Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day
Transfer to Tortoli, the gateway of Ogliastra, to meet up or a call from the Cycle Rep for a briefing on the route, handover of bicycles and information pack.

Day 2: Tortoli - Cardedu (30km / 18.5 miles OR 40km / 25 miles)
An easy warm up day heading south and exploring some of the best beaches in the area, Orri, Cea and Cardedu to name a few. These are made of sand and pebbles, reddish rocks with a crystal clear sea and low Mediterranean scrub. After Barisardo, famous for its Aragonese lookout tower, you reach your base for the night located in front of a spectacular white sandy beach.

Day 3: Cardedu - Osini (43km / 27 miles)
Time to venture inland! Ride up the Rio Pardu through olive groves and vineyards producing the famous Cannonau wine. As we rise to Gairo and Osini Vecchio, villages that were abandoned after violent floods in the middle of the 20^th century, the first sequence of tacchi swings into view. These are imposing limetone rock formations that dominate many sections of Ogliastra. In Ulassai, visit the textile workshops and the caves of Su Marmuri.

Day 4: Osini - Sadali (53km / 33 miles)
Some gorgeous views are today's highlights. Deep gorges covered in holm oak woods, shimmering outcrops of rock that have been sculptured by the passage of time and erosion and one of Sardinia's loveliest forests. Riding along a disused railway, you reach the small hamlet of Ussassai, whose origins and rural traditions date back to Neolithic times. Your next stop is Sadali, a charming medieval village located at an altitude of 800 metres on the southern slopes of the Gennargentu massif.

Day 5: Sadali - Villagrande Strisaili (52km / 32 miles)
Riding away from Sadali, you will reach the highest point of the trip and come across the majestic and well preserved Nuraghe Ardasai, a tower shaped megalithic edifice particular to Sardinia dating back over three millennia. Looking North, you can admire Punta La Marmora, the highest peak in Sardinia (1,834m above sea level). Cycling below the breathtaking natural monument of Perda ‘e Liana, you reach the shores of the upper Flumendosa reservoir and then Villagrande Strisaili, one of the Blue zone villages with most centenarians in Sardinia. Find out why with a lovely dinner in your charming accommodation located in an oak wood forest.

Day 6: Villagrande Strisaili - Santa Maria Navarrese (27km / 17 miles OR 41km / 25 miles)
Back to the sea! After the Nuraghic settlement of Sa Carcaredda, you reach the top of the climb. The spectacular view of the sea from the top is the reward for the effort made. On the way to the coast, you pass Talana, renown for its prize winning cured hams. The fishing village of Santa Maria Navarrese will be your base for the next two nights. Santa Maria is also the south entrance to the Golfo di Orosei, the longest stretch of Italian coast with no human settlement, 40km of secluded sandy beaches interspersed by soaring white cliffs that are fantastic swimming spots.

Day 7: Santa Maria Navarrese loop (25km / 16 miles)
After the cycling efforts, you well deserve a boat excursion cruising along the turquoise waters of the golfo stopping at the most spectacular beaches, Cala Goloritzé, Cala Sisine and Cala Luna just to name a few. The keener riders can opt for a loop in the countryside around Santa Maria instead.

Day 8: Departure day
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

Accommodation List

We believe that the accommodation is a very important factor of a bike tour, therefore we take the greatest care in carefully selecting small family run 3 star hotels and country lodges with excellent regional cuisine.
The following properties have been selected for this tour (please note that they are subject to availability and we reserve the right to change hotels should the need arise).

Night 1 - Tortoli

Hotel Sa Contonera
Located on the east coast of Sardinia, the Hotel enjoys an optimal position that allows you to easily reach the most famous beaches in the area. 
Other hotels that may be used in Tortoli:

• Hotel Il Vecchio Mulino

Night 2 - Cardedu

Hotel Cardedu
Located on the outskirts of Ogliastra and framed by the mountains, it is only 2.5 km from Museddu beach and offers a refined and welcoming environment, you can relax in the swimming pool and enjoy the sunset from the terrace.

Night 3 - Osini

Hotel Scala di San Giorgio
The hotel offers 11 rooms, simple and comfortable ideals for long and short term, almost all equipped with small balcony from which you can enjoy a splendid mountain views.

Night 4 - Sadali

La Case del Foletto
The Folletto will be your guide in a world where time has stopped, in a country where the stones will tell you their story. The ancient houses, located in the centre of the village, have been carefully restorated to create guest rooms each preserving the original homes, allowing the guest to relive moments of the past. 

Night 5 - Villagrande Strisaili

Guesthouse Aira 'Ona
Surrounded by sea views, B&B Aria Ona is located close to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Some rooms provide panoramic views. Ristorante Hotel Orlando serve a selection of meals within 50m from the venue.

Night 6 & 7 - Santa Maria Navarrese

Hotel Nicoletta
Nicoletta Hotel is the ideal place for everyone is looking for quiet and peace, close to the nature, in a place with one of the most romantic scenery of the Isle.