Bike Touring

Northeast Sardinia offers an unforgettable experience for bike enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this region provides a perfect backdrop for bike touring, offering everything from challenging mountain trails to leisurely coastal routes.

Scenic Routes and Trails

1. Costa Smeralda Coastline
Description: The world-famous Costa Smeralda offers breathtaking views of emerald waters and rugged coastlines. Cycling along this route, you will pass through luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and charming coastal towns.

Highlights. Porto Cervo, Baia Sardinia, and Cala di Volpe.

2. Gallura’s Countryside
Description: This inland route takes you through the rolling hills and granite landscapes of Gallura, dotted with ancient cork oak trees and picturesque vineyards.
Highlights: Visit the charming town of Tempio Pausania, explore the archaeological site of Nuraghe Majori, and enjoy local wines in the village of Monti.

3. Maddalena Archipelago
Description: A ferry ride from Palau takes you to La Maddalena, an island offering a network of cycling routes with stunning coastal views and crystal-clear waters.
Highlights: La Maddalena town, Caprera Island (home to Garibaldi’s house), and various secluded beaches.

4. Monte Limbara
Description: For more experienced cyclists, the climb to Monte Limbara offers challenging terrain and rewarding panoramic views of the region.
Highlights: Dense forests, rocky outcrops, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Cultural and Historical Highlights

1. Arzachena’s Nuragic Sites
 Explore the ancient Nuragic civilization through sites like Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Tombs.
 Highlights Archaeological sites and insights into Sardinia’s prehistoric culture.

2. Santa Teresa Gallura
   -This coastal town is known for its Spanish-influenced architecture and the impressive Longonsardo Tower.
   –Highlights: Rena Bianca beach and ferry trips to Corsica.

3. Olbia
The gateway to northeast Sardinia, Olbia offers a blend of ancient history and modern attractions.
Highlights Roman aqueduct, Basilica of San Simplicio, and vibrant waterfront.

Practical Tips

Best Time to Cycle – Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal due to milder temperatures and fewer tourists.

Bike Rentals : Available in major towns like Olbia, Arzachena, and Santa Teresa Gallura.

Safety: Wear helmets, carry sufficient water, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Accommodation: Plenty of bike-friendly hotels, agriturismi, and campsites are available along the routes.

Conclusion

Bike touring in Northeast Sardinia offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical challenge. With its varied routes, stunning scenery, and welcoming local culture, this region is a cyclist’s paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Northeast Sardinia promises an unforgettable biking experience.

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The sea is the undisputed star at Santa Teresa Gallura, a town of about 5,000 inhabitants that in the summer swells to include tens of thousands of tourists who enliven it with aperitifs in chic bars and live music. It looks out over the rocky shore of Bonifacio and was founded in 1808 by King Vittorio Emanuele I of Savoy on the site where the village of Longosardo (or Longone) once stood, then renamed after his wife, Maria Teresa.