Sardinian Highlights
- The cycling highlights of Sardinia - experience the best routes and climbs of the island in six days
- Flexible itinerary: perfect for mixed ability groups, plus optional extra riding for those looking to push themselves further
- Cycle at your own pace every day, so there is no being held up or holding others up
- Conquer Passo di Genna Silana and the Orientale Sarda Road - showcased by the Giro in 2017
- 3 & 4* hotels, most with swimming pools, plus traditional Sardinian cuisine (all evening meals & wine included)
- Excellent support from two customised support vans and our two experienced, proactive guides focused on making your holiday the best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
Excellent - Very well thought-out and showed the best of the island. The accommodation was of a very high standard. I appreciated that all the hotels were very different in style. Loved the opportunity to swim at most hotels.
Introduction
The Mediterranean island of Sardinia is a cycling paradise! It offers a fantastic climate, beautiful sandy beaches, and magnificent mountainous areas with almost traffic-free roads. This superb, flexible route cycling tour showcases the very best of the island, and we guarantee you won't be disappointed.
This holiday is not only about the cycling. During the week you'll enjoy delicious traditional cuisine and an introduction to the culture of this fascinating island. We've crafted this tour around wonderful 3 and 4* hotels, most with pools and some with spa facilities, so that you can make the most of your post-ride relaxation time.
Cycling in the mountains is never easy, but the island's gradients are generally kind. The daily Classic routes average 83km with 1,475m of ascending, so it is one of our gentler options. As with all our flexible pace tours, there are daily opportunities to extend yourself further, should you wish; the Challenge routes average 121km with 2,383m of ascending.
We're often asked what the difference is between Sardinia and Corsica, so if you wanted to know this, you could read our two-part blog Corsica vs Sardinia: A Tale of Two Mediterranean Isles Part I & Part II . We hope it helps you decide which of these Mediterranean gems is best for you and your goals.
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 7 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable mostly 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included airport transfers at scheduled times from Olbia A irport (OLB) to our fabulous, boutique-style 4* start hotel Hotel Su Lithu in Bitti, famous for its tenor folk singers. The transfer time is around 1hr 15min.
Assemble your bike (or set up your hire bike) before meeting your fellow riders at the welcome briefing and enjoying dinner together. For those arriving early, the afternoon can be spent relaxing by the pool or exploring the village.
Day 1: Bitti to Lago di Gusana
Today’s ride is the perfect introduction to cycling in Sardinia. We set out through cork oak forests, undulating on quiet roads with good surfaces. You then enjoy a delightful descent across the island's central plain.
A couple of 'cheeky' climbs take you to the town of Sarule, from where you have options of what to do next. The most direct route takes you via the historic town of Gavoi, which is well worth exploring. A slightly Harder route skirts around the edge of Lago di Chucchinadorza, while the Challenge route takes you over the mountains of Teti and Tiana.
All roads lead down to the Lago di Gusana and the 4* Hotel Taloro, built on a peninsula jutting out into the reservoir.
Classic : 76 KM with 1400m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 95 KM with 1700m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 126 KM with 2450m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Lago di Gusana to Aritzo
Today we cycle the highest surfaced road in Sardinia to Bruncu Spina (1570m), the island's only ski resort. Climbing directly from the hotel (at 650m), the forests give way to open moorland and spectacular views. The climb itself is full of character and although the gradients are generally kind, there are a few short, challenging sections of up to 12%. It is well worth the effort, and the descent is exquisite.
A short climb takes you back up the Arcu de Tascusì (1245m), then you descend all the way to Tonara for lunch. From Tonara you can head directly to the idyllic 4* Hotel Sa Muvara (where we spend two nights) to relax by the pool, or head off to explore more of the Gennargentu mountains.
Classic : 73 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 94 KM with 2300m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Day ride from Aritzo
Today we explore the valley of the Rio Flumendosa and the island's central plains. It is an excellent ride through rural Sardinia with constantly changing scenery on quiet, well-surfaced roads. Straight from the hotel, you start climbing gently to the Valico Sa Casa (1040m), which is set in a sparse, shrubby pine forest. From here you undulate with a downhill bias for 30km over the Valico Ortuabis and down to the reservoir of the Lago Basso del Flumendosa. Climbing up the other side of the valley, you pass by the mountain hamlets of Sadali and Seule, before crossing the river for a final time and climbing over the Passo Cossatzu (866m).
The Challenge route takes you further south, past the bronze age settlement of Nuraghe Arrubiu. It then crosses the river Flumendosa down at 150m and involves a couple of steeper climbs before rejoining the Classic route.
If you require a rest day, taking a day off the bike is also an option! The hotel has a swimming pool and the village of Aritzo is worth exploring.
Classic : 87 KM with 1580m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 137 KM with 2370m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Aritzo to Valico Strisaili
The promise of huge views and interesting landscapes as you circumnavigate the Gennargentu Massif is a huge incentive to get you going this morning! You start the day with a descent before heading up to the Arcu de Tascussi (1245m) via Desulo. This leads to the Arcu Correboi (1246m), which was once an important mountain pass; a new road has recently been tunnelled through the hillside, making it virtually traffic-free. The views from here are spectacular, and the descent is an absolute gem – the gradients are constant and the corners are sweeping. On reaching the valley floor, you traverse a sparse landscape of rock and ancient oak trees.
Your destination is the 4* Orlando Resort Hotel (with spa & pool facilities), nestled in Santa Barbara National Park. You have the option of retiring gracefully to a sun lounger, but as always, there is more cycling on offer if you wish, and the Arzana loop of our Challenge route will certainly test your legs!
Classic : 82 KM with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 111 KM with 2150m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Valico Strisaili to Cala Gonone
Leaving your mountain retreat behind, you climb gently to Arcu s'Orostode (1093m) for a breathtaking view of the coastal plain below. The only way is down, and this descent has style! Next up is the magnificent Orientale Sarda road, showcased by the Giro d'Italia in Spring 2017. Built in the 1800s, it is a feat of engineering that climbs up to the Passo di Genna Silana (1008m).
Your destination is the beachfront hotel Bue Marino in Cala Gonone, a quiet coastal village once only accessible by sea. Luckily for you, a hole was bored through the mountain and a fantastic series of hairpins was laid. These are guaranteed to get you to the coast with a smile on your face.
If relaxing on the beach is not your thing, then there is the option of taking on the locally-famed Strava segment up the concrete road that scales the cliff to the north of town. It is only 2.2km long, but with average gradients of 10% it will get your heart pounding!
Classic : 80 KM with 1300m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 114 KM with 1880m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 121 KM with 2200m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Cala Gonone to Bitti
Re-acquaint yourself with the fantastic hairpins of yesterday evening, leaving the coast of Cala Gonone behind you as you climb. From here, undulate down onto the coastal plains that lead you to Siniscola at the foot of Monte Albo (820m), a massive white limestone ridge. The climb is jaw dropping, benefitting from both mountain and sea views. Continue on this quiet and winding road before turning inland once again, ticking off the final few km to a lunch stop just over the summit.
Next, you'll meander with a downhill bias back to the picturesque pastoral village of Bitti and the Hotel Su Lithu, where your cycling adventure started a week ago. As always, for those wanting a bit more at the end of the day there are a few optional climbs, which make the most of the nearby limestone mountain.
Easier : 103 KM with 1380m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 109 KM with 1830m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 148 KM with 2600m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
All good things must come to an end but we're sure you're memories of a fantastic week cycling in Sardinia will last a lifetime! We offer included transfers at scheduled times in the morning, back to Olbia Airport (OLB), a journey of approx. 1hr 15min.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 7 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable mostly 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-bitti-taloro-marmot-classic-profile-24-d1-csa-65bb7cd804741.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-bitti-taloro-marmot-harder-profile-24-d1-csa-65bb7cd843409.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-bitti-taloro-marmot-challenge-profile-24-d1-csa-65bb7cd7e8e74.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-taloro-aritzo-bruncuspina-marmot-classic-profile-24-d2-csa-68124b9f1508b.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-taloro-aritzo-bruncuspina-marmot-challenge-profile-24-d2-csa-68124bc3c5b50.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-aritzo-flumendosa-cossatzu-marmot-classic-profile-24-d3-csa-65bb7cd7f1f3f.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-aritzo-flumendosa-cossatzu-marmot-challenge-profile-24-d3-csa-65bb7cd790fdf.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-aritzo-tascusi-correboi-marmot-classic-profile-25-d4-csa-6814bbaded1c3.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-aritzo-tascusi-correboi-marmot-challenge-profile-25-d4-csa-68139a5639e6b.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-orostode-gennasilana-calagonone-marmot-classic-profile-24-d5-csa-65bb7cd8b7d31.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-orostode-gennasilana-calagonone-marmot-harder-profile-24-d5-csa-66e74017e9a3d.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-orostode-gennasilana-calagonone-marmot-challenge-profile-24-d5-csa-65bb7cd8b35cc.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-calagonone-albobaronie-bitti-marmot-easier-profile-25-d6-csa-6813b3fc2b00d.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-calagonone-albobaronie-bitti-marmot-classic-profile-25-d6-csa-6813b431a1a9d.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cycling-sardinia-calagonone-albobaronie-bitti-orune-marmot-challenge-profile-24-d6-csa-65bb7cd8aa825.gif){kind=link}