Sardinia traverse by bike | Self-Guided Bike Tour

The route follows the scenic coastal road from Alghero to Bosa. About 45 km run along cliffs above the sea, with open views over Alghero Bay and Capo Caccia.

The ride moves through a raw landscape of rocky coastline, mountain grazing land, and oak forests, ending in Bosa. The town is colorful and medieval, dominated by the 12th-century Malaspina Castle above the river.

After checking in at your centrally located hotel, take time to walk through the old town. Narrow cobbled streets and small local shops fill a historic center that has mainly stayed intact over time.

Overnight: Bosa
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Bosa, the road climbs into the Modolo valley, a mix of vegetable gardens, olive trees, and Malvasia vineyards that produce the area’s signature wine. From the top, it’s worth stopping to look back at Porto Alabe, known for its dark volcanic sand, before continuing through Magomadas and finishing in Tresnuraghes.

Just after Tresnuraghes, the route enters Montiferru, an ancient extinct volcano. The climb here follows a smooth, shaded road with a steady 5% gradient, running through oak woods. At the top sits Santu Lussurgiu, a stone village set at the edge of the volcanic crater.

From there, the ride descends gradually into the Tirso valley, following the course of Sardinia’s longest river. Along the way, you pass the historic Santa Chiara Dam, built between 1918 and 1924. The dam created Lake Omodeo, named after its engineer, and was once considered a significant engineering achievement.

Overnight: Ula Tirso
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The route climbs into the Gennargentu, home to Sardinia’s highest peak, Punta La Marmora. It begins along the banks of the Tirso River, rising gradually across quiet plateaus and passing only a few small rural villages.

One of them is Samugheo, known for its wool carpets, still handwoven using old techniques and reinterpreted in modern designs. The ride then crosses the wine hills of Mandrolisai, where a structured local wine is produced from Bovale, Monica, and Cannonau grapes.

The final climb leads into the chestnut forests around Aritzo, a village with a clear mountain feel. From here, the route continues to the nearby town of Belvì.

Overnight: Belvì
Included: Breakfast

The route begins with a long descent toward Gadoni and into the valley of the Flumendosa River, following its course into the Ogliastra. The landscape here feels raw and untouched, shaped by water over time, with deep valleys and striking rock formations known as Tacchi.

These white limestone plateaus rise above narrow canyons, carved over thousands of years by the river and its tributaries. This area lies within Sardinia’s Blue Zone, a region known worldwide for exceptional longevity, where meeting a centenarian is not unusual.

The final canyon opens onto Lake Flumendosa, before reaching Orroli, set on a vast plateau and closely linked to Sardinia’s culture of long life. In town, a stop at Panificio Kentos is worth it, a modern bakery known for fragrant bread made with local wheat and natural sourdough.

Overnight: Orroli
Included: Breakfast

After a short ride across the plateau, the Sardinia Traverse reaches the megalithic site of Nuraghe Arrubiu. This fortress is approximately 3,000 years old and is among the most important of the thousands of nuraghi found across the island. It is very well preserved, and a brief visit helps understand the advanced society that lived here in ancient times.

The route then follows the valley of the Flumendosa River, gradually descending toward the coast and reaching Muravera. The scenery here features vast citrus groves and coastal lagoons where pink flamingos and other bird species are often seen.

Overnight: Muravera
Included: Breakfast

Three ways to finish the Sardinia Traverse

There are three options for the final stretch of the Sardinia Traverse by bike: the historic old 125 road, the coastal SP17, or a longer ride that also touches the east coast. All three offer strong scenery, with views of mountains and the sea.

The first option follows the old 125 for about 70 km. This former main road between Cagliari and Palau has been replaced by a modern route, leaving the original road quiet and ideal for cycling, with little traffic and expansive views.

The second option stays close to the sea on the SP17. It’s a continuous series of climbs and descents along cliffs, beaches, granite hills, and old Spanish watchtowers. Along the way, clear-water beaches like Porto Sa Ruxi, Solanas, Torre delle Stelle, Geremeas, Mari Pintau, and Cala Regina invite frequent stops.

The third option adds a scenic coastal ride between Castiadas and Villasimius, with views toward Isola di Serpentara.

All three routes finish at the long sandy beach of Poetto, following a dedicated bike path right by the sea. The final approach to Cagliari crosses Molentargius Park, home to a large colony of pink flamingos, before following safe cycle paths along the marina into the city center.

Overnight: Cagliari
Included: Breakfast

It’s time to say goodbye, but the island often leaves a strong feeling and the wish to return, to Sardinia or to another trip with Mediterras.

After breakfast, there’s time to look back on the tour. We then assist with bikes and luggage and arrange the shuttle to Cagliari Airport, just about 10 minutes from the city center.

Ciao amici, a presto!

Included: Breakfast