Mountain Biking in Ogliastra: The 7 Most Spectacular Trails
The best MTB routes in Ogliastra: from the Supramonte to the coast, through dirt trails and limestone towers. Difficulty levels, elevation gains, and tips.
Ogliastra is an emerging MTB destination that is attracting the attention of cyclists from across Europe. Dirt trails crossing the Supramonte, white gravel roads between limestone towers, technical descents towards the sea: the terrain offers an extraordinary playground for two-wheel enthusiasts.
The 7 Routes
1. Golgo Loop — Baunei - Distance: 22 km - Elevation gain: 650m - Difficulty: Intermediate (S1–S2) - Time: 3–4 hours
Starting from Baunei, you climb towards the Golgo plateau on a panoramic dirt road. The route crosses the plateau through sheepfolds and Mediterranean scrub, with a detour to the Su Sterru sinkhole. A fast descent heads to Santa Maria Navarrese on singletrack, returning to the village on tarmac.
Highlight: The view over the Golgo plateau is breathtaking. Stop at the church of San Pietro for refreshments.
2. Tower Coast — Arbatax/Tortolì - Distance: 18 km - Elevation gain: 350m - Difficulty: Easy (S0–S1) - Time: 2–3 hours
A coastal route connecting the beaches of the Tortolì area: Lido di Orrì, Porto Frailis, Red Rocks. A mix of dirt road, coastal path, and short tarmac sections. Perfect for families and beginners.
Highlight: Stop for a swim at every beach. Pack your swimsuit!
3. The Jerzu Towers — Jerzu/Ulassai - Distance: 35 km - Elevation gain: 900m - Difficulty: Advanced (S2–S3) - Time: 4–5 hours
The most demanding loop. You set off from Jerzu, climb towards the limestone towers on a steeply graded dirt road, cross into the Ulassai municipality on a technical trail, and descend to the valley on exposed singletrack. A lunar landscape among the limestone towers.
Highlight: Views over the Jerzu towers with the Cannonau vineyards in the foreground.
4. Via dei Centenari — Villagrande/Arzana - Distance: 28 km - Elevation gain: 750m - Difficulty: Intermediate (S1–S2) - Time: 3–4 hours
An inland route through the Blue Zone. It links Villagrande Strisaili to Arzana along forest dirt roads and ancient mule tracks. The path winds through holm-oak woods, past springs and pristine mountain scenery.
Highlight: Stop in Villagrande for a coffee with the centenarians at the village bar.
5. Santa Maria Coastal Trail — Baunei - Distance: 15 km - Elevation gain: 450m - Difficulty: Intermediate (S2) - Time: 2–3 hours
From Santa Maria Navarrese you climb towards Baunei on a mixed trail. Panoramic views over the Gulf of Orosei. Technical but enjoyable descent. Option to extend the ride to Pedra Longa.
6. Seui Loop — Seui - Distance: 30 km - Elevation gain: 800m - Difficulty: Intermediate–Advanced (S2) - Time: 4–5 hours
Seui is the highest village in Ogliastra. The loop crosses holm-oak and chestnut forests, passes the Gennargentu saddle, and offers panoramic views of the valleys below. The section along the old disused railway line is a hidden gem.
7. Perda Liana Explorer — Gairo - Distance: 20 km - Elevation gain: 550m - Difficulty: Intermediate (S1–S2) - Time: 3 hours
A route leading to the base of Perda Liana, the iconic isolated limestone tower. Forest dirt roads and a final technical trail. The landscape setting is unique.
MTB Rental and Guides
Bike Rental MTB rental is available in Tortolì, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Baunei. Approximate prices: - Hardtail MTB: €25–40/day - Full suspension MTB: €40–60/day - E-MTB: €50–80/day
E-MTBs are particularly recommended for itineraries with steep elevation gains (Jerzu Towers, Seui Loop).
MTB Guides Certified guides lead groups on all routes. Guided excursions: €40–60/person for a half day. The guides know unmapped trails and secret variants.
Recommended Equipment
- Helmet — mandatory (full-face recommended for S3 routes)
- Gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads for advanced routes
- Puncture repair kit (tubeless recommended on limestone terrain)
- Plenty of water (at least 2 litres)
- GPS with pre-loaded tracks (mobile coverage is poor inland)
- Sun protection and sunglasses
When to Ride
- October–May: Ideal period. Perfect temperatures for physical exertion
- Summer: Too hot during the middle of the day. Ride only early morning (6–10 am) or late afternoon (5–7 pm)
- After rain: Limestone trails become slippery. Wait 24–48 hours
Ogliastra as an MTB Destination
Ogliastra is emerging on the European mountain biking scene. The advantages over established destinations (Finale Ligure, Lake Garda) are clear: less crowded trails, wilder landscape, lower cost of living, and the possibility of combining MTB and sea swimming in the same day. An irresistible combination.
