Journeys through history - discover these trips through the past that you can do either by bicycle or on foot in Valledoria, in Sardinia, to enjoy and contribute to an active and sustainable level of tourism during your holidays.
On this page we would like to suggest some of the short trips that you can do while on holiday here in Sardinia.
These can be done by bicycle, or on foot, as you prefer, but either way they will allow you to enjoy an active and eco-friendly holiday while here in Sardinia, and also to discover the history, nature and magnificent scenery of our area as you unhurriedly pass through it.
Route 1
The River road
We decided to call our first trip this, because it follows the stretch of river used by the ancient Roman ships, which followed this stretch from the Mouth of the river as far as the Thermal baths at Casteldoria.
In a completely protected area, and starting from the parking area at the Foce at Valledoria, this is a short trip which stays close to the river for the first part, and which then takes a special route along the top of the river dyke, constructed during the drainage scheme of the lower valley in Anglona which was started in 1926. After about 11 Kms you arrive at the Terme di Casteldoria, or Casteldoria Thermal Baths, discovering a thermal spring which was known as far back as the time of the Romans.
A small example on the map.
Here are the main facts and figures about this route, which is recommended for mountain bikes:
Distance 11.16 km
Expected time 0:24:58
Ascent 37 mt.
Descent 16 mt.
Altitude at departure 0 mt.
Altitude on arrival 21 mt.
Minimum height gain 0 mt.
Maximum height gain 30 mt.
in order to make this route as accessibile as possible, it is public and saved on Bike route toaster (actually waiting for an update), one of the most appreciated and frequently used sites for working out routes that are visible on-line.
Photographs of the route will be published shortly, in order to make it simpler to follow.
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Route 2
San Pietro - Monti Ussoni
This route starts from the seashore, beside the little church of San Pietro, and follows a path that is exhilarating and sometimes demanding. It winds around several bends through the pine groves by San Pietro al mare, and then follows the cycle path which goes alongside the road to la Ciaccia. Here it starts to climb, and where it ends, the route continues up a dirt track towards Monti Ussoni, following the curves that trace the profile of the hill, until you arrive at the transmitting station at the summit of the hill and the end of our journey. From here there is a tremendous view out over the whole Golfo dell'Asinara, which on a clear day with an empty sky is quite stupendous. It is easy to imagine being here, looking out at the sea, our neighbours those who created the Nuraghe l'Eni, on the road below to Castelsardo. Keep an eye out for travellers out at sea, who often use this stretch of coast.
Distance 9.81 km
Expected time 0:55:06
Ascent 336 mt.
Descent 22 mt.
Altitude at departure 5 mt.
Altitude on arrival 319 mt.
Minimum height gain 5 mt.
Maximum height gain 320 mt.
This route is best done by mountain bike or, if you have more time, on foot, since it covers a distance of almost 10 kms, but with a good height gain of over 300 metres.
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Route 3
Valledoria - Baia Ostina
if you are thinking of following this third route, then you should be starting out from the main square in Valledoria, in front of the Town Hall.
The first part is very easy, following the cycle path along the main street which is Corso Europa, and the continuing towards and through La Ciaccia, up to the far end of the village.
From here on it is dirt road, which runs parallel to a splendid view of the sea, with the rocky coastline of Franzina on your right, and the Monti Ussoni massif on your left.
Following this enchanting route, you arrive at the sheltered bay of Baia Ostina, an area already known during Roman times, as witnessed by a small stretch of paved road going towards Castelsardo, and some pottery fragments, found underwater in the bay.
Distance 7.78 km
Expected time 0:36:00
Ascent 44 mt.
Descent 45 mt.
Altitude at departure 18 mt.
Altitude on arrival 17 mt.
Minimum height gain 7 mt.
Maximum height gain 33 mt.
This route is recommended for mountain bikes, or on foot if you have more time, and it covers a distance of almost 8 kms, but it is almost entirely flat.
Have a happy active and sustainable holiday, in Sardinia in Valledoria, with Ciao Valledoria
