The grade is moderate because the daily rides are never flat but havealways undulations, due to the conformation of the territory. Some climbs are short and steep, some other are long and gradual and on the last day there is a continuations of ups and down (or “mangia e bevi eat and drink as we call them in Italian-“). Most of the rides are on surfaced road, mostly secondary roads with very little traffic . There are almost no cycle paths.
Start: Arbus Finish: Pula
Your trip starts in Arbus. From Cagliari airport you will take the train to San Gavino Monreale where a taxi transfer will drive you to your first accommodation in Arbus. Arbus is famous for the production of knives (“l’Arburese”), and the town hosts a dedicated museum. You will stay in Agriturismo Rocce Bianche, a family-owned agriturismo, where you will celebrate the first night in Sardinia with a great home-made dinner.
Today's ride starts with a panoramic road through a cork-oak forest to Arbus, then climb to the old mine village of Montevecchio where you can do a guided tour of the abandoned mine site. There are 4 different tours (about 45’ each). After the tour you continue cycling along a wild and scenic route in the mediterranian “macchia”, finally descending to the sea; here a short deviation takes you to the most extended desert area of Europe, the beach of Piscinas.
Later you are riding uphill through the almost abandoned mine village of Ingurtosu (or we can arrange a transfer from Piscinas back to Arbus)
Challenge: 46 km, 1220 m ascent, 1220 m descent
Today’s ride starts with a long winding downhill to Portixeddu, one of the favourite spot of local surfers. After a good coffee you start climbing to Buggerru (where a system of tunnels was used to transfer minerals from the mines to the port). Further on some great glimpse of the Pan di Zucchero (literally bread of sugar) cliff and the Masua mines. Last stop is the village of Nebida
Challenge: 40 km, 930 m ascent, 1220m descent
After breakfast you cycle about 25 km to the port of Portovesme, where you take the ferry to the Island of San Pietro. When you dock at Carloforte harbour you soon start noticing the different accent the Carlofortini have: in fact they have Genoese roots and speak a different dialect from the rest of Sardinians. After a walk/ride in Carloforte you take another ferry, this time to Calasetta, on Sant’Antioco Island, home of some excellent wines (Carignano del Sulcis).
Challenge: 37 km, 304 m ascent, 150 m descent
Today is full of options: it’s possible to ride your bike all around the island, stopping by various inlet for pic-nic, take a fishing boat excursion or have a horseback ride, or just relax at the beach
Challenge: 42 km, 480 m ascent, 460 m descent
This morning your first stop is the village of Tratalias, with its romanic church dedicated to S. Maria di Montserrat; after a stop at the village of Santadi (home of a famous winery) you pass by the stunning caves Is Zuddas, worth a visit! A nice ride along a quiet road leads you to Teulada, last stop of today, famous for terracotta pipes and highly refined embroidery
Challenge: 35 km, 210 m ascent, 310 m descent
The last day is a must for cyclists! The Costa del Sud is an incessant repetition of ups and downs with breath-taking views of the coast and the sea, watchtowers and beautiful inlets; there are multiple occasions to stop and swim in the crystal-clear water! The last stop is Pula; just a couple of km out of town you can visit the archeological site of Nora, an important Fenician port where it is possible to admire some very well preserved Roman mosaics.
Challenge: 50 km, 625 m ascent, 675 m descent
The trip and our services end after breakfast, unless you have booked a transfer to the airport or other supplementary services.
The hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. Some of the hotels we work with appear here. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra nights: Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way.
La Vecchia Montagna B&B ofrece alojamiento con vistas al mar y salón compartido
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You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, from April 1st to July 25th and from August 28th to October 31st
The closest airport to Arbus is Cagliari Elmas Airport
Arrival in Arbus
There are trains going from Cagliari Elmas Airport to the train station of San Gavino (approx. 50 minutes). From here a private transfer takes you to your accommodation.
Departure from Pula
The closest airport to Cagliari is Cagliari Airport. From Cagliari you can take a train to Cagliari train station to the Airport Train Station (7 minutes)
HYBRID BIKES
Model: Bianchi
Deore shift 3x10v, disc brakes with puncture-proof tires and rear rack.
Included front bag with map holder + 1 odometer every 2 bikes
ELECTRIC BIKES
Model: Bianchi
Deore shift 9v, disc brakes - lights, with anti puncture tires 500 battery with 250w central motor
Included front bag with map holder + 1 odometer every 2 bikes
GPS tracks are available on request