The best cycling routes around Gèsturi/Gesturi

There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Gèsturi/Gesturi, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 30 reviews.

The landscape of Gèsturi/Gesturi transforms throughout the year. Spring is particularly beautiful, with the Giara di Gesturi plateau appearing lush with many plants and wild orchids in bloom, and the 'paulis' (seasonal pools) at their fullest. While summer and autumn offer different scenery, spring provides a vibrant and ample environment for cycling.

The routes in Gèsturi/Gesturi cater to various abilities. You'll find 6 easy routes, 3 moderate routes, and 17 difficult routes. This range ensures that both beginners and experienced touring cyclists can find suitable challenges.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Gèsturi/Gesturi are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Giara ponies – Giara di Gesturi Plateau loop from Giauni/Genuri is an easy 16 km loop, and the Small Stone Chapel – Giara ponies loop from Gèsturi/Gesturi is a shorter 5.6 km easy loop.

While cycling in Gèsturi/Gesturi, you'll primarily explore the Giara di Gesturi plateau, characterized by its rolling green landscape, extensive cork oak forests, and Mediterranean scrubland. You'll also encounter unique seasonal pools known as 'paulis' and have the chance to observe the famous wild Giara horses.

Yes, the region is rich in history. The Giara di Gesturi plateau itself features prehistoric rock tombs, known as Domus de Janas, and remnants of Nuragic villages. A significant site nearby is Su Nuraxi Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the foot of the Giara Plateau. You can also find the Bruncu Madugui village and nuraghe.

The wild Giara horses, or 'Cavallini della Giara,' roam freely across the Giara di Gesturi plateau. Many cycling routes are designed to offer opportunities to observe these unique animals in their natural habitat. For instance, the Giara ponies – Giara di Gesturi Plateau loop from Parco della Giara parcheggio is a popular choice for this.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique opportunity to observe the wild Giara horses, the stunning views from the basalt plateau, and the immersive experience of cycling through cork oak forests and Mediterranean scrubland.

While many routes are shorter loops, there are options for longer rides. For example, the Pinnetta – Giara di Gesturi Plateau loop from Su Nuraxi is a challenging 43 km route that allows for an extended exploration of the plateau and its surroundings.

Absolutely. The elevated position of the Giara di Gesturi plateau, around 500 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding land, extending from Gennargentu to Campidano and even out to sea. You can also visit the Giara Plateau Park and the Pauli Maiori Wetland, which are notable natural monuments.

The terrain on the Giara di Gesturi plateau varies. You'll find a mix of easy, mostly paved paths suitable for all skill levels, as well as unpaved and more challenging trails that require good to very good fitness. The routes wind through forests and expanses of lava rock, offering a diverse cycling experience.