South Sardinia, and especially its west coast, is one of the best areas on the island for cycling. Old mining sites and strong fishing traditions have helped keep this coastline raw and largely untouched, without the large resorts common in other seaside areas.
Riding here means quiet backroads with little or no traffic, moving through green landscapes that change often. One moment, you pass small hidden coves, the next, wide beaches with sandy dunes that almost feel desert-like.
This tour is not only about scenery. It also tells the story of local life and culture: the mining past of the coast, the Genoese roots of Carloforte, the fishing traditions of Sant’Antioco, and a final celebration in Cagliari, the island’s capital.
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 South of Sardinia | Self-Guided Bike Tour
From Arbus to Cagliari
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.
45-75 km/day – 27-47 mi/day
In: Cagliari (Google Map)
Out: Cagliari (Google Map)
Set you up for starting the bike tour in Sardinia
Upon your arrival in Sardinia, most likely at Cagliari airport, we will meet you and then take a one-hour transfer to Arbus. Since your accommodation is a good agritourism (farmhouse), you’ll be into the culture, nature, food, and history of Sardinia from the very first moment of your bike holiday.
Once you’ve checked in, we’ll hold a briefing that covers the entire bike tour, providing day-to-day details. You’ll receive our exclusive navigation system, guiding you throughout your bike trip. After a bike fitting, you can take a short ride to warm up. Finally, you can wrap up your day with a dinner featuring the typical cuisine of Sardinia.
Overnight: Arbus
Included: Aperitif
Cycling through the Sardinia Geo-Mining Park
The route takes place in Costa Verde, one of the most remote and dramatic parts of the island. This landscape has been shaped by centuries of mining, a legacy still visible today in the Geo Mining Park.
Along the way, the ride passes abandoned mining villages such as Ingurtosu and Montevecchio, which remain unchanged over time. A short gravel section leads to Piscinas, where massive dunes create a desert-like landscape.
The route then follows the coastline before climbing again through Mediterranean scrub, returning to the Arbus plateau and back to your hotel.
Overnight: Arbus
Included: Breakfast
From mining heritage to fishing traditions
The day starts well. After crossing the Bidderdi pass, the route drops into Buggerru, one of the key towns linked to Sardinia’s mining past. Soon after, a climb leads up to a panoramic viewpoint above the town, the port, and the beach, a perfect spot for photos.
A stop at Cala Domestica follows. Once a mining harbor, it’s now a quiet and scenic cove. The road climbs again before a long descent with open sea views toward Masua. From here, the ride rolls up and down along the coast to Nebida, where a short break on the seaside walkway is well worth it.
Another fast descent brings you to Funtanamare, followed by the final stretch to Portoscuso. This marks the transition from mining landscapes to fishing culture. A seafood dinner here is almost mandatory.
Overnight: Portoscuso
Included: Breakfast
Exploring Carloforte and its traditions
The two islands off the southern coast of Sardinia have very different backgrounds. Sant’Antioco has been a significant settlement since Roman times, while San Pietro Island and Carloforte are linked to a strong Genoese heritage. Both islands share a deep fishing tradition.
A short ferry crossing of about 30 minutes leads to Carloforte. Cycling on San Pietro Island passes salt pans often visited by pink flamingos and coastal roads with expansive sea views. The ride is followed by a tuna-based lunch or the local cascà, a fish-based couscous dish.
In the afternoon, the ferry returns to Calasetta, and the loop continues by bike along the southern side of Sant’Antioco.
Overnight: Sant’Antioco
Included: Breakfast
Riding through the quiet Carignano countryside
The ride starts from Sant’Antioco. After crossing the bridge back to the mainland, the route passes the salt pans, often shared with pink flamingos. A short stop in Tratalias Vecchia allows time to see the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria, the heart of this small historic village.
The road then continues across the Sulcis countryside, moving through artichoke fields and Carignano vineyards, a grape variety typical of this area. The day ends near Teulada, where accommodation is in a rural agriturismo, with a traditional Sardinian dinner to close the ride.
Overnight: Teulada
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling through a postcard landscape
The last ride of the South Sardinia tour is a strong finish. From Teulada, the route heads straight to the coast and follows a scenic seaside road toward Chia. The road rolls up and down, passing some of the island’s most famous beaches, including Tuerredda. A stop for photos and an ice cream by the sea fits perfectly here.
After Chia, the ride continues toward Pula, the area’s main town. Just outside town, you can visit the ruins of Nora, an ancient Phoenician city later developed by the Romans.
In season, Pula feels lively, with cafés and restaurants that make it easy to celebrate the end of the bike tour in South Sardinia.
Overnight: Pula
Included: Breakfast
Exploring the capital of Sardinia
The day begins with a transfer from your Pula hotel to the center of Cagliari. From here, the ride heads toward Molentargius Park, also known as the Saline Park. It’s a green space used by locals for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities. Gravel paths, wetlands, and wildlife make it easy to forget the city is so close.
The park is famous for its pink flamingos, now part of the urban landscape and often photographed as they move calmly through the lagoons.
The route continues to Poetto Beach, a lively stretch with beach bars, restaurants, and activity year-round. It’s a good place to stop for a gelato or a light lunch by the sea.
Cycling along Poetto, the ride reaches Marina Piccola, the city’s marina and promenade. From here, there’s a broad view over the Golfo di Cagliari, with Sella del Diavolo rising in the background.
The final stretch follows the bike path back into Cagliari’s historic center.
Overnight: Cagliari
Included: Breakfast
Ciao amici
As the trip comes to an end, Sardinia often leaves a strong memory and the wish to return, here or on another journey with Mediterras.
After breakfast, there’s time to look back on the tour. We then help with bikes and luggage and arrange the shuttle to Cagliari Airport, only about 10 minutes from the city center.
Ciao amici, a presto!
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.
