Sardinia
The Wild Isle of Two-Wheeled Adventure
Europe's most exciting and rewarding cycling secret.
Discover why Sardinia's epic coastlines, rugged mountains, and ancient soul make it Europe's most exciting and rewarding cycling secret. If your ideal cycling holiday includes empty roads, stunning scenery, and great post-ride meals, let us introduce you to Sardinia. This unique mini-continent offers morning rides along the turquoise Mediterranean coast and afternoon climbs in granite mountains.
Spring (March-May): The absolute sweet spot. The island is lush and green, wildflowers are everywhere, and temperatures are a perfect 15−25∘C. The roads are quiet, and the cycling is simply sublime.
Summer (June-August): It gets hot, often pushing above 30∘C, especially inland. If you ride in summer, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The coast can be busy with holiday traffic, so it’s a great time to explore the quieter mountains.
Autumn (September-October): The second golden season. The sea is still warm from the summer sun, the crowds have vanished, and temperatures return to that glorious 15−25∘C range. The light is fantastic, and the roads are all yours again.
Winter (November-February): Perfectly rideable, especially in the south. You'll find mild daytime temperatures (10−15∘C) and almost entirely empty roads. You might get some rain, but you’ll also get plenty of crisp, sunny days. It’s a fantastic winter training escape.
Local Climate
Exciting Holiday Offers in Sardinia
Search through our top tier hotels and holiday offers in Sardinia. Whether it's a cycling camp amongst friends or a getaway to simply enjoy the island, you'll find options to fit every need, requirement and budget.
Best Visiting Period
For the ultimate Sardinian cycling experience, you cannot beat April, May, September, and October. The weather is idyllic, the scenery is at its most vibrant, and you get the best of the island without the peak season crowds or prices.
The Nitty Gritty: Visa & Entry for UK Travellers
As Sardinia is part of Italy, it follows Schengen Area rules. For holiday trips, UK nationals do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have at least three months of validity left after the day you plan to leave. Also, be aware that from mid-2025, UK travellers will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) waiver online before travelling. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice for Italy before you book.
Saddle Up! 3 Cracking Rides for All Abilities
Right, let's talk routes. Sardinia has an almost overwhelming choice, but here are a few of our personal favourites to get you started:
The Sinis Peninsula Flamingo Loop
01 - For the Beginners
Distance : ~45km
Elevation : Mostly flat!
The Ride : This is a wonderfully gentle introduction to the island's charms. Starting from the town of Cabras on the west coast, you’ll pedal through the protected wetlands of the Sinis Peninsula. The route is flat and on quiet roads, taking you past lagoons that are often home to flocks of pink flamingos. Your halfway point is the fascinating Phoenician ruins of Tharros, perched on a narrow strip of land overlooking the sea. It’s a ride packed with nature, history, and beautiful coastal scenery without any daunting climbs.
02 - For the Medium Level Rider
The Legendary Alghero to Bosa Coast Road
Distance : ~45km (one way)
Elevation : ~700-800m of rolling climbs.
The Ride : This is it. One of Europe's, if not the world's, most spectacular coastal rides. The road is a masterpiece, clinging to the cliffs as it twists and turns, rises and falls, with constant, jaw-dropping views over the Mediterranean. There are no mega-long climbs, just a series of undulating challenges that let you get into a fantastic rhythm. Starting in the beautiful Catalan-influenced city of Alghero and finishing in the colourful riverside town of Bosa, this is a ride that will stay with you forever. Arrange for a coffee (or a well-deserved lunch!) in Bosa before heading back.
03 - For the Experienced Rider
The Gennargentu Mountain Challenge
Distance : ~100-120km (loop from a town like Aritzo or Fonni)
Elevation : Significant! ~2000m+
The Ride : Time to head for the heart of Sardinia. The Gennargentu mountains offer a completely different experience – rugged, remote, and truly epic. This is where you'll find the island's highest peaks and some serious, long climbs. A loop from a town like Aritzo will take you through dense cork forests, over high mountain passes with vast, sweeping views, and down thrilling, technical descents. The roads are quiet to the point of being deserted. This is a proper test of your climbing legs and adventurous spirit, showing you a side of Sardinia many visitors never see. It’s tough, but the sense of accomplishment is immense.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
You can't come to Sardinia without seeing a nuraghe. These mysterious Bronze Age stone fortresses are unique to the island. Su Nuraxi is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Sardinia and it’s a mind-bogglingly complex and atmospheric place to explore.
The Alghero to Bosa Coastal Road (SP49/SP105)
Yes, it’s a road, but it’s also a top-tier attraction! Even if you don't ride the whole thing, drive a section of it. The views of griffon vultures soaring over cliffs that plunge into the sapphire sea are unforgettable.
Cala Goloritzé:
One of the most iconic and beautiful coves in the Mediterranean, located on the wild east coast. It's a bit of a mission to get to (you have to hike or take a boat), making it the perfect objective for a rest day adventure. The limestone arch and crystal-clear water are your reward.
This Weeks Top Picks
First-Timer? Top Tips for Your First Sardinian Foray
Hire Smart
There are excellent bike hire places in major towns like Alghero, Cagliari, and Olbia. You can get high-quality carbon road bikes, but book well in advance, especially for spring and autumn.
Go Out of Season
February to June and September to November are your best times to visit. The coastal roads are quieter and the midday heat won't stop your rides. Spring and Autumn are cycling perfection.
Two Bottles are a Must
It can be a long way between villages, especially in the mountains. Always start your ride with two full water bottles and know where you can refill.
Embrace the Agriturismo
For a truly authentic stay, book into an agriturismo (a working farm that offers accommodation). The hospitality is incredible, and you’ll eat phenomenal, home-cooked local food – perfect cyclist fuel!
Where to Base Yourself for the Best Riding
For access to the classic coastal routes, Alghero is a fantastic base. It's a beautiful, vibrant city with great restaurants, plenty of accommodation, and that famous coast road right on its doorstep.
To conquer the mountains, towns like Aritzo, Fonni or Santa Lucia put you right at the foot of the best climbs and offer an authentic taste of Sardinian mountain culture. For a southern base with access to rolling hills and stunning beaches, consider Pula or the surrounding area.
An Island of Epic Rides and Wild Beauty
Sardinia is a cyclist’s paradise hiding in plain sight. It’s an island of stark contrasts, where the glitz of the coast gives way to an ancient, rugged interior. It offers a pure, unfiltered cycling experience on roads that feel like they were laid down just for you.
Every ride here feels like an exploration, a journey through a landscape that is at once beautiful and profoundly wild. So, if you're looking for a new challenge, a place to escape the crowds and reconnect with the simple joy of riding your bike, look no further. Sardinia is waiting. You won't regret it.
