South Sardinia Gravel Adventure | Self-Guided Bike Tour

Your first tour stage is a nice loop tour, starting from the high pastures on Mount Linas’s slopes. You’ll cross the historic mining complex of Montevecchio, then descend along thrilling roads to the untamed beaches of the Costa Verde, ultimately reaching the towering dunes of Piscinas, which soar to nearly 100 meters. Next, tackle a challenging climb rewarded by breathtaking panoramic views.

The day’s highlights—Montevecchio, Ingurtosu, and the Piscinas dunes—are emblematic of Sardinia’s heritage. Montevecchio and Ingurtosu, ancient mining villages in wild landscapes, offer glimpses into miners’ lives and Sardinia’s industrial past. Meanwhile, with its impressive dunes and crystalline waters, Piscinas presents a stunning fusion of desert beauty and Mediterranean charm.

Overnight: Arbus
Included: Breakfast

The day begins again with an exciting descent to the stunning beach of Scivu, characterized by coastal dunes—smaller than those at Piscinas but equally impressive. The route then winds inland around the promontory of Capo Pecora before descending again to the sweeping sands of Portixeddu, eventually leading to Buggerru.

This charming seaside village, nestled between towering cliffs, is famed for its mining heritage and striking landscape where mountains meet the sea. Once a bustling mining hub, Buggerru now showcases its industrial past with dramatic cliffs and untouched beaches like Cala Domestica, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Overnight: Buggerru
Included: Breakfast

Leave the coast and follow a path that ascends into the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the unspoiled coastline as you venture into forests and rugged terrain interwoven with roads and trails that once connected the numerous villages and mining sites scattered across southwest Sardinia.

Along the way, you’ll encounter significant archaeological sites, notably the Temple of Antas. An ancient Roman and Punic temple dedicated to the Sardinian deity Sardus Pater—a figure representing an ancient local god, later merged with the Punic god Sid, associated with the Phoenicians. The original structure, dating back to the 6th century BCE, was built by the Carthaginians, and later, the Romans reconstructed it in the 1st century BCE. The temple is nestled in a picturesque valley, surrounded by rugged mountains, and stands as a testament to layered history, blending native Sardinian, Punic, and Roman influences.

After visiting the Arenas Mine village, once renowned for lead and zinc extraction, a long descent leads to the Grotta di San Giovanni. Here, you’ll ride through nearly 1 km of dark caves—a unique experience on a bike! Conclude the day in Iglesias, where a stroll and aperitif in the charming historic center offer the perfect prelude to dinner.

Overnight: Iglesias
Included: Breakfast

From Iglesias, we head towards the coast, passing through the historic Monteponi mining complex, once a central hub of Sardinia’s lead and zinc extraction industry. Established in the 19th century, Monteponi was an economic powerhouse and a site of intense labor struggles, its towering ruins now standing as silent witnesses to the region’s industrial past.

As we reach Nebida, the landscape transforms dramatically—before us, a breathtaking stretch of coastline unfolds, dominated by the towering Pan di Zucchero sea stack, an awe-inspiring limestone monolith rising from the crystalline waters. Below, the golden sands of Funtanamare beach beckon, accessible via a thrilling descent along winding roads that hug the cliffs.

Skirting the countryside behind the beach, we continue towards the picturesque seaside village of Portoscuso, where we board a ferry to the enchanting island of Carloforte. This unique island is a cultural melting pot, blending Ligurian fishing traditions with North African influences and the deep-rooted heritage of Sardinia. Perhaps its most fascinating tradition is the age-old practice of bluefin tuna fishing, an experience best savored in one of the island’s charming alleyway restaurants.

For those with energy to spare, a ride to the rugged cliffs of Capo Sandalo is a must—its dramatic landscapes and sweeping sea views are a true feast for the senses.

In the afternoon, a second ferry takes us to the island of Sant’Antioco, where we settle in the heart of its namesake town. Here, a gentle evening stroll along the waterfront offers the perfect way to unwind, as the sea breeze and the soft glow of twilight create an atmosphere of pure tranquility.

Overnight: Sant’Antioco
Included: Breakfast

We traverse the stunning salt flats after crossing the bridge and leaving the island behind. The vibrant hues of the settling tanks create a mesmerizing spectacle, enhanced by the graceful presence of pink flamingos. Venturing into the heart of the countryside, we arrive at the charming historic village of Tratalias, where ancient rural houses encircle the splendid Romanesque church of Santa Maria.

Continuing our journey, we immerse ourselves in the lush fields and vineyards of Carignano, home to one of Sardinia’s most celebrated wines. This distinguished red, known for its rich, full-bodied character and velvety tannins, has earned prestigious accolades, reflecting the deep-rooted winemaking tradition of the region.

As we near the end of this stage, a short yet highly recommended detour leads us to the breathtaking beach of Porto Pino. Here, you’ll be captivated by the crystal-clear waters and the ethereal beauty of its towering white dunes—one of the most enchanting coastal landscapes you will ever encounter.

Overnight: Sant’Anna Arresi
Included: Breakfast