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La Piazza Blog & Stories
7 Picture-Perfect Sardinia Bicycling Destinations
Photography
July 20, 2019

7 Picture-Perfect Sardinia Bicycling Destinations

Sardegna

Sardinia is one of the most enigmatic and enchanting islands in Europe.

It is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. Sardinia is a magical mix of mountains, hills and beautiful coastline ready for beautiful photography.

And these features also make for exceptional cycling.

Ciclismo Classico has been running its Savor Sardinia trip for almost 30 years. Many of our guide team come from Cagliari and Alghero. Thus, we have a deep knowledge of Sardinian traditions and culture.

But we also know its artistic side.

Photographers will find inspiration in the beautiful ancient nuraghe and the colorful murals painted across the island.

So even if you haven’t heard of its famous cheeses, you will still go home with some stunning images.

Cycling & Photographing Sardinia

Here are just seven of our favorite Sardinian destinations. This is what to look for when you roll on by.

Alghero

This village of over 40,000 inhabitants is known as “Little Barcelona.” In the mid-1500s, the island was under Catalonian rule. The flag of Catalonia is still visible in the city’s coat-of-arms today.

But the visual context is extravagant. Imagine a fabulous rocky coastline surrounded by a crystal-clear sea. The aqua-greens and blues sparkle in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Yet these plummeting cliffs are off-set by lush olive groves and green pastures. A “must-photograph” for any amateur, Alghero offers a wide variety of cycle routes and subjects for your lens.

Villasimius

Villasimius is one of Sardinia’s most sought-out tourist destinations. It is also a journey for the senses. The fresh bouquets of juniper, Scotch broom and myrtle fill the air. Such fragrances are accompanied by stunning views!

Located in the South of the island, this little village is known for its golden-white beaches and clear water. The roads along the high ridge – above the beaches – allow for beautiful views along the flats just outside of Cagliari.

And if the coastline weren’t enough, be sure to photograph the islands just outside in the bay of Villasimius: L’Isola dei Cavoli and L’Isola di Serpentara. The boat procession in July between these islands makes for great action photography.

Passo Ghenna Silana

Remember that Sardinia is more than just beautiful coastline. The Passo Ghenna Silana takes you up 1010 meters above sea level towards the stunning Goruppu Canyon.

Towards the north, you can see the foreboding Supramonte. This mountain range was the center of much prehistoric history. Wells, nuraghes, dolmens and many other ancient structures lattice the mountainsides. These buildings are a testimony to the ancient peoples which inhabited these mountains.

Today, they create mysterious and expressive depth in images.

Su Gologone

Su Gologone is the best combination of hardened limestone massifs and rushing alpine water.

This natural spring comes from over 135 meters deep and releases water at an amazing 500 liters a second. It is the most important spring of Sardinia and photographing its rushing waters is not to be overlooked.

The chasms and striations in the rock are more impressive than the waters themselves. This spring has cut its way down to the coast over thousands of years. It created pools and streams, casting reflections of the nature that surrounds them.

Orgosolo

Of course, you can’t travel to Sardina and not be inspired by the many murals covering the island.

A trip to Orgosolo wakens you to the artistic movement which captured the island during the early 1900s.

Murales depicting political and social events, family and farm-life adorn storefronts. Over 150 works cover the town, noteworthy for their colors and stylish approach.

Riding through this village is parallel to biking through an art gallery in Orgosolo, and your camera won’t stop clicking!

Fonni

The highest village on the island, Fonni is surrounded by ancient forests and prehistoric remains.

It lies perched in the Gennargentu mountain range, right in the middle of Sardinia. The architecture is stunning with its Francescian convent of 1610 and the oratory of San Michele from 1760.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Fonni during August, be sure to check out the Fonni Palio. Similar to the Palio di Siena, it’s a medieval game with a long tradition.

Of course, if you can’t make it to Fonni in August, you’ll still have plenty of murals to photograph. Even at this altitude, the art never stops!

Santa Maria Navarrese

Santa Maria Navarrese is as beautiful a cycling destination as it is a photographer’s dream. It is filled with romantic alleyways, natural wildlife, and historical landmarks.

As the name suggests, the Spanish ruled here in the 17th C. They erected the magnificent Torre Spagnola as a watchtower, keeping vigilance over the eastern shores.

These limestone cliffs are also home to an immense forest. Ancient holm oak trees along with junipers and pines are home for numerous species of rams, falcons, and eagles.

Read more about our cycling destinations to Sardinia.

 

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