Costa Smeralda Explorer Self Guided Bike Tour

Transfer to Cannigione, gateway to the Costa Smeralda, to meet or call with the Cycle Rep for a briefing on the route, handover of bicycles and information pack.

From Cannigione along the coast to Palau, where you take the ferry to La Maddalena, the big sister to about 60 islands and islets that make up the largest archipelago of Sardinia, protected by the national park and one of the brightest gems of the whole Mediterranean Sea. A stunning road runs all around the island’s perimeter, 20 kilometres of breathtaking views, lonely coves, white beaches and turquoise sea, with rolling hills inland. Ride across to Caprera, where Garibaldi, (in Italy means much more than a biscuit), the hero of the Italian Risorgimento (Unification). Back to mainland Sardinia for an overnight in Palau, a vibrant town where summer evenings bustle with nightlife and events.

Do not leave Santa Teresa without a quick detour to the promontory of Capo Testa that offers a great view over the Bonifacio straits and Corsica. Then it’s time to venture inland to discover the Gallura countryside. Forbidding peaks look down on endless expanses of ancient cork forests strewn with weird, wind-blasted granite boulders to make the scenery dramatic. Once roamed by unpunished hordes of smugglers and bandits, these lands are now home to the typical Stazzi, rural settlement restored and converted to hospitality facilities. A stazzo built back in 1840 and immersed in the countryside is your base for the next two nights.

A day exploring Sardinia’s mysterious Nuragic civilisation. Cycling along quiet country lanes, explore the Giants’ grave of Coddu Vecchiu and the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, a tower-shaped building dating back almost 3,500 years ago! The sites are surrounded by endless rows Vermentino vineyards. Just around the corner, take a break in one of the most renown wineries in the island and savour their prize-winning Vermentino wine.

Ride to Arzachena, the town around which the Costa Smeralda emerged, and into the hills to San Pantaleo, a little hamlet nestled amongst large granite outcrops and built in the early 19th century around a country church. Traditionally populated by painters, sculptors, carvers and craftsmen, San Pantaleo offers a very special atmosphere, not be found in surrounding villages. Do not miss the Thursday craft market!

Luxury hotels and villas, sparkling nightlife, exclusive boutiques, elegant aperitifs and fine dining. The Emerald Coast is Sardinia’s most glamorous vacation resort. You may end up having lunch next to some TV or cinema personality in Porto Cervo famous piazzetta, However, do not miss Costa Smeralda’s fantastic beaches like Liscia Ruja, with its inlets framed by fragrant juniper bushes and Liscia di Vacca, surrounded by Mediterranean bush and blessed with turquoise waters. Ride back to Cannigione in time to enjoy the sunset over its bay and celebrate the end of this beautiful cycling trip.