Imagine walking a road that winds through green mountains, crystal clear sea and wild landscapes, the salty breeze that caresses your face as the continuous curves lead you into the unknown. This is the kind of journey that changes you, an adventure that makes you feel free as never before.
Sometimes there are places that seem to come out of a dream, yet they are real. This is the case of the SS125 east of Sardinia, a road that cannot be described in simple words, you have to live it. Every curve, every view, every emotion I have experienced on this road has been unique and in this article I want to take you with me on a journey that I undertook a few months ago, together with my father, in search of that freedom that only the bike can give.
This motorcycle trip on the SS125 in Sardinia was not born from a sudden idea, but from something I had always dreamed of doing. For months I had seen videos on YouTube, read articles and heard stories of motorcyclists who spoke of this road as one of the most beautiful experiences to live on two wheels. The SS125 Sardegna, the famous "Orientale Sarda", seemed to offer everything I was looking for: breathtaking views, adrenaline curves and a deep connection with the wild nature of the island. So, after hearing so much about it, my dad and I decided that it was time to leave.
We chose October, a perfect month to enjoy Sardinia without the tourist crowd of summer, but with the risk that the weather could be unpredictable.
Preparation was essential, every detail mattered. We had chosen to face the journey by ship, leaving at night to arrive at dawn and start our journey fresh, with energy still intact. With us, only the essentials: the bags for the trip, the right equipment and an irrepressible desire to leave, to feel the asphalt under the wheels and freedom in the air.
The journey to Genova, however, was certainly not the easiest. We started riding our bikes from Brescia, our city of residence, but we had already guessed that it would not be a quiet route. The weather forecast had warned us: rain would accompany us all along the way, and so it was. In a continuous alternation of grey clouds and heavy rain, the journey turned into a long march under a stormy sky; but there was something fascinating about that weather. The rain, though incessant, seemed to prepare the arrival in a place where the sun, like a lighthouse, was already waiting for us.
When we landed on the magical island, the doors of the ship opened and an immense sun enveloped us, blinding us for a moment to then show us an incredible panorama. It seemed to have arrived in Paradise: the song of the birds echoed in the air that smelled of sea, while the sweet rustle of the waves caressed the beach, a real magical place. From here we went to the place where we stayed for the entire stay of our trip, the location is called Budoni and it is from there that all our adventures started to discover this fantastic territory.
On the first day we ventured into "wild Sardinia", diving in the heart of the island to discover enchanted places, hidden and little known, where nature still reigns supreme. From Budoni we took the road that goes up to San Lorenzo and then continue towards countries that followed the latter of which I do not remember the names: they were so small, almost hidden, inhabited by a few souls, but I remember perfectly the emotions that left me. I saw incredible places, I almost had trouble believing in their existence, but it was all true: a harsh and wild nature, roads that climbed through curves and hairpins carved into the mountain, artificial lakes suddenly appeared in absolute silence, in the middle of nowhere. An extraordinary journey, which gave me a deep sense of freedom and a rare calm. An experience to enjoy, savoring every moment, between breathtaking views and curves that seemed to dance with nature.
On the second day we finally walked the road that we had been dreaming of doing: The SS125 East Sardinian, one of the most beautiful roads in Italy.
From Budoni we headed towards the south of Sardinia along the state road 125. In order the main countries we crossed: Posada, Siniscola, Orosei, Dorgali, Baunei and Arbatax where our journey ended.
But that road was much more than just a journey: it was an experience. An endless sequence of curves that meandered between mountains, deep gorges and breathtaking views over the sea. Every curve was an invitation to adventure, every straight a breath of breath immersed in breathtaking landscapes. From Dorgali to Arbatax it was a unique pleasure: 60 km of only right - left, left - right curves! I would call it perfection, what every motorcyclist dreams of doing, a road with endless curves and incredible landscapes.
About halfway through those 60 kilometers of perfection, we reached the top of the pass: the highest point of this extraordinary road. To welcome us, a large group of motorcyclists all still like us after having faced a long series of challenging but exhilarating turns. There, among the smiles and chatter of those who share the same passion, was a simple but incredibly cozy bar. A short break, a hot coffee in your hands and a look at the horizon: it was the perfect time to recharge your energy before getting back on the bike and face other wonderful intrepid turns.
It’s in moments like these that you realize why you love to travel by motorcycle. Every curve is a small achievement, every kilometer a new discovery. And when you stop, you really feel the sense of everything: freedom, sharing, the connection with your bike and the road, meetings with other unknown bikers who speak the same language: that made of passion. Just a few glances, a few words exchanged in front of a coffee, and there are sincere friendships born, even for a moment. They tell you about their journey, the roads traveled, recommend a curve not to be missed or a panoramic point where to stop, and you do the same, because you know that those who travel on two wheels are never really strangers.
After that brief but intense stop, we set off again. The road has started to go down again, but it has not lost a shred of its charm. The curves seemed drawn with a brush, the views became more and more incredible, with glimpses of the sea that suddenly appeared between the rocks.
As we approached Arbatax, the sea profile began to dominate the horizon. The light of the afternoon glided between the rocks and the blue of the water, creating golden reflections that accompanied us as a silent guide to our destination. When we arrived, we stopped in silence to look at the sea.
Also there we made a short stop to eat and immediately after we headed to the nearest beach to enjoy the sea and the beautiful sunny day.
Arbatax was the end of our journey on that road, but also the beginning of a new awareness: Sardinia, the bike, the SS125... This was not just a dream come true, it was something more. It was a memory to keep forever and the promise that one day, perhaps, we would returned.
The next day we still wanted to discover, of kilometers and new emotions. So, leaving behind the intense memory of the day before, we decided to go back north: towards Costa Smeralda.
From Budoni we took the SS125 again, this time going towards Sardinia North. The road, as always, did not disappoint us. Also in this section the SS125 has kept its magic intact: gentle curves alternate with more technical sections, landscapes that changed continuously and small towns scattered between green and blue.
Traffic was practically absent, the temperature perfect, and every kilometer brought us closer to one of the most iconic areas of Sardinia. But, as always, it was not the destination that made the difference but the journey itself.
We made several stops along the way, impossible not to stop. Some countries have intrigued us from the beginning: small and quiet towns, with low houses and bright squares, where time seemed to flow more slowly. Each stop was an opportunity to breathe deeply the atmosphere of the area, to enjoy a view from above or just to look around and feel part of something bigger.
One of the most beautiful moments was when, after an uphill bend, a spectacular view opened before us: the emerald-colored sea, the islands on the horizon, and the rocks carved by the wind that framed the coast as in a painting. Those colors, those scents, that air so pure... They were everything we hoped to find in this area of Sardinia.
Arriving in Costa Smeralda by bike was something special. Not only for the beauty of the place, but for the way you get there: after various curves, emotions, silences and moments of sharing, the destination welcomes you, but it is the journey that has already filled your soul.
The last 2 days we decided to enjoy a well-deserved relaxation, touring the various spectacular beaches in Sardinia. After a long road, curves faced and breathtaking landscapes, it was time to finally enjoy the beauty of Sardinia from another perspective: that of its spectacular beaches.
We toured some of the most beautiful and famous bays on the island, stopping to swim in crystal clear waters and relax under the sun that, although October, was still warm. Each beach had its own charm: some quiet and isolated, others more lively and animated, but all incredible. The fine golden sand, the sea that changed from turquoise to intense blue, and the salty air that refreshed our skin offered us a perfect contrast with the adrenaline of previous days.
Every moment spent by the sea gave us the feeling of having lived to the full Sardinia, not only through its streets, but also through its beating heart: the uncontaminated nature and peace that only these beaches can offer.
I have to say that I was very enthusiastic about this trip: without a doubt it was the most beautiful motorcycle trip of my life. It left me so much: unforgettable landscapes, moments of sharing that I will always carry with me and that unique feeling of freedom that only the bike can give.
My goal now is to return and travel the part of Isola that I have not yet explored: western and southern Sardinia
You are probably wondering what tires I used for this trip and which ones are ideal to drive on these roads.
I used the Metzeler Sportec M5 mounted on an Aprilia Dorsoduro 750. The tires behaved in a sublime way, they did not give me any kind of problem: they always offered excellent grip, both in cold and in the most demanding conditions such as disconnected roads. They gave me the confidence to tackle every crease with confidence, without ever losing stability or precision. Even after hundreds of kilometers, consumption was more than regular, a sign of a well-balanced mixture.
The Metzeler Sportec M5 I bought on GripMoto.com site that is specialized in the sale of tires for motorcycle and I can only recommend it. The site is intuitive, great prices and fast shipping: everything you need to prepare yourself before you leave.
If you are thinking of a trip like this or just want to give new life to your bike, GripMoto.com is a safe reference point on which to count.
During our motorcycle trip to discover Sardinia, we did not miss any gastronomic stop. Because let’s say it: traveling on two wheels opens the appetite and in Sardinia every opportunity is good to sit at the table and taste the specialties of the island.
Here are 5 places that I recommend absolutely where to go to eat if you are around here, whether you are on a bike or not: you will find authenticity, tradition and taste.
One of the most tasty stages of our trip was undoubtedly this small gastronomy a few steps from the sea. Here we tasted a really spectacular octopus sandwich, fresh and cooked to perfection. But here you can find really everything: ready meals, local specialties and many delicious options to take away or eat on the spot. The place is simple but very welcoming, friendly staff and prices more than fair. If you are in the area, it is a stop that is absolutely worth.
Another stop in search of the taste that I would recommend is in Budoni, more precisely in the center of the country, in the pub downtown. Here we went in the evening to eat after a long day among the curves of the SS125. The Pub was very welcoming. We ordered some really tasty, hearty burgers prepared with quality ingredients. All at a decidedly honest price, which never hurts when traveling. A simple but perfect place for those looking for a delicious meal in a quiet and pleasant location.
During our tour along the SS125, we stopped for a short break in Orosei, a village that is definitely worth a visit. In the center we found a simple but hospitable bar, perfect for a quick stop. A sandwich on the fly, a chat with the locals and off again in the saddle. Sometimes you don’t need much to recharge: a quiet place, a well-made sandwich and the desire to immediately start again towards new curves.
Going down from the SS125 in the direction of Arbatax, as soon as the road opens onto the sea, you will find Santa Maria Navarrese: a small coastal oasis with a cove and a pretty beach bar directly on the beach. Here we stopped for a lunch break overlooking the sea, ordering fresh sandwiches and some light snacks, all accompanied by a refreshing drink. The perfect place to relax with your feet on the sand, breathe in the sea breeze and admire the turquoise color of the water: a simple but unforgettable experience.
Arrived in Costa Smeralda, we could not stop at Palau for an authentic gastronomic experience. The house of Iris is the ideal place for those looking for the typical flavors of the sea on the island: we tasted a local dish from the name escaped my memory, but it was really exceptional, with fresh fish and simple condiments but great character. The place is relaxed and informal, perfect for a quick but quality meal, with the possibility to take home prepared specialties or enjoy the meal on the spot. If you pass by Palau, it is an address to mark absolutely!
I conclude this story with an invitation from the heart: always pursue your dreams and your passions, without hesitation. If you feel the call of the road, do not wait for the perfect moment: start. Life is one, and it deserves to be really lived.
If you’ve never done this, I highly recommend exploring Sardinia by bike. It’s an experience that can really leave you something inside, change you, open your eyes to beauties you didn’t even think could exist. You will find yourself in front of authentic places, amazing views and roads that seem designed for those who love to ride.
Finally I invite you to follow the Instagram and Facebook page of GripMoto.com to discover all the adventures made by the guys of this fantastic community of bikers. Trust you can find some really nice😜
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