Escape to Sardinia - Things to See & Do in Olbia, Sardinia

A holiday to the world renown beaches off theSurrounding Nuoro are mountain ranges with
northeast coast of Sardinia would be heaven enoughestablished trails which offer walkers or riders the
for most people, but for those who crave diversityopportunity to take in the magnificent, untamed
they may be surprised to learn how much else thislandscapes and varied wildlife, including buzzards,
region has to offer. All an intrepid traveller needs is aeagles and wild boars. Alternatively visitors can make
car and a map and a whole other world full oftheir way through the passageways and grottoes
archaelogical wonders and indigenous treats opens up.beneath the mountains in nearby Oliena or check out
Although it is possible to fly into Alghero Airport, Olbiathe extensive and elaborate murals painted over the
Airport would be the normal point of entry just a 2houses in neighbouring Orgoloso.
hour drive away on the opposite side of the island.There is no denying, however that the biggest draw to
There are a wealth of Olbia Airport car hirethis region is the Smeralda Coast. Virtually untouched
companies to choose from and these are AM Service,until the 1960s when the Aga Kahn discovered its
Avis, Easycar, Ellepi, Europcar, Eurorent, Hertz, Italy bybeauty and descended on the region with his
Car, Maggiore, Matta, Midarent, Pinna, Ruvioli, Sardinya,uber-wealthy, glamorous entourage. Since then it has
Sixt and Smeralda Express.become a magnet for the rich and famous and yachts
Originally founded by the Greeks, Olbia is the majorthe size of oil tankers can regularly be seen doing the
port in Sardinia and ferries from Civitavecchia (Rome)rounds here. One of the most adored destinations is
and Naples arrive here. Although it is not the mostPorto Cervo which is a drive north from Olbia up the
beatific of cities, there are many signs of its ancientSS125 and then the SP59, a journey of around 40
past to be appreciated. Dating back to the nuragic age,minutes.
there are evidence of this and its many subsequentThis is where the beautiful people come to play, with
occupations to be found in the form of a Punichigh-end, designer boutiques and spiffy restaurants to
necropolis and Roman baths. There are other littlecater to their every whim. Just across from here is the
architectural treasures to be found as well such as thearchipelago of La Maddalena which is stunningly
granite 12th century Church of San Simplicio and thebeautiful with a host of unique wildlife and accessible
Church of San Paolo built in the 1600s.by boat. One among these groups of islands is
Just a 2 hour drive south and you come to Nuoro,Caprera where you can visit a museum dedicated to
where you can truly indulge in a flavour of the realthe Italian hero Garibaldi for a charge of around EUR5.
Sardinia. Situated on Monte Ortobene, this traditionalIt shows a recreation of how the military figure use to
village in the mountainous heart of the country is onelive, with original items of furniture, books, weapons,
of the few places untouched by foreign invasion and,private letters and other personal effects.
as such, has managed to keep many of its ancientHowever, there are plenty of other tantalising beaches
customs. These are exhibited in the Museum of Lifealong this 55 km stretch of coast to choose from
and Popular Tradition, which displays objects such aswhich are less expensive and easily reached by car.
jewels, textiles and weapons as well as exploring theThe waters range in colour from the pale blue sea of Il
village's festivals, folklore and music. Nearby is thePevero and La Celvia beaches to the rich turquoise of
National Archaeological Museum which features aCalo Grano and Liscia di Vacca, which lap against
small but interesting display of items from the Neolithicdreamy, pinky white sands and offer idyllic locations to
period and the Dark Ages.release any pent up tension.