8 day Sardinia Cycling Tour with Costa Smeralda & La Maddalena

8-Day Cycling Tour in Northeast Sardinia: Costa Smeralda, San Pantaleo & La Maddalena

Discover the enchanting northeast of Sardinia and the Costa Smeralda at a time when the jet set is far away. Cycle along quiet roads scented with wild myrtle, admire the wind-sculpted granite landscapes of Gallura and its ancient cork oak forests, and relax on white sandy beaches and in secluded coves.

Explore charming places such as San Pantaleo and the fascinating island of La Maddalena, renowned for its crystal-clear waters.

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Important Information Before You Book

Our 8-day hiking and cycling tours in Sardinia are designed for active travellers who enjoy being outdoors and are comfortable with moderately challenging routes. The stages cover varied terrain and require a reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment. During the summer months, high temperatures can add an extra challenge.

We therefore recommend these tours to guests who already have some experience with longer hikes or cycling tours and who appreciate the challenge of exploring spectacular landscapes by bike.

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At a Glance

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Accommodation: 7 nights with breakfast
• Total cycling distance: approx. 180–200 km
• Start and finish: Cannigione
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Starting days: Saturdays; other start days available on request for an additional charge
• Best time to travel: April–June and September–October, when temperatures are pleasantly mild

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Highlights

• The spectacular Costa Smeralda
• The islands of La Maddalena and Caprera
• The granite mountains and cork oak forests of Gallura
• The charming village of San Pantaleo
• The Giants' Tomb of Coddu Vecchiu and the Nuraghe La Prisgiona

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Individual arrival or optional transfer to Cannigione, the gateway to the Costa Smeralda.

Day 2: La Maddalena Archipelago — 41 km
From Cannigione, cycle along the coast to Palau, where you take the ferry to La Maddalena, the largest island in the famous archipelago of Sardinia.
A spectacular road leads around the island, covering approximately 20 kilometres and offering breathtaking views along the way. Granite and porphyry rock formations frame rugged coastlines, secluded coves, white beaches and turquoise waters, while gentle hills stretch across the interior.
Continue to the neighbouring island of Caprera, where Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi lived until his death.
After exploring the islands, take the ferry back to mainland Sardinia.
Overnight in Palau.

Day 3: Santa Teresa di Gallura — 25 km
Perched on the hills overlooking the coast, the picturesque village of San Pasquale offers spectacular views across the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Continue along quiet country roads to the charming town of Santa Teresa di Gallura. Its distinctive grid layout was designed in 1808 under King Vittorio Emanuele I.
Today, Santa Teresa is a popular seaside resort, beautifully situated on a rocky plateau overlooking a dramatic stretch of coastline.
Overnight in Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Day 4: Hidden Gallura — 29 km
Before leaving Santa Teresa, make a short detour to Capo Testa, where you can enjoy magnificent views across the Strait of Bonifacio towards Corsica.
You then head inland to discover the rural landscapes of Gallura. Impressive granite peaks and ancient cork oak forests characterise this beautiful region, while the landscape is particularly striking for its distinctive granite formations, sculpted by wind and rain over thousands of years.
Overnight in Arzachena.

Day 5: Archaeology & Wine — 21 km
Today you will discover the mysterious prehistoric Nuragic culture of Sardinia.
Cycling along peaceful country roads, visit the Giants' Tomb of Coddu Vecchiu and Nuraghe La Prisgiona, an impressive tower-shaped archaeological site dating back almost 3,500 years.
The sites are surrounded by endless vineyards producing Vermentino, one of Sardinia's most celebrated wines. Just around the corner, you can stop at one of the island's best-known wineries and enjoy a tasting of award-winning Vermentino.
Overnight in Arzachena.

Day 6: San Pantaleo — 21 km
Today you leave Arzachena and head into the hills towards San Pantaleo, a small and charming village nestled among enormous granite boulders.
The village developed around a rural church in the early 19th century and has traditionally attracted painters, sculptors, woodcarvers and other artisans. San Pantaleo has a unique atmosphere and character that is difficult to find anywhere else in the surrounding area.
Overnight in San Pantaleo.

Day 7: Costa Smeralda — 35 km
Today you return to the glamorous Costa Smeralda, famous for its luxury hotels and villas, vibrant nightlife, exclusive boutiques and fine-dining restaurants.
Discover some of the coast's famous beaches, such as Liscia Ruja, with its beautiful coves framed by fragrant juniper bushes, or Liscia di Vacca, surrounded by Mediterranean maquis.
Overnight in Cannigione.

Day 8: End of the Tour
After breakfast, your cycling tour and our services come to an end.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take part?
The tour is suitable for experienced cyclists. E-bike rental is also available on request, making the route considerably easier and allowing you to enjoy the tour at a more relaxed pace.

What is included in the price?
The standard package includes:

•     7 nights' accommodation with breakfast
•     Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
•     Support vehicle on selected days
•     A dedicated app with detailed maps and tour information
•     Telephone assistance throughout the tour
•     Travel insurance for the duration of the tour

Which additional services can I book?
A range of additional services is available, including:

•     Transfers to the starting point and from the end point of the tour
•     Room upgrades, subject to availability
•     Dinner at selected accommodations, where available
•     Bicycle and e-bike rental
•     Helmet and pannier rental
•     Car rental
•     Ferry tickets
•     Extensions to your holiday

What is included with the bicycle rental?
Each bicycle comes with a waterproof 20-litre bag, smartphone holder, combination lock and a 0.75-litre water bottle.
One repair kit is provided for every two bicycles. It includes a spare inner tube, puncture repair kit, tyre levers, pump and basic multi-tool.

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
The cycling tour is self-guided. A dedicated app provides detailed navigation and information throughout the route, while telephone assistance is available should you need support during the tour.

When does the tour start?
The tour normally begins on Saturday afternoon with arrival at the first accommodation.
The actual cycling tour starts on Sunday morning after breakfast, with six cycling stages running through Friday afternoon. You will spend Friday night at the final accommodation and have breakfast there on Saturday morning.
On request, the tour can also start on other days of the week for an additional charge. The duration remains 8 days / 7 nights.

When is the best time for this cycling tour?
We recommend travelling in spring or autumn, when temperatures are pleasantly mild and the island is less crowded.
In autumn, the sea is usually still warm enough for swimming, making it an especially attractive time to combine cycling with time on Sardinia's beautiful beaches.