The best traffic-free bike rides around Bànari/Banari

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Bànari/Banari, located in Sardinia, Italy, primarily feature rolling hills and mountainous sections. You can expect significant elevation changes, with routes often traversing wild, remote landscapes and ancient forests. The region's diverse geography includes both challenging ascents and scenic valleys, characteristic of Sardinia's interior.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes currently available around Bànari/Banari are generally rated as difficult. They involve substantial elevation gains and cover longer distances, making them more suitable for experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge. For example, the Nuraghe Attentu, Ploaghe loop from Ploaghe covers over 32 km with more than 500 meters of elevation gain.

The routes often pass by significant historical sites. For instance, the Noeddale Necropolis, Ossi – Necropolis of Mesu ‘e Montes loop from Campomela takes you past both the Noeddale Necropolis, Ossi and the Necropolis of Mesu ‘e Montes. Other notable ancient structures in the broader region include various Nuraghi, such as Nuraghe Santu Antine di Torralba, and Domus de Janas (prehistoric chamber tombs) like Domus de Janas di S’Ena de Cannuja.

Yes, all the no-traffic touring cycling routes listed for the Bànari/Banari area are circular. This allows you to start and end your ride at the same point, making logistics simpler. An example is the Nuraghe Corvos – Thiesi historic centre loop from Ìtiri Cannedu/Ittiri, which offers a full loop experience.

Sardinia generally offers a favorable climate for cycling almost year-round. However, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller, contributing to a more serene, no-traffic cycling experience. Summers can be very hot, and winters might bring cooler, wetter conditions.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Bànari/Banari, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the remote and quiet nature of the routes, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the opportunity to explore Sardinia's authentic interior away from busy roads. The historical sites encountered along the way are also frequently highlighted.

While specific viewpoints are not always marked, the routes traverse diverse Sardinian landscapes, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, valleys, and ancient forests. You might encounter unique geological formations and rugged terrain. The broader region is known for its varied geology, including impressive rock formations and caves, which can be explored as separate highlights like the Rock Formations and Caves of the Sardinian Highlands.

Given that many of these routes start from smaller towns or rural areas, parking is generally available, though it might be in village squares or designated public parking areas rather than large dedicated trailheads. For routes starting from locations like Campomela, such as the Nuraghe Attentu, Ploaghe loop from Campomela, you would typically find parking within the village itself.

The no-traffic routes around Bànari/Banari often pass through or near traditional Sardinian villages. While the routes themselves are designed to avoid traffic, these villages can offer opportunities to stop for refreshments at local cafes or small shops. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer sections, as services might be sparse between villages.

Given the challenging nature of the routes and the remote terrain, it's essential to pack appropriately. We recommend carrying plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a basic bike repair kit (including spare tubes and a pump), sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and layers of clothing suitable for varying temperatures. A fully charged phone and a navigation device with offline maps are also highly recommended due to the remote nature of some sections.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes currently listed for Bànari/Banari are rated as difficult due to their length and significant elevation changes. This makes them generally less suitable for families with young children or beginner cyclists. These routes are better suited for experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenging ride.