Mountains, hills, plains: there's something here for every cyclist

Competitive cyclists aiming for a full week tackling serious climbs traditionally head straight for the Alps, the Pyrenees or the Sierra Nevada. Fans of hilly terrain might opt for the Ardennes, Alsace or Tuscany, while those who prefer flat roads have half of Europe to choose from.

What makes Sardinia special is that it has these three cycling worlds coexisting, side by side. Within a relatively small area— slightly smaller than Belgium and just over half the size of the Netherlands — there is truly something for every cyclist.

‘Mountain goats’ can indulge their passion in the Gennargentu, a lush green national park in the heart of the island; here, roads wind between rugged mountain ridges, and a 150 kilometer loop can easily rack up 3,000 to 4,000 meters of elevation gain. Yet other parts of Sardinia also boast mountainous areas featuring plenty of long, challenging climbs.

Cycling in the Gennargentu region offers some serious climbing and spectacular views. Photo iStock

​Those who prefer hilly routes can enjoy beautiful rides in the rolling landscape near Barumini, famous for the Su Nuraxi complex, dating back to the Late Bronze Age. Or consider the Costa Smeralda, the azure-blue playground of the happy few in the northeast: in peak season, it is an overcrowded tourist trap best avoided by cyclists, but during the quieter months, it offers an idyllic setting perfect for memorable rides. The undulating roads north of Olbia frequently offer stunning views — including those of the renowned Maddalena Archipelago and, further off, the southern coast of Corsica. If you prefer to keep the terrain as flat as possible, the area around Oristano is perfect for this — offering, for instance, a loop around the Cabras lagoon and a trip to the pinkish ‘crystal beach’ of Is Arrutas.

And there are more areas where you can easily enjoy a few hours of riding without racking up significant elevation gain: for instance near the southern peninsula of Sant’Antioco or north of Alghero.

The area near Oristano is one of the spots where you can make nice loops without significant elevation gain.

And perhaps the best part? Sardinia is compact enough for these landscapes not to be separate worlds. From a base like Oristano, you can just as easily ride the flat loop mentioned earlier as tackle some challenging climbs in another direction. This kind of variety is available almost everywhere on the island. It’s ideal in case you want to alternate between demanding and less strenuous routes, or if you prefer to decide on the day itself what your legs are up for. The only catch? It requires quite a bit of planning.Rotte Sarde is happy to handle that for you. We start by creating personalised cycling routes that perfectly match your preferences, while also taking the practical aspects of your stay into account. Do you want to spend a week climbing in the Gennargentu mountains with a single hotel as your base? Or would you prefer a tour that takes you to different accommodations along the way? We combine your wish list with our local knowledge, ensuring you avoid busy roads while taking in all the beautiful spots that are not to be missed.

Are you considering Sardinia as a cycling destination but aren't quite sure what the trip should look like? Get in touch with Rotte Sarde for a no-obligation chat about the possibilities.