When it comes to mountain biking in Sardinia, thoughts often turn to the mighty Gennargentu massifs or the inland trails. Yet, in the heart of Sulcis, lies an island that in recent years has become one of the most attractive destinations for those who love cycling immersed in nature.
Sant'Antioco, Italy's fourth largest island and connected to Sardinia by an artificial isthmus of Roman origin, is a blend of crystal-clear sea, volcanic cliffs, Mediterranean scrub, Nuragic remains, and trails seemingly designed specifically for mountain biking. This area is experiencing a boom in outdoor tourism thanks to the project. Sant'Antioco Bike Island, born from the commitment of the association The Two Lions, which has created a network of marked itineraries capable of enhancing every corner of the island, from the most accessible panoramic routes to the most technical trails with sea views.
With the arrival of summer, ours too Nostromingus He moved his headquarters here, continuing to cultivate the curiosity and desire to explore that we've come to appreciate in his stories. And what better way to truly get to know Sant'Antioco than by exploring it on an e-MTB?
A tour that smells of the sea
I'm on vacation in Sant'Antioco when Monica and Pino, two friends from Verbania, arrive. Pino is part of the group. The Timeless And over the past few months, we've shared so many excursions. He suggests a complete tour of the island. No need to think twice.
Before leaving we visit Gianluca Aiò, the soul of the Sant'Antioco Bike Island project, whose work has helped transform the island into a true reference point for mountain bike enthusiasts.
We prepare the e-MTBs and set off from the port of Sant'Antioco.
The first kilometers flow quickly towards Is Pruinis, Portixeddo, Maladroxia e Coequaddus, between beaches with turquoise waters and the intense scent of the Mediterranean scrub. From here begins one of the island's iconic features: the famous Cats' PathA technical but consistently enjoyable single track that runs suspended between the blue of the Gulf of Palmas and wind-sculpted rocks. It's one of those trails that forces you to stop several times, not because of the effort, but to admire the view.
The ride continues towards Cape Sperone, the southernmost tip of the island, where the sea seems to merge with the horizon. The climb to the former Semaphore, a historic lookout point of the Navy, requires a bit of energy but offers one of the most spectacular views of the whole Sulcis area.
Shortly after the path passes next to the Tomb of the Giants, precious testimony of the Nuragic civilization, before reaching Is PraneddasHere nature offers one of its masterpieces: the famous Arch of KissesA natural monument carved from ancient volcanic rock by the action of the sea and wind, overlooking a natural emerald pool. An iconic site that alone is worth the trip.
The second part of the ring passes through mercury e Cala Lunga, alternating fun trails with a sea view and fast dirt roads until reaching Calasetta, the characteristic village founded in the eighteenth century by Ligurian families from the island of Tabarka, still recognizable today by its white houses and typically Mediterranean atmosphere.
The last stretch, passing by Cussorgia, takes us back to the Sant'Antioco seafront after about 70 kilometers of authentic fun.
The sea as a reward
The day was hot, very hot. But the beauty of cycling in Sant'Antioco is that the sea is always there waiting for you.
So we didn't miss a swim in the crystal clear waters of Cala Lunga, followed by an excellent sandwich and a well-deserved Ichnusa, the best way to toast to a perfect day.
The route data
Location: Sant'Antioco (SU)
Length: about 70 km
Positive difference in height: 1.100 m
Recommended bike: e-MTB (but with good preparation the tour can also be tackled on a muscle bike)
The tour of Sant'Antioco is much more than a simple itinerary: it's a continuous journey through sea, history, and nature, where every climb is rewarded with extraordinary views and every trail reveals a different side of the island.
It's not hard to understand why, in just a few years, Sant'Antioco has become one of Italy's emerging mountain biking destinations.
And, as Nostromingus would say, it's one of those trips that, once you've finished it, already makes you want to go back.
THAT TIME WITH PIPPO MARANI
