A coast-to-coast cycling route from Olbia to Alghero in northern Sardinia takes you through a land where landscapes and history flow naturally together. The journey moves from the granite hills of Gallura to the calm islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, then on to the historic towns of Castelsardo and Alghero.
The backroads of Gallura are perfect for cycling. Granite rocks shape the scenery, rough and impressive, set against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Each stretch of road offers different views and quiet surroundings.
The route then reaches the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, reached by a short ferry ride. These islands offer peaceful cycling on smooth roads, clear water, and untouched beaches. Riding here feels relaxed and remote, and this section is often a favorite.
After returning inland, the ride leads to Castelsardo, a town rich in history and tradition. The journey ends in Alghero, where Catalan influences are still part of everyday life.
It’s a bike trip that stays with you, both in your legs and in your memory.
Is this tour calling out to you? Want more details before making a reservation? Schedule a free call with our local guides to learn more.
Traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends? Request a private tour and customize your bike holiday in Sardinia to fit your unique needs.
Cycling the North of Sardinia | Self-Guided Bike Tour
From Cannigione to Alghero
Self-Guided Bike Tour
A Self-Guided Bike Tour is a type of cycling adventure where you have the freedom to plan and navigate at your pace. Our dedicated tour guide and support team will handle hotel bookings, logistics, and baggage transport, ensuring you enjoy a hassle-free and carefree experience.
Active
Stages up to 70 km per day with a maximum of 1300 meters of climbing. Those tours appeal to riders used to train a bit, with some “tasty” climb. Usually you are back at the hotel in the early afternoon.
For guests that want more riding, we can add extra loops to regular stages.
45-60 km/day – 27-37 mi/day
In: Olbia (Google Map)
Out: Alghero (Google Map) – Olbia (Google Map)
Tour briefing, bike fitting, and warm-up ride
Arrival is at Olbia Airport, where a shuttle takes you to your first hotel. After check-in, there’s a clear overview of the whole tour, followed by a careful bike fitting. The first ride then starts in the open landscapes of Gallura.
Leaving the hotel, the route heads inland through quiet countryside shaped by granite rocks, cork oak forests, and tidy Vermentino vineyards. Along the way, you visit a Nuraghe, one of the thousands of stone towers built by Sardinia’s ancient inhabitants over 3,500 years ago. If you like, the day can end with a wine tasting at a small family winery, sampling fresh Vermentino and Cannonau, the local red variety.
Back in Cannigione, you can explore this former fishing village at your own pace. Restaurants, ice cream shops, and small market stalls are all within walking distance of the hotel.
Overnight: Cannigione
Included: –
Cycling along the deep blue waters of La Maddalena and Caprera
After about 10 km of riding along the coast, the route reaches the harbor of Palau, where a short ferry crossing of around 15 minutes leads to La Maddalena. This is the main village of the archipelago, shared by the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, connected by a bridge. Caprera is also known as the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Tourism here developed only after the military left the area and the islands were designated a protected national park.
The ride starts from La Maddalena town and heads toward Caprera, passing old military sites. A narrow bridge, used mainly by small fishing boats, leads onto Caprera, where the road runs through quiet Mediterranean woodland. From the highest point, there are expansive views over the sea between Sardinia and Corsica.
After crossing the bridge again, the route follows a coastal loop, riding past small coves and clear water all around the island.
Once back in La Maddalena, there’s time to relax near the harbor, maybe with an ice cream, before taking the ferry back. The final kilometers follow a quiet secondary road returning to Cannigione.
Overnight: Cannigione
Included: Breakfast
Exploring the Gallura countryside
The route leaves the coast and heads inland in Gallura. Starting from Cannigione, the road climbs toward the village of Sant’Antonio, near Lake Liscia. Quiet backroads lead through cork oak forests and open countryside.
The ride continues to Calangianus, known worldwide for cork production. The final stretch reaches Aggius, a well-kept village in the heart of the region. If you have time, the local ethnographic museum is worth a visit.
Overnight: Aggius
Included: Breakfast
Valle della Luna and granite villages
Shortly after leaving Aggius, the route descends into the Valle della Luna, one of Sardinia’s most striking landscapes. This wide, open valley has sparse vegetation and large granite boulders that appear to rise directly from the ground. It forms a natural link between Gallura and the grazing lands of Anglona.
A long and gentle descent follows through quiet countryside, passing Santa Maria Coghinas, then continuing to the coast at Valledoria, near the mouth of the Coghinas River.
A short climb from the coast leads to Castelsardo, a classic postcard view with the Doria fortress set high on the cliffs above the sea.
Overnight: Castelsardo
Included: Breakfast
From Castelsardo to Sassari, through history and open landscapes
The ride from Castelsardo to Sassari starts with a steady climb through the valley of the Coghinas River. The landscape is calm and open, with grazing fields lined by old dry-stone walls, a clear sign of Sardinia’s long pastoral tradition.
At the top of the climb lies Nulvi, known for pottery and handwoven textiles. It’s a good place to stop for a short break in a local café. From here, the route follows a gently rolling plateau with expansive views. To the north, the blue waters of the Asinara Gulf come into sight. On the opposite side, the hills of Logudoro stretch out, dotted with olive trees and seasonal colors, an area once at the heart of the Judicate of Logudoro.
Closer to the end, the road crosses quiet countryside between Osilo, known for its medieval castle and vineyards, and Sassari.
Sassari is the second-largest city on the island and has a strong historical identity. Founded in medieval times, it features a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, evident in its churches and Piazza d’Italia. The presence of one of Europe’s oldest universities gives the city a lively and youthful feel.
Overnight: Sassari
Included: Breakfast
From Sassari to Alghero, a coast-to-coast finale
Leaving the white limestone plateau of Sassari, the route descends along the winding switchbacks of Scala di Giocca, carved into deep valleys that shape the area’s classic countryside. The landscape then opens into wide olive groves, vineyards, and artichoke fields, clear symbols of local rural life.
Near Villanova Monteleone, a second long descent of around 20 km brings you down to sea level. This marks the end of the coast-to-coast crossing, as the west coast comes into view.
The final stretch leads into Alghero, known for its medieval center, clear waters, and sandy beaches. Often called “Little Barcelona,” the city shows a strong Catalan character in its architecture and daily life.
Time here is perfect for walking through narrow streets lined with small shops, cafés, and restaurants, or enjoying the seafront views. Seafood dishes and local wines are a fitting way to celebrate the end of the North Sardinia bike tour.
Overnight: Alghero
Included: Breakfast
Arrivederci, amici!
It’s time to say goodbye, but Sardinia often leaves a strong impression and the wish to return, somewhere in the Mediterranean on another Mediterras bike tour.
If your flight schedule allows, there’s time for a final ride toward Capo Caccia. From here, you can visit the Grottos of Nettuno, reached by the scenic Cabirol staircase carved into the cliffs, one of Alghero’s landmarks.
Overnight: –
Included: Breakfast
You can bring your own bike or rent one from us, we offer great bikes from selected Italian and international brands: road bikes, leisure cycling, mountain bikes, e-bikes, all in perfect working conditions. You can book your rental bike at the end of the reservation process.
Nice and easy hotel for bikers in Portoscuso city center. Good restaurant, a perfect sea view, and is close to the ferry to Carloforte.
A boutique Hotel in Pula downtown in an old villa totally restored. Walking distance from Pula main square.
The MuMA is an Ecolabel hotel with a museum inside. Sea front and walking distance from the city center.
Sea view hotel with terrace, right on the way to Bosa. Walking distance from Alghero old town.
This charming hotel, close to Cabras cathedral, is created with taste and respecting local architecture.
Rocce Bianche farmhouse offers spacious rooms with wooden furniture and roof amidst a centuries-old cork oak forest. Enjoy the delicious restaurant and the refreshing pool.
