Ogliastra

Travel independently or take a private transfer to Tortolì  where you’ll spend your first night.

You’ll begin by heading south to discover some of the best beaches in the area such as Orrì, Cea and Cardedu. You’ll find this stunning landscape made up of  sand and pebbles, reddish rocks with a crystal-clear sea and low Mediterranean scrub. Travel through Barisardo, famous for its Aragonese lookout tower, to your accommodation for the night which you’ll find on the coast by a spectacular white, sandy beach.

Cycle inland today and explore the countryside as you ride up the Rio Pardu through the olive groves and vineyards which produce the famous Cannonau wine. As you cycle up to Gairo and Osini Vecchio, the first sequence of tacchi (heels) swings into view. These imposing limestone rock formations dominate many sections of Ogliastra. Visit the textile workshops and the caves of Su Marmuri in Ulassai on your way to Osini where you’ll spend the night.

As you continue your journey, you’ll marvel at the stunning landscapes you’re presented with today. Travel through one of Sardinia’s loveliest forests and pass through deep gorges covered in holm oaks woods. The outcrops of rock with their shimmering walls have been sculpted by the passage of time. You’ll reach the small hamlet of Ussasai via an unused railway line. The origins and rural traditions of this ancient place date back to the Neolithic age. Your final stop for the day is the charming medieval village of Seui, located at an altitude of 800 metres on the southern slopes of the Gennargentu massif.

As you leave Seui, you’ll reach the highest point of your trip at the majestic Nuraghe Ardasai. This tower shaped megalithic edifice is unique to Sardinia and dates back over three millennia. To the north, take in the stunning Punta La Marmora, the highest peak in Sardinia at 1,834m above sea level. Continue your ride below the breath-taking natural monument of Perda ‘e Liana and along the shores of the upper Flumendosa reservoir before reaching Villagrande Strisaili, one of the Blue zone villages with most centenarians in Sardinia. You’ll find your charming accommodation for the night in an oak wood forest.

Today you’ll journey back to the ocean passing Talana, renowned for its prize-winning cured hams on the way. The next two nights will be spent in the fishing village of Santa Maria Navarrese, which is the south entrance to the Golfo di Orosei, the longest stretch of uninhabited Italian coast.  Explore the fantastic swimming spots that this 40km of secluded sandy beaches and soaring white cliffs has to offer.

On your final day reward your hard work with a boat trip on the turquoise waters of the golfo stopping at the most spectacular beaches, cala Goloritzé, cala Sisine and cala Luna to name a few. If you’re not done cycling, take a loop in the countryside around Santa Maria instead.

After breakfast, you’ll make your way home.