North Sardinia

Arrive in Cannigione, either independently or by arranged transfer. Settle in, stretch your legs, and enjoy your first easy stroll by the water.

You’ll explore the quieter side of the famous Costa Smeralda. Ride from Cannigione through Arzachena, climb to the artists’ village of San Pantaleo, then sweep down to Porto Cervo, pleasantly peaceful outside peak season. Continue along the coast to Baia Sardinia before looping back to Cannigione.

Example hotel: Hotel Del Porto

Follow the coastline to Palau and hop on the ferry to lively La Maddalena. From here, cross the little bridge to Caprera, once home to Garibaldi. Return the same way, finishing back in Cannigione with the sea right beside you.

Today brings a change of scenery as you pedal inland. Ride through Arzachena and into the hills around Sant’Antonio di Gallura, where lakes and cork forests stretch for miles. Strange granite formations appear around every bend. Tempio Pausania, known for its cork workshops, is your home for the night.

Example hotel: Hotel Pausania Inn

Start the day with a visit to Aggius, known for its folk and banditry history, then continue through the evocatively named Valley of the Moon, with its weather-shaped granite rocks. Roll back towards the sea and finish in Castelsardo, a beautiful clifftop town overlooking the bay.

Cycle the coastline to Lu Bagnu, then turn inland over the soft hills of Anglona, passing Nulvi and Osilo. The views widen as you go. End the day in Sassari, Sardinia’s second-largest city and an easy place to wander, eat, and people-watch.

Example hotel: Hotel BB (Superior room)

Enjoy the sweeping descent of Scala di Giocca before easing your way along quiet backroads to Alghero. With its Catalan touches, lively old town, and sea-air evenings, it’s a fitting finale.