|
Sardinia - Tuscany - Lake Maggiore Around Sardinia Raid Tour
The transparency of the sea, the incredibly white strips of sand, the wild nature, the scent of the Mediterranean scrub, the silent ancient villages, the people’s hospitality, the quiet roads ideal for cyclists: this is “the other continent” - Sardinia. An island rich in ancient treasures that Bike Italia Rando will take you to discover during the most beautiful periods of the year. This raid is meant to cover the complete island’s perimeter travelling along the breathtaking coast and onto the nearby inlands to explore its wild beauty. The city of Olbia, well connected both by sea and air is the starting point of our raid. Bike Italia Rando offers this tour to regular cyclists accustomed to deal with distances around 100-150 km/a day (62-94 miles), on hilly routes with demanding uphill sections. Support will continuously guarantee assistance to the participants if needed. The rides start in the early morning and return to the hotel in the afternoon.
What isn't included
SATURDAY Meeting place at 4****Hotel Media in Olbia. Room assignment. Welcome aperitif and presentation meeting with distribution of t-shirts, cycling shorts and personalized flasks “Bike Italia Rando” together with the week information pack. Evening meal. SUNDAY OLBIA-BADESI Distance: 150 km (94 miles)
We leave Olbia heading northwards cycling along the Smeralda Coast. Once we arrive in the Porto Cervo resort we carry on to Arzachena leaving to our right the marvellous shores of the Gulf. We head to Cannigione from the Capo d’Orso promontory. We can see Caprera Island in all of its splendour. Once we have
reached Palau we then take the national road 133 that leads to
Santa Teresa di Gallura through a series of climbs and descents, once there
we cycle to Badesi to our hotel - the
4****Delphina Marinedda Hotel.
BADESI-ALGHERO Distance: 150 km (94 miles)
Today we
cycle towards Alghero, encountering at first the city
of Castelsardo where the road brings us back along the
coast. From here 30 km (19 miles) separate us from Porto Torres, one of
the most industrialized areas of northern Sardinia.
Our tour proceeds northwards taking us to the well renown Stintino,
an ancient fishing village.
From the promontory, we can see Asinara island. We then take the
road southwards heading towards the Catalan city of Alghero to our hotel
- the
4**** hotel Dei Pini.
ALGHERO- SARDARA Distance: 170 km (106 miles)
Today we continue southwards covering a stretch of the western coast. This is a long ride following cliffs, and rocks that plunge straight down the sea. The peaceful scenery and the scents of the Mediterranean scrubland with the spectacular landscapes accompany us during this first part of the tour until we reach the built-up area of Bosa. This is where the road heads into the interior clambering up towards Cuglieri where we head once again towards the sea at Santa Caterina di Pittinura. Our itinerary carries on towards Oristano where we cross following the lake of Santa Giusta. Along the plain of Arborea we ride towards Pabillonis and after a long day we reach Sardara, famous thermal location, where our hotel - the 3*** Le Antiche Terme is located. WEDNESDAY SARDARA - VILLASIMIUS Distance : 130 km (81 miles)
Today our tour heads through the interior of southern Sardinia. From Sardara we cycle towards San Gavino Monreale, passing by Villasor, San Sperate, Sestu and once at the city of Cagliari we head back to the sea. Here the coast becomes rocky and the road
climbs with many hairpin bends
and ups and downs. Passing Solanas, we reach Capo Boi, where a splendid view of the coast welcomes
us.
We then arrive in Villasimius always following the sea. The village is located on the northern edge of a promontory that
stretches out up to Capo Carbonara. Leaving Villasimius we take the road leading to Costa Rei where we
reach our hotel,-
4****
Sant’Elmo Beach. VILLASIMIUS-ARBATAX Distance: 110 km (68 miles)
Today we head northwards following the eastern part of
Sardinia. Leaving Costa Rei and crossing the Castiadas plain wel reach San Priamo where we
are within sight of the sea.
The road continues towards Muravera, an important village at the foot of
the Serrabus mountains. We carry on to the national road 125
passing by the built-up areas of Quirra, Tertenia with its nuraghi and
then reaching the agricultural centre of Bari Sardo. Passing by Bari Sardo we
arrive in Tortoli, an important location of the Ogliastra.
The road crossing the centre of Tortoli leads us to Arbatex, the base of our
hotel La Bitta 4****.
ARBATAX-OROSEI Distance: 90 km (56 miles)
From Arbatax we
start heading back to Tortolì to carry on the Sardinian
eastern road leading to Olbia.
Once we arrive at the gate of Lotzorai village we start a long climb
towards Genna Salina.
The road rises steeply allowing a panoramic view of Arbatex promontory
towards the built-up area of Baunei, continuing through quiet and sharp
promontories until we reach the 1107m summit of Genna Salina. Here we start our descent
towards Dorgali and Orosei where the
4**** Maria Rosaria Hotel is waiting to welcome us. OROSEI-OLBIA Distance : 95 km (60 miles)
It’s our last
ride.
From Orosei we push on again towards Olbia, travelling
across Cala Liberotto, La Caletta, and Budoni to reach San Teodoro.
From San Teodoro we carry on the national road 125 following the sea
until reaching Olbia where we spend our last night at the
4****
Hotel Melia again. Departure
|
