Sa Serra (Villacidro)

The defining climb of the Campidano province and a local favourite among Cagliari-based cyclists who make the 50km transfer to the Sulcis-Iglesiente foothills. The ascent from Villacidro climbs through chestnut forest on a road that demands respect: the first 4km average a steady 5-6% before the gradient abruptly intensifies through a series of tight switchbacks averaging 9-13%. The summit at 742m opens onto a plateau with views across the Campidano plain to the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is the closest serious climbing to Cagliari and receives regular use from the city's amateur racing scene, particularly on weekend mornings from March through May.