If you are a fan of two wheels, you will be pleased to know that Sardinia is the perfect destination for mountain biking. Between stunning sea views, pretty towns and a wild natural landscape, biking in Sardinia is a fantastic adventure and the dream of many.
Sardinia is not a densely populated island, so cycling is relaxing even though there are a few things to keep in mind.
In this article, I will mention a few popular routes, but if you are planning a cycling holiday in Sardinia and you are traveling with a campervan, you can always decide to bike across more than one trail.
Biking in Sardinia – What to consider
- The weather. Virtually, you can cycle in Sardinia at every season, but you always need to check the weather forecast first. For example, spring is the perfect season for biking in Sardinia, but sometimes, especially at the beginning of the season, it rains.
- The location. Make sure you check the map of the location you are going to visit beforehand. You cannot bike across the highway (unless you are motorbiking!), so you need to make sure you know where the country roads will take you and when you will be crossing a village or a bigger town.
- The gear. Whether you are renting a bike or cycling in Sardinia with your own bike, make sure you always have a bottle of water, the mandatory helmet, a lightweight backpack with some healthy snacks, and the right type of clothing.
Cycling in Sardinia – Fantastic routes
La Maddalena and Caprera islands
Whether it’s for hiking, swimming, sunbathing, boat tours or cycling, the wonderful Archipelago of La Maddalena is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sardinia.
Located on the northern tip of the main island and south of Corsica, the La Maddalena Archipelago is a bottomless trove of beaches, scenic coves, and hidden corners, and biking around them offers incredible views, while also being a green way to visit them.
If you feel confident enough, you can rent a bike and tour the islands on your own, but if you want a deeper experience and prefer a local guide to avoid getting lost, there are several bike and e-bike tours around La Maddalena and Caprera like this one and this one.
Click here to find accommodation around La Maddalena
Sinis Peninsula
Stretching over some 40 km between Is Arenas and the Oristano Gulf, the Sinis Peninsula is fantastic for road cycling in Sardinia. You have the sea on both sides, you can ride across small hamlets such as the beach resort of San Giovanni and the ghost town of San Salvatore, and if you are interested in archaeological sites, you can park your bike for an hour and visit the ancient Punic city of Tharros.
Of course, being so close to the beach, no one will stop you if you want to take a break and go for a swim!
The Sinis Peninsula doesn’t have thick vegetation, which means not much shade either. This is why I would suggest this cycling route in Sardinia in spring or early fall, before the rains begin.
👉 If you wish to go with a local guide, here is a guided mountain biking tour that you can book.
Click here to find accommodation around the Sinis Peninsula
Supramonte of Cala Gonone and Dorgali
Dorgali and Cala Gonone, together with Baunei in the same Nuoro province, are home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Sardinia. These, however, can also be unforgettable biking routes. Definitely adrenaline-filled ones, especially if you are looking into mountain biking in Sardinia.
The cycling route between Dorgali and Cala Gonone is not an easy one and is only suitable for pro bikers. The path is mountainous and uneven. Plus, it’s not always well marked, and this is why I strongly recommend joining a tour or hiring a local guide.
If you go on your own, there is a high chance you will get lost. This will make you nervous, more tired than you should be and that’s a pity because the area and the views are truly amazing and among the most famous in Sardinia.
Apart from being safer, local guides can also provide e-bikes to make your experience less tiring and more pleasant.
👉 Here is a good Cala Gonone and Dorgali e-bike tour.
Click here to find accommodation in Dorgali
L’Asinara National Park
The Asinara National Park is a small island northwest of Sardinia. You can reach L’Asinara by ferry and one of the best ways to explore it really is by bike. In fact, this is one of the places biking enthusiasts often pick to cycle in Sardinia.
Unspoiled nature and no traffic are some of the reasons why biking around the Asinara island in Sardinia is a pleasure and a favourite destination for bike riders.
You can cycle around L’Asinara on your own by renting a bike in Porto Torres or also an electric bike if you want the freedom to choose when pedaling and when resting! After renting the bike, you will reach the Asinara island by ferry.
Click here to find accommodation near L’Asinara
Cagliari Old Town
Who said that you can only go mountain biking in Sardinia? While cycling through our unspoiled nature and finding virtually no traffic gives you peace of mind, city slickers will also love biking through the alleys of Cagliari’s historic center, Castello.
Biking through all the historic neighborhoods of Cagliari, including Villanova, Marina, and Stampace, you will combine cultural sightseeing with beautiful views while enjoying a couple of hours of physical activity.
You can either rent your bike or join a guided bike tour like this one.
