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.

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.

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'Antico, where the overnight stay is planned.

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.