Diagonal bike tour

Book Now

Highlights

A road biking tour along one of Sardinia's most beautiful 'diagonals': from the northwest to the central east. We can explore even more by crossing the island on this diagonal route!

Number of days: 8

Level: Enthusiast

Tour code: DAC-25

Price from: € 1180

Support levels

Guided tours: expand to see inclusions

Support level

Guiding. Van assistance. Group transfers from Alghero airport to Alghero; group transfers from Cala Gonone to Olbia. Luggage transport. 10% discount on bike rentals.

Accommodation

2 nights at 4-star | 4 nights at 3-star | 1 night in an Agriturismo

Meals

Four dinners; all breakfasts.

Not included

Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.

Upon request

Individual transfer from Alghero airport to Alghero € 40 p.p.; individual transfer from Cala Gonone to Olbia airport € 250 p.p.; individual transfer from Cala Gonone to Alghero airport 290 p.p.; single accommodation € 300 p.p.; bike rental.

Self guided tours: expand to see inclusions

Support level

Detailed briefing. Access to SardiniaCycling App. Telephone assistance during your stay. 10% discount on bike rentals.

Accommodation

2 nights at 4-star | 4 nights at 3-star | 1 night in an Agriturismo

Meals

Four dinners; all breakfasts.

Not included

Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc; drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; arrival and departure transfer; bike rental; luggage transport.

Upon request

Transfer from Alghero airport to Alghero € 40 p.p.; transfer from Cala Gonone to Olbia airport € 250 p.p.; transfer from Cala Gonone to Alghero airport 290 p.p.; single accommodation € 300 p.p.; bike rental; luggage transport (€ 749 + 10 per pax).

Supported tours: expand to see inclusions

Support level

Detailed briefing. Access to SardiniaCycling App. Van assistance. Group transfers from Alghero airport to Alghero. Group transfers from Cala Gonone to Olbia. Luggage transport. 10% discount on bike rentals.

Accommodation

2 nights at 4-star | 4 nights at 3-star | 1 night in an Agriturismo

Meals

Four dinners; all breakfasts.

Not included

Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc; drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.

Upon request

Technical facts

Number of stages:
6
Total distance:
493.50 KM
Total elevation:
9,600 M

Description

Click here to expand our trip presentation!

A road bike tour on one of the most beautiful 'diagonals' in Sardinia. This tour contains the ingredients for enjoying the freedom of cycling through a landscape that changes by the minute.

You start in the beautiful north-west of Sardinia in Alghero, a real gem in terms of its history and one of the most developed areas of Sardinia in terms of tourism.

From there you continue into the mountains and pass through small villages rich in Sardinian traditions.

This is the tour for those who love to learn about history, culture and traditions. It is also perfect for those who want to discover the unique and beautiful Sardinia, an unspoilt land. And this tour will not disappoint racing bike enthusiasts who like to ride daily stages technically designed to enhance their passion for cycling.

We designed the Diagonal tour with three objectives. To mix the coast and mountains of Sardinia, and to do it well. To make it a very explorative trip but without very hard stages. Last but not least, to end it in a convenient place for the many who like to extend their experience in Sardinia with a few days at the beach or further outdoor exploration: Calagonone is the ideal place for this. And it is not too far from Olbia airport.

The entire route is on perfect asphalt, free of traffic. On this tour you can enjoy cycling without any worries.

All overnight stays are in three- or four-star hotels, carefully selected to offer great comfort and quality food and drink. The mix of beauty, wilderness and great rides, with a focus on logistics, makes the Diagonal a smart bike trip.

Day 1: Welcome to Sardinia

Arrival at Alghero airport, transfer to Alghero, check-in and welcome.

Accommodation:
4-star hotel

Meals:
Breakfast

Day 2: From Alghero to Santu Lussurgiu

A stage of medium-high difficulty level, which boils down to a unique and unforgettable ride featuring some of the best Sardinia has to offer. Durring the beginning of the day, we’ll enjoy magnificent views of the coastline. Toward the middle of the ride, we’ll experience uncontaminated countryside including the lovely San Leonardo forest. The last stretch of the day has a 13 km long climb. After a challenging stage, we’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner and a well-earned sleep at hotel in Santu Lussurgiu.

Distance: 85.4km
Elevation gain: 1,956m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 5h

Accommodation:
3-star hotel

Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 3: From Santu Lussurgiu to Belvì

This stage begins with a trio of descents that lead us out the area known as Montiferru. After riding along the Tirso river we enter Barbagia, the mountainous inner heart of Sardinia. As we gain altitude we can begin seeing the mountains and begin experiencing a countryside where nature dictates the rhythm of life. We continue to weave our way up through the pristine green forests of Barbagia. After arriving at Belvì, one of the few centers in Sardinia dedicated to mountain tourism, we will have dinner and then sleep comfortably at the hotel.

Distance: 91.3km
Elevation gain: 1,940m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 5h

Accommodation:
3-star hotel

Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: From Belvì to Orroli

Starting the day out heading south, we soon pass through Gadoni and are greeted by a wonderful descent with hairpin turns that leads to the Flumendosa river. The Flumendosa is very important as it collects water in the Barbagia and brings it to the south of the island. In doing so it has carved out the gorge we must now climb out of. This section of road brings us up into the Addoli forest before descending down to the Lower Flumendosa lake. We must once again climb to bring us to our destination, Orroli. Before we stop for the day we will visit the Arrubiu Nuraghe, which is a mere 5 km from our hotel.

Distance: 76.8km
Elevation gain: 1,382m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 3,50h

Accommodation:
3-star hotel

Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 5: From Orroli to Villanova Strisaili

This stage is one of the jewels of the tour – an unforgettable must-ride. The majority of the riding is above 900 m in one of the wildest areas on the island. It’s one of the few places where you can still enjoy countryside without a hint of man's presence. It'd be the best apetizer before having dinner and sleeping in an agriturismo.

Distance: 93.1km
Elevation gain: 1,975m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 4,30h

Accommodation:
Agriturismo

Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 6: From Villanova Strisaili to Arbatax

After four days in the mountains, we meet the sea again, this time on the east coast of Sardinia. The first stretch on this stage is relaxing with easy ups and downs in the Supramonte of Talana mountains. A Supramonte is a mountainous complex, which is divided according to the municipal areas in which it falls. It's by definition an uninhabited and wild area. In Sardinia is synonimous with unspoilt nature because of its harsh environment. A paradise for us cyclists that we can enjoy kilometrs of quiet roads and primordial nature. Finally we ride a fun and scenic downhill to the long flat stretch that separates us from the coast. Overnight in Arbatax.

Distance: 73.9km
Elevation gain: 921m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 4h

Accommodation:
3-star hotel

Meals:
Breakfast

Day 7: From Arbatax to Cala Gonone

This stage wraps up the whole tour with a spectacular range of scenery. The Supramonte of Baunei features limestone rocks hosting Mediterranean vegetation. After a medium long ascent at the beginning of the stage, the road levels out for a while before leading to the final climb of the tour. Fortunately it features a low gradient which enables us to admire the majestic rock formations of this part of Sardinia. Its all down hill from here, a 25 km decscent into Cala Gonone to be exact. Time to celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip. Overnight here next to the beach.

Distance: 72km
Elevation gain: 1,396m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 3,45h

Accommodation:
4-star hotel

Meals:
Breakfast

Day 8: Goodbye Sardinia

Transfer to Alghero/Olbia airport and end of services.

Dates and prices

Support level	Departure	Price	Book now
Support level: Guided group tour Price for min 6 people	Departure: 05 September 2025	Price: € 1970	Book now:
Support level: Self guided \| early season	Departure: Apr 10 - Jun 21, 2025	Price: € 1230	Book now:
Support level: Self guided \| late season	Departure: Sep 1 - Nov 15, 2025	Price: € 1180	Book now:
Support level: Supported tour Price for min 6 people	Departure: Apr 20 - Jun 20, 2025 \| Sep 1 - Nov 15, 2025	Price: € 1680	Book now:

Bike rental service

the SardiniaCycling way...

Unlike most tour companies, we operate an in-house rental service, offering top-quality bikes tailored to enhance your journey. We believe that the right bike can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. Instead of prescribing a specific model, we invite you to choose the bike that best suits your riding style from a wide range of platforms, models, and sizes. To make things even easier, when you book your trip, you’ll receive a 10% discount code to apply to your bike rental.

Go see the bikes!

Plnning for your next Diagonal bike tour

We suggest the following arrival and departure locations. The earlier flights will help us arranging transfers or other activities such as bike rental formalities, bike fitting and all services that are provided individually.

Best landing airport

Alghero
Best departure airport

Olbia

Transfer time from airport to hotels is about 15 minutes on landing, 1.30h on departure.

Logistics

Packing and Weather

Sardinia is a region known for mild Mediterranean weather. It generally features warm, dry weather which makes these rides particularly enjoyable. The spring and fall can see the highs range from the 18s to 25s (Celsius), while the lows are generally between 14 and 18. Summer highs are generally between 28 and 25. We always recommend bringing along riding layers and even a bit of rain (might happen in Spring and Fall) gear so you can keep riding comfortably throughout the day.

Transfers

Sardinia Cycling arranges group transfers from and to the closest airport for the trip: Alghero (arrival) / Olbia (departure). Individual transfers can be also planned and the cost might depend from the departure or arrival location, from the transfer time and it can also be influenced by the presence of bulky luggage, like a bike case. Other transport option is public transport. About this last opportunity, we suggest you using Google Maps and select 'public transport' from and to your selected destination. In any case, we're ready to help you selecting the quicker, smoother and most cost effective solution.

Go Custom

Sometimes your trip on Sardinia simply isn’t long enough! Extend your stay for the best vacation possible. If you wish to spend a few days in our lovely island either before or after your trip, and need assistance making those plans, we're available help. Self guided and supported trips can be extended too and that can happen in any intermediate location along the itinerary: we can help selecting the best one!

Terrain

One thing riders learn soon is that Sardinia is hilly. The terrain is varied, with gradual and short, or very long and progressive climbs throughout the week. The Gravel Ring is best suited for our 'Challenge' riders. The routes have been designed to avoid busy roadways, that are very rare in a large and sparsely populated island. However, very little urban riding and short sections of busy roads are unavoidable in Sardinia.There are a few hundred meters on single trail as well has a few short section where carrying the bike is needed: it's little and for a good reason!