Two Wheels Across Sardinia: Top 5 Beaches in 1 Day?

5 Beaches in One Day in Sardinia? Why Not! Got a free day in Sardinia and eager to discover as many of its magical sandy beaches as possible? Dreaming of that perfect beach where you can refresh yourself in crystal-clear azure waves while recharging your energy through active movement?

If your favorite way of traveling is by bike instead of hiking, this is exactly for you. Strap on your helmet and get ready for an adventure, as I take you to five breathtaking beaches around the town of Orosei. Don’t worry – you won’t need any special e-bike or mountain bike for this ride!

Preparation

Your active day on the bike starts actually the day before. Make sure to get a good rest to build up enough energy for the upcoming adventure. Also, prepare the essentials: stock up on protein bars and bananas from a local store to keep your energy up, as you‘ll be burning plenty of calories throughout the day. Don’t forget to bring enough water – ideally, two 2-liter bottles should be enough to quench your thirst. And, of course, pack some sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun during long hours on the hot asphalt.

In the morning, before setting off, take another look at your maps to have a clear idea of the route. At around 9:00 AM, you‘ll head out from Orosei along the main road. You won‘t take the scenic seaside route that Google Maps might suggest, but instead, you‘ll follow the main traffic road with cars. Just outside of Orosei, you’ll face a small hill, but once you conquer it, a relaxed ride awaits you.

Over 50 km of Adventure!

You now have about 26 kilometers of road ahead, with the blazing Italian sun beating down on you, as you savor every pedal stroke of this challenging journey on the scorching asphalt. The breeze from cycling provides a pleasant relief, making the ride bearable despite the high temperatures. About 6.5 kilometers before your destination, the maps will guide you slightly off the main route, as shown in the image.

I‘ve tried this path myself, and if you choose to follow it, you‘ll encounter a dusty, solid dirt road instead of asphalt. I’m not sure why the maps suggest this route since it was set for cycling, but I have to admit – it was quite fun!

Arrival at Your First Destination: Spiaggia del Moletto

If you prefer sticking to the asphalt road, continue straight and then turn off towards the beach. At Spiaggia del Moletto, you‘ll be welcomed by a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious lunch after soaking up the sun and sea. Congratulations – you‘ve reached your first destination on this cycling route!

Exploring the Small Island Near Spiaggia del Moletto

At Spiaggia del Moletto, you’ll come across a small island called Isola Rossa, which you can easily swim to since the water between the beach and the island is not deep. The swim to the island is manageable, but I recommend bringing flip-flops or water shoes with you. Why?

The surface of the island is quite rough. And If you decide to enter the water from a different side of the island, be cautious—I once nearly cut my feet there because the access was really bad, as I’ll show you in the attached photo. For this reason, proper footwear is essential! Or, if you’re a tough person, you might manage without it.

The ride to this beach, which also marks the farthest point of your cycling day, takes about an hour and a half. After enjoying your time on this beautiful beach, it’s the perfect moment for lunch. You can choose the local restaurant Il Moletto Ostricheria Grill, where you’ll treat yourself to a refreshing local Ichnusa beer (Sardinian) and a plate of ham and cheese—a perfect combination to refuel after the challenging morning ride.

Next Stop: Beach – Spiaggia di Cala Ginepro

Head south towards Spiaggia di Cala Ginepro, which you should reach after about an hour of cycling. You can safely park your bike at the entrance of the beach, either near the pier or by a tree where you can lock it up. Afterward, you can cool off on this long, stunning beach by walking from one end to the other—it’s long enough to give your legs a good stretch. If you prefer peace and shade, you can head to the nearby forest – that’s part of the beach, offering a perfect spot to rest and relax.

The water at Spiaggia di Cala Ginepro is relatively shallow, with rocks scattered along the shore. The shallow bottom makes this beach an ideal place to relax in pleasantly warm water. The soft sand beneath your feet adds to the comfort of your beach experience. After a refreshing swim, you’ll notice it’s already 3 PM—which means it’s time to move on!

Transfer to Spiaggia di Sa Mattanosa

Right next to Spiaggia di Cala Ginepro lies Spiaggia di Sa Mattanosa. Wondering how to get there? Taking the road around might be long and inconvenient. You notice a shortcut across a protrusion into the sea that forms a kind of peninsula, known as Bel Vedere Naturale.

With your bike in tow, you come across a well-worn path that could lead you to Spiaggia di Sa Mattanosa. However, a challenging section awaits you—filled with obstacles like rocks and uneven terrain, making it difficult to push or pull your bike comfortably. But don’t worry! I believe your determination will carry you through all the hurdles. You’re ready to take on this mission and prove to yourself that you can do it.

After about 15 minutes of walking, you manage to cross the peninsula and find yourself on Spiaggia di Sa Mattanosa. Of course, you take the opportunity to cool off in the water, swimming to relax your muscles, and then dry off under the sun. Recharged with new energy, you get ready for the next stop. Think you’ve had enough? Not at all—we’re not done yet!

‘Whats Next? Where Are We Heading?

After a few minutes of cycling, you arrive at Spiaggia di Cala Liberotto, a picturesque little cove hidden between rocks. This slice of paradise allows you to swim between the rocks over a short distance—perhaps just a hundred meters—where an enchanting underwater world awaits you, filled with fish, buoys, and intriguing stones on the sea floor. Don’t forget to pack your diving goggles, as there’s a whole new world beneath the water waiting to be discovered. Preparing for this experience is definitely worth it!

After your “Olympic performance” in diving and 200 meters of freestyle swimming, you dry off and recharge with some sweets or a banana. Even though it might seem like you’ve done enough, your adventure is far from over. You now head to the next beach, this time downhill, offering a perfect spot for relaxation.

Be careful with your bike—you’re not allowed to bring it onto the beach, especially if the same lifeguard is on duty. The lifeguard didn’t let me in with my bike, so I had to securely park and lock it near the road at the entrance to the beach. After that, it was time to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.

Almost Evening Relaxation at the Beach – Spiaggia di Fuile‘ e Mare

Now, after a day full of cycling, it’s time to relax and refresh at Spiaggia di Fuile ‘e Mare. This small, quiet cove, surrounded by cliffs on one side and a forest on the other, offers the perfect spot for some well-deserved rest. In the pleasant evening warmth around 6:00 PM, when the sun is no longer as intense as during the afternoon hours, you can enjoy a peaceful swim and soak in the beauty of the calm sea.

How to End your Day?

After a refreshing swim and some relaxing sunbathing, where you work up a good sweat, it’s time to head back home to Orosei. The return journey will take about half an hour, and after 10 kilometers, you’ll be back at your starting point. In the evening, you treat yourself to a simple dinner: tuna with rice and a cold beer—preferably a fine Czech one. This is true relaxation after a challenging yet invigorating day.

If you’re looking for an even bigger challenge or love riding an e-bike, I’ve prepared a continuation just for you. In the next part, I’ll show you how to combine hiking with cycling, conquer a big hill, and be rewarded with a secluded beach where you’ll be completely alone. So, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter and follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss the next parts!

Flying Easterner

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.