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Italy : Sardinia

E-bike Cycling on the Costa Smeralda

Trip code: C07SM 4.7 (3 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

13.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Complimentary
e-bikes

SUMMARY

  • Sparkling turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, undiscovered coves, far reaching coastal views
  • Visit Porto Cervo, glamorous capital of the Costa Smeralda
  • Prehistoric nuraghi, boundless vineyards, ancient cork forest, hilltop artists' villages
  • Island hop to the stunning isles of la Maddalena and Caprera

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • E-bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Wine tasting on day 5
  • Agent App

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Cannigione

Arrive in Cannigione, the gateway to the Costa Smeralda.

You stay at Hotel del Porto.

hotel details



Hotel del Porto, Cannigione

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Cash machine
Visa
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


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.

Day 2: Cannigione to Palau via La Maddalena (41km/25.5mi)

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.

hotel details



Hotel Piccada, Palau

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


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.

Day 3: Palau to Santa Teresa Gallura (25km/15.5mi)

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.

hotel details



Hotel Muita di Mari, Santa Teresa Gallura

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Bank
Cash machine
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


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.

Day 4: Santa Teresa Gallura to Stazzo (29km/18.0mi)

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.

hotel details



Tenuta Pilastru, Near Arzachena

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


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.

Day 5: Nuraghe loop ride (21km/13.0mi)

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.

hotel details



Tenuta Pilastru, Near Arzachena

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


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.

Day 6: Stazzo to San Pantaleo (21km/13.0mi)

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.

hotel details



Hotel San Pantaleo, San Pantaleo

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
Pool
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


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.

Day 7: San Pantaleo to Cannigione (35km/21.7mi)

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.

hotel details



Hotel del Porto, Cannigione

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Cash machine
Visa
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon


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.

Day 8: Leave Cannigione

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £254.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

Ferries to and from la Maddalena are not included. An indicative cost for this is 14 euro per person. E-bikes are a great way to tackle the more challenging routes on this trip but we would not recommend these for anyone out of practice on a bike. E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes and as such are better suited to proficient cyclists who need a boost up the hills! Please contact us to discuss if you are unsure on the suitability for the user.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Olbia airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

All the Hotels were spotless all staff very polite and helpful Food was tasty and well presented in the hotels we dined in. The E-Bikes were to a high standard and well maintained a pleasure to ride Magnificent scenery and wonderful beaches so take swimming costumes in the panniers



Do'nt give it a second thought book it and get on your bike

Mr Atkinson, 1 Oct 2022

 

Headwater are a great company to holiday with, Communication, holiday route and hotels met our expectations and more! This is our second holiday with Headwater and will be back again in the future.

Thank you.

Mrs Leonard, 2 Jul 2022

 

This holiday had a lot going for it - wonderful scenery, nice hotels, good food, friendly, helpful people. Overall, I enjoyed it but there were, unfortunately, two negative issues. First, a lot of the cycling was on very busy main roads with lorries, buses, motorcyclists and fast cars. On days when there were strong cross winds I found the experience unnerving at times. The second was the shortness of the routes. Four of them were less than 20 miles, the other two just over 20 . Admittedly they were often hilly but hills present few problems for an ebike rider and with limited opportunities to stop this meant that I was often arriving at my destination by mid-day - on two occasions before my room was ready and in one 4 hours before the arrival of my luggage. I appreciate that logistically there are probably no alternatives to the use of the main roads and the particular routes chosen but additional options, as on other Headwater holidays would have benefitted me.

Mr Sinclair, 4 Jun 2022

 


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

13.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Complimentary
e-bikes

Please call for prices.

Call: 01606 720199

 

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