Cycling holidays in Sardinia
Bike Hotels1Surrounded by white beaches and crystal-clear sea, Sardinia is the ideal destination for a cycling holiday in a wild, unspoilt landscape. The island offers countless mountain bike routes of all kinds, winding along the dirt roads, single-track and mule paths that lie between the coast and the…
Surrounded by white beaches and crystal-clear sea, Sardinia is the ideal destination for a cycling holiday in a wild, unspoilt landscape. The island offers countless mountain bike routes of all kinds, winding along the dirt roads, single-track and mule paths that lie between the coast and the hinterland.
In Gallura, for example, it’s possible to follow paths once used by smugglers and pirates along Sardinia’s north-west coast, characterised by hidden bays, enchanting coves and fascinating rock formations shaped by the wind.
Those who prefer road cycling can explore a vast network of routes with little traffic, which often meander towards hilltop villages and ancient archaeological sites where you can admire the remains of the Nuragic civilisation. In the mountains of the hinterland, those who love climbing will find what they’re looking for — like the ascent of Monte Limbara, the most iconic peak of Sardinia, from which there is a fantastic panorama of the entire Costa Smeralda.
The almost complete absence of rain between May and October — alongside mild winters — makes Sardinia the perfect location for unforgettable cycling adventures all year round.
Food
Sardinian Pecorino
A cheese originating from the island’s ancient shepherding tradition, Sardinian pecorino is one of the symbols of local cuisine. It’s generally enjoyed at the end of a meal or used to flavour numerous regional dishes. Much sought-after is the artisanal pecorino cheese, available directly from the shepherds.
Malloreddus
Malloreddus — also known as Sardinian gnocchetti — is a typical Sardinian pasta, made from semolina flour and water. The most traditional recipe is malloreddus alla campidanese, with sausage ragout and a pinch of saffron. A generous grating of Sardinian pecorino cheese to flavour the dish is a must.
Seadas
Seadas is the best-known dessert of Sardinian cuisine. It is a sheet of semolina flour filled with cheese, which is then fried and seasoned with regional honey. Best enjoyed with a glass of aromatic wine such as Malvasia di Bosa or Moscato di Sardegna.
History & Culture
An island of ancient settlements, Sardinia has been a melting pot of various cultures that have influenced and enriched its traditions over time, from the Nuragic civilisation, whose most tangible legacy are the nuraghi, to the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Byzantines. Equally ancient is the local pastoral tradition, which in some cases is still practised today with transhumance — in Sardinian ‘sa tramuda’ — the moving of livestock on foot from the mountainous areas towards the lowlands ahead of the winter months.
