OgliastRa Tour

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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.