These are just some of the many reasons why it is worth loading your two-wheeler on a ferry and tackle a Sardinia motorcycle route. Jump in the saddle and start discovering this beautiful region! Except for a few “incursions” towards the central areas, we’ll offer you a complete tour of the island’s coasts so you can fully enjoy the sea breeze as you whizz along with your trusted travel companion.
Discover Sardinia by bike
Whether you start from the north, the centre or the south, we recommend that you arrive in Olbia, which is connected with the ports of Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno and Piombino.
Alternatively, you can get to Cagliari where ferries from Naples and Palermo also dock. We will divide our Sardinia motorbike itinerary in such a way that, whatever your starting point, you won’t have any problem in reaching any of the areas we are going to propose to you.
The northern coast of Sardinia
Our tour of the island of the four Moors starts from what is probably the most famous area, or at least the most fashionable: the Costa Smeralda. Located on the north-eastern tip of the island, it is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and for this reason, it has become famous in the four corners of the globe. From Olbia you can reach the famous Porto Cervo: you can take the SP82 and proceed along the sea to Golfo Aranci, which is definitely worth a stop.
When you want, take the provincial road 16 then the SP99 and then the 73 to continue your route Sardinia bike along the coast. Near Portisco passes on 94, which will take you even further north. At Abbiadori take the SP59 and arrive at Porto Cervo to experience a bit of the essence of the emerald life. At this point, you could return to the hinterland, where you can not only see the typical historical and archaeological wealth of the region but also taste the famous Vermentino di Gallura, produced in these areas.
The journey continues towards Palau, a small village from which you can reach the beautiful islands of the Archipelago of La Maddalena. Did you know that Garibaldi chose to retire to finish his days in one of these islands? Visiting his house-museum and his tomb will be a great way to pay homage to the hero of the two worlds. Go back to the mainland and go to Santa Teresa di Gallura, the Italian end of the Mouths of Bonifacio, a very colourful town and where you can certainly go down and recover a little ‘strength.
But the journey must continue: take the SP09 and discover the northernmost coast of the island. Castel Sardo and Porto Torres are two of the many places worth seeing. If instead of continuing to Sardinia, you want to proceed to France for an itinerary of the Côte d’Azur and Provence, it is from here that you have to leave! The arrival of this first stage of the Sardinia motorcycle route is Stintino: white beaches straddling the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Mediterranean will welcome you to finish in beauty!
Western Sardinia
The next 360km will take you from north to south, passing through some of the most particular (and pristine) areas of the island. For example, did you know that Alghero is called “Barceloneta” because it speaks Catalan? Obviously, this is just one of the many special features of the city and the only thing to do to get rid of any curiosity is to visit it from top to bottom. From Alghero take the SP105: it is known to be one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Probably travelling on two wheels you will know – at least famous – but trust me, even if it will be a choice a little ‘inflated, letting go on this road will be worth it. Think of it as a candidate for a World Heritage Site!
Continuing towards the south, you can pass through the hinterland and visit the lesser-known areas of Sardinia. Lose yourself in those places where time seems to have stopped and when you want to return to the city visit Oristano and Iglesias. Then take the SS126, which will take you back to the heart of the island and take you directly to Sant’Antioco, the last stop on this route in western Sardinia.
The south of the island and the east coast
Starting from Sant’Antioco our next goal will be Cagliari (starting point for those arriving by ferry from the south). Before reaching the capital of the region, we recommend that you at least take a look at the Bay of Chia, one of the main tourist centres in the area. And if you never have enough of the sea, after Cagliari you will find the marine protected area of Capo Carbonara. Unspoilt coves with fine sand, Mediterranean scrub that blends with the blue of the sea and paths overlooking rocky promontories. Here it is worthwhile to put on your tripod and continue on foot.
At this point, it is time to close the circle. Take your bike back and head towards the SS131 that will take you to the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park, the icing on the cake of our Sardinia bike route. Located in the central-eastern area, in the province of Nuoro, the park encloses (and preserves) in 44 thousand hectares of surface an infinity of natural beauty and biological resources that you will hardly find elsewhere.
Like all beautiful things, our motorbike ride along the island is coming to an end. From Nuoro to Olbia you can continue on the SS131 if you do not want to pass along the coast, otherwise, there is the SS125 and you can return to the starting point.
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