to bring this tour to an end. Overnight in Pula.
Distance: 85.4km
Elevation gain: 986m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 5h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 9: Goodbye Sardinia

Transfer to Cagliari airport and end of services.





Map

Travel arrangements

We suggest the following arrival an departure locations and the earlier flights will help us arranging transfers or other services like bike rental formalities, bike fitting and all services that are provided individually.
  • landing airport: Alghero
  • departure airport: Cagliari
  • Transfer time from Airport to hotels is about 15 minutes. Transfer time from hotel to Airport is about 50 minutes.

PLANNING FOR THE The West Coast of Sardinia biking tour

Packing and Weather

Sardinia is a region known for mild Mediterranean weather. It generally features warm, dry weather which makes these rides particularly enjoyable. The spring and fall can see the highs range from the 18s to 25s (Celsius), while the lows are generally between 14 and 18. Summer highs are generally between 28 and 25. We always recommend bringing along riding layers and even a bit of rain (might happen in Spring and Fall) gear so you can keep riding comfortably throughout the day.

Transfers

Sardinia Cycling arranges group transfers from and to the closest airport for the trip: Alghero/Cagliari. Individual transfers can be also planned and the cost might depend from the departure or arrival location, from the transfer time and it can also be influenced by the presence of bulky luggage, like a bike case. Other transport option is public transport. About this last opportunity, we suggest you using Google Maps and select 'public transport' from and to your selected destination. In any case, we're ready to help you selecting the quicker, smoother and most cost effective solution.

Go Custom

Sometimes your trip on Sardinia simply isn’t long enough! Extend your stay for the best vacation possible. If you wish to spend a few days in our lovely island either before or after your trip, and need assistance making those plans, we're available help. Self guided and supported trips can be extended too and that can happen in any intermediate location along the itinerary: we can help selecting the best one!

Terrain

One thing riders learn soon is that Sardinia is hilly. The terrain is varied, with gradual and short, or very long and progressive climbs throughout the week. West Coast Bike Tour is best suited for our "Recreational" riders. The routes have been designed to avoid busy roadways, that are very rare in a large a scantly populated island. However, very little urban riding and short sections of busy roads are unavoidable in Sardinia.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.

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What you say about us

  • We rode the West Coast Sardina Tour from Alghero to Pula May 2023. This was an exceptional trip. I rented a Canyon Road bike, not electric, than had Shimano Ultrega mechanical parts. The bike was great, and worked flawlessly. My wife Paula rented a Canyon road e-bike. It worked great but was not the right bike for her (more about that later). On a couple of rides she got down to one "bar" on power but never ran out. One woman ran out of power on the 6th day of riding for the last few flat miles. 7/10 of our riders were on e-bikes. First off our riding Guide Marco was excellent. Marco was encouraging, and funny.Led us in a nice, fun exercise session to warm up every day. Knew the area. Never was lost. Was very safety-minded. And he knew a lot about the history of the area and took us to special places of historical importance. In addition he has made good contacts in the region and arranged an Aquavit (Grappa like liquor) tasting in the basement of a friend who makes Aquavit. Also a tour of a knife making factory where we met the owner (4th generation) and had another impromptu Grappa session. A basket weaving observation morning with a woman who is the last in her community with these skills. All Fun. Knives and Grappa....What could go wrong?!. The accommodations were all wonderful. After the third day of riding we could schedule and get wonderful massages in the town of Cabras. DO DO THAT!. Food along the way was excellent. Lots of seafood options. Mussels are amazing! Our second guide Sara drove the van, and schlepped our luggage, and met us at remote intersections and pointed the correct way. She was an incredible bright light the whole trip. Helpful in an infinite number of ways. If you go on this trip ask for Marco and Sara. You can not go wrong. I guarantee that! Accommodations were all excellent. All Clean. Some with small refrigerators. All breakfasts were provided. Lunch and snacks were generally purchased en route. Three dinners were provided. Two were excellent and one very good. The first involved a very dedicated wine sommelier who taught us a lot about the local wines. The nights we went out on our own , we were provided with lots of good options. We did have one disappointment, that being the restaurant in the hotel in Bosa the second night. SO SLOW. But every other restaurant, everywhere else was fantastic. Rides were about 25-54 miles each day. The biggest elevation day was a vertical of 4000'. Four other days were around 2500-3000 feet vertical Four days were quite hilly, two were very flat, and one moderately hilly. Steepest inclines were small stretches or 12% but most hills 5-6%. Only issue for us was in large part my fault. I gave Simona at the office my measurements for my non-electric road bike and I was very specific for me, but I said for my wife simply "She wants an e-bike". I was not asked specifics about that. I should have pursued the specifics. You must review the bike rental page and study it carefully and be explicit about what you want. There are road e-bikes, mountain-bikes, and an upright handlebar utility type e-bike. My wife rides the latter at home, but got the drop bar road e-bike for this trip which was quite uncomfortable for her. Her neck and shoulders, and wrists were not used to the drop bar body position. The office should make sure everyone who orders a bike is ordering exactly the one they want. I hope to do this same trip again with couples, and to also book a longer and steeper trip different Sardinia trip with more hard-core bikers. GREAT TRIP. GREAT Guides. Oh, and the scenery. Fantastic. I have done group guided rides now on the Sardinia West Coast, the Croatian Dalmation Coast, and the Italy Lake Maggiore and Lake Como Region. This was my favorite trip BY FAR when considering Guides, scenery, food, hotels, and cost. And the weather. Perfect for six days, a little rain on the seventh. You can't go wrong on this trip. Bryan Sohl Oregon, USA
  • Amazing service, top quality Canyon bikes of every type. Not to mention the kindness of the owner. He opened the store for us on a national holiday. Thanks and best regards!
  • We did a private MTB tour with Andrea to experience the hills above Cagliari - one of the best experiences of our holiday. We are also hiring road bikes from the Baia Sardinia base - such a good way to see the island. Great gear, great people - grazie mille for having us!

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SARDINIACYCLING HOME
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 27
09045 Quartu Sant'Elena | Italy

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