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Spectacular
Southwest Coast
  Plunge into the wild yet romantic beauty of south-western Sardinia and cycle beside the empty beaches and abandoned mines in total freedom and at your own pace, pedalling beside the big blue yonder. The terrain is rugged in parts, with high cliffs ascending from the coast, interspersed with long sandy beaches, grass covered dunes and breathtaking views. This is a tour to whet the appetite of anyone who loves cycling, Italy and the Mediterranean. It is an opportunity to discover one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
After your arrival you will meet with our local representative who will give an explanation of the route and adjust the bikes for you accordingly. The ride commences through the fascinating Sinis wetlands where you may see colonies of pink flamingos and finally reaches one of the most beautiful spots on the island: the white quartz beach of Is Arutas and the Phoenician ruins of Tharros. After a transfer to Arborea, you then pedal through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, some of the wildest scenery on the island, and onto the Piscinas beach with sand dunes over 50 m high - the highest in Europe.
The next stage takes you back into the island’s ancient mining past, as we pass the fascinating abandoned mines of Ingortosu and Planusartu and onto the golden beaches of Portixeddu and the looming mass of the cliffs called Pan di Zucchero. The next day starts with a beautiful descent to Fontanamare. You reach Portoscuso, and board the ferry to Carloforte, where locals still fish for Red Tuna. You continue to the island of Sant’Antioco and end your day in Calasetta. Next you rove through the meadows, (green in springtime and golden yellow in the summer) of Sant’Antioco then you will be riding along rolling plains, savouring the quiet pace of life here. The final ride of your tour, wheels you along the beautiful Costa del Sud with its gleaming white beaches to Cape Malfatano and at Nora you will be able to visit an ancient Phoenician settlement.
Accommodation
7 nights/8 days - Our first 2 nights are spent in a countryside complex on the Sinis Peninsula. Its U-shaped layout resembles that of a Spanish Hacienda. It has 14 lovely decorated rooms surrounding the flourishing garden in the central courtyard. In
Arbus our 3* Agriturismo is family run and the home cooking will be something to remember. Night 4 is spent in a 2* hotel in
Nebida and the restaurant is worth a visit and is mentioned in many gourmet guides. Just outside of
Calasetta you will stay in a charming seaside property. Night 6 just outside the village of
Sant Anna Arresi in the quiet countryside your 3* hotel enjoys beautiful views of a large stretch of coast. Your last night is spent in a 3* hotel in
Pula. This newly built elegant hotel has 10 finely furnished rooms.
Terrain
Out of 6 stages 3 are flat, 2 are undulating and 1 is
hilly.
Sherpa Notes
Bike Hire
Aluminium framed hybrid bikes with 21 gears, rear panniers, lock and basic repair kit
Accommodation and Meals
Half board on 6 days. In Pula bed and breakfast only, for your evening meal you can choose from the many restaurants nearby. Accommodation in 3* hotels except in Nebida which is 2*
Start and End of Tour
San Salvatore is easily reached by bus and taxi from Cagliari or a longer journey from Alghero.
Transfer available back to Cagliari Airport or a public bus to
Alghero.
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