Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
13.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Complimentary
e-bikes
Sardinia's north western coast, the aptly named Costa Smeralda, has been enchanting visitors for years with its stunning rugged coastline, beautiful inlets, impeccable white sandy beaches and of course impossibly turquoise seas. This 7 night self guided holiday takes you to some of the highlights of the Emerald Coast, as well as to its lesser known inland wine area, inner heartlands and traditional hilltop villages, which sit perfectly placed between Sardinia's craggy mountains and the glittering sea.
Explore la Maddalena, an island of simply exquisite beauty encapsulating the very best coastal vistas of pristine shores, deserted coves and shimmering waters. Pedal into the heart of the Gallura countryside, once the territory of smugglers and bandits that hid in the age old cork forest. Sample some of the best wines Sardinia has to offer from its abundant Vermentino vineyards and discover the mysterious nuraghe - remarkable Bronze Age remains that are unique to Sardinia. Pick up a souvenir at the lively market in the artists' village of San Pantaleo and wander the chic, pastel coloured lanes of elegant Porto Cervo before ending the trip in Cannigione, the gateway to the Costa Smeralda.
Your accommodation for the week is in comfortable hotels with enviable positions, including a stunningly converted stazzo with spa facilities, and a 3* hotel just a stone's throw from the bustling harbour in Palau.
Whilst every effort has been made to avoid main roads on this trip, some small sections are unavoidable. Roads in Sardinia are generally quiet, but there is a notable increase in traffic to this popular part of Sardinia in the hot summer months of July and August. If you prefer quieter roads and to avoid very hot weather, it's better to come outside these months
Arrive in Cannigione, the gateway to the Costa Smeralda.
You stay at Hotel del Porto.
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The family run Hotel del Porto is located just opposite Cannigione's lovely marina. It started life as a popular local restaurant before the family decided to add guest rooms; today, it is a *** hotel and has retained its restaurant as well as adding a guests' lounge area and bar. The comfortable bedrooms are all ensuite and decorated in the traditional Sardinian pastel blue colour.
Pedal along the coast to Palau, then hop on a ferry to La Maddalena, a National Park and one of the 60 islands in Sardinia's largest archipelago. There are breathtaking views as you follow the stunning coastal road around the island. Cross to the island of Caprera, the resting place of Garibaldi, the unifier of Italy, before returning to vibrant Palau.
You stay at Hotel Picada.
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The strategically positioned Hotel Piccada in Palau will allow you to enjoy the quiet and unspoilt Isolotto beach, a brief walk will take you to the marina where you'd be hopping on a ferry to La Maddalena. This welcoming hotel has comfortable and bright bedrooms and is in the perfect location to explore Palau's vibrant shopping streets.
Head for the hills and the pretty village of San Pasquale for spectacular views of La Maddalena archipelago. Continue on tranquil country lanes to the charming seaside town of Santa Teresa, with its rugged coastline and gorgeous sandy beach, and views over to Corsica on a clear day.
You stay at Hotel Muita di Mari.
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The family run Hotel Muita di Mari is conveniently located in the centre of Santa Teresa Gallura, and just a 10 minute walk from the town's superb sandy Rena Bianca beach. The hotel has just 10 spacious bedrooms, which are simply decorated but bright and airy, with each benefitting from a small balcony. The hotel also boasts a restaurant and pizzeria with terrace, a bar and a large area for guests to relax in.
Detour to the promontory of Capo Testa for superb vistas over to the Bonificio Strait then head into the peaceful Gallura countryside with its endless cork forests, dramatic wind carved boulders and craggy peaks looming overhead. Overnight in a stunning Sardinian stazzo, a series of lovingly converted rural dwellings, with swimming pool and wellness centre.
You stay at Tenuta Pilastru.
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The Tenuta Pilastru boasts a dramatic setting, surrounded by the wind carved granite rocks that typify the Galluran landscape. This stazzo - a rural building that has been converted into hotel accommodation - sits in 150 hectares of gardens and untouched parkland. The beautifully decorated rooms are in bungalow style accommmodation, with most rooms having their own private entrance and patio area, and overlooking the gardens. Some of the fantastic facilities at the Tenuta include a wellness centre and restaurant, where you can also dine al fresco.
Cycle along quiet country lanes to the megalithic Giant's Grave of Coddu Vecchiu and the Nuraghe la Prisgiona, the fascinating stone remains of a Bronze Age village. Today the sites are surrounded by endless Vermentino vineyards. Savour the prize-winning wine in a local winery (wine tasting included) before returning to your stazzo.
You stay at Tenuta Pilastru.
MastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAircon
The Tenuta Pilastru boasts a dramatic setting, surrounded by the wind carved granite rocks that typify the Galluran landscape. This stazzo - a rural building that has been converted into hotel accommodation - sits in 150 hectares of gardens and untouched parkland. The beautifully decorated rooms are in bungalow style accommmodation, with most rooms having their own private entrance and patio area, and overlooking the gardens. Some of the fantastic facilities at the Tenuta include a wellness centre and restaurant, where you can also dine al fresco.
Ride to colourful Arzachena, the town around which the Costa Smeralda emerged, then climb to the lovely village of San Pantaleo, nestled below towering granite crags. A haven for artists and sculptors, wander round the village's cobbled streets and its art shops and cafes and enjoy its lively artisan market (Thursday morning).
You stay at Hotel San Pantaleo.
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The Hotel San Pantaleo is a traditional family run hotel with restaurant and bar in the centre of the charming artists' village of San Pantaleo. The comfortable rooms all have whitewashed walls and tiled floors, with furniture in pretty pastel colours. It's possible to eat dinner by candle light on the terrace over the summer months.
Superb cycling today as you make your way back to the Costa Smeralda. Lunch perhaps in glamorous Porto Cervo with its exclusive boutiques and fine dining, then pedal past white sandy beaches, hidden inlets framed by fragrant juniper bushes and impossibly turquoise waters to Cannigione.
You stay at Hotel del Porto.
ShopsCash machineVisaWiFiTVMinibarAircon
The family run Hotel del Porto is located just opposite Cannigione's lovely marina. It started life as a popular local restaurant before the family decided to add guest rooms; today, it is a *** hotel and has retained its restaurant as well as adding a guests' lounge area and bar. The comfortable bedrooms are all ensuite and decorated in the traditional Sardinian pastel blue colour.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
13.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Complimentary
e-bikes
