We'll begin in the North Sea in the icy cold waters of the Atlantic and then take you to the warm waters of the Mediterranean, where each coastline has, over time, defined that continent, shaped its history, established its communities since ancient times, inspired and fast-tracked exploration since a bygone era, encouraged trade conditions and attracted tourists and cyclists who make it their dream to enjoy the wonders of its spectacular landscape and scenery. Let's enjoy them too!
Nusfjord Nordic fjord meander
Norway has the third longest coastline in the world and the longest in Europe. The coastline is rugged and indented and regarded as its most remarkable feature attracting tourists worldwide to view the magnificent fjords, islands, and fishing villages, each with characteristics that add to the beauty of the coastline.
On a magnificent narrow and winding coastal road in Norway, we meander from Nusfjord to Haukland Beach with its sheltered bays and coves, deep fjords surrounded by spectacular, dramatic, rugged mountain scenery, dense forests, and deep valleys. In summer, when the sky is clear, the fjords take on a rich azure blue reflecting the sky and contrast against the rugged cliffs and deep green vegetation and forests, completing a masterpiece of a landscape unique to Norway.
Nusfjord is a small fishing village in Norway that lies on the southern shore of Flakstadøya Island in Lofoten in the north. Glaciers created the fjords of Norway that, over 2,5 million years, changed and altered the landscape by carving deep valleys into the coast below sea level. Nusfjord is one of the most famous of many fjords found on the coastlines of Norway. The word fjord comes from an ancient Viking phrase for 'crossing over point.'
As you ride along, you will spot here and there the characteristic red and ochre houses and buildings nestled beneath the majestic Lofoten mountain range along the Vestfjorden. The red colour used for the homes and buildings allows the wood to breathe and dry quickly. The minerals of this natural colour preserve the wood, and it helps it to last longer in this very damp climate.
From Nusfjord, located on the western fjords, with its mountain backdrop appearing chiselled out of the sea like enormous towering sculptures, to the northern islands under the midnight sun, there is a lot to discover as you cycle on quiet and peaceful roads in this magnificent and picturesque region of Norway. While you are touring the North Sea, you may also like to cycle along a stretch of the well-known Atlantic Road route, an engineering marvel and a unique stretch of road which takes you right out to the seashores and is known to be one of the world's most scenic drives.
Surf and turf in Sardinia
On the edge of the breathtaking coastal stretch of Costa del Sud, you'll ride from Teulada to Chia in southern Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean below Corsica, just southwest of Italy. Sardinia has 1,800km of coastline to explore, and we can ride there virtually along the coastline in this beautiful natural region on ROUVY.
Teulada is home to several important archeological sites, including the Phoenician and Roman ruins of Nora, found just a few kilometres south of the town. Other points of interest in the area include the Church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Su Portu Beach, a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Chia is a town in the province of Cagliari, a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful white beaches, such as Chia, Cala Cipolla and Cala del Morto Beach. The historic Chia Tower is a 16th-century Spanish watchtower built to defend against pirate attacks.
Take on this rolling route, suitable for hill interval training with some short but tough little climbs over a quick 20 km with 332m of ascent, where your rewards will be the views at the top of each climb. The route in the opposite direction from Chia provides more stunning views of the unspoiled coastline from the other side on a traffic-free road.
