Kissed by the Sun

Olbia is not only the gateway to the luxurious Costa Smeralda, but to the whole Italian island of Sardinia. Lined with gorgeous beaches suiting every taste, this port town is home to stunning natural land- and seascapes.

On average, the sun shines three hundred days a year in Olbia. And that is just one of a string of reasons to fall in love with this northern Sardinian city. Another compelling rationale are the tasty fresh mussels harvested in the Bay of Olbia.

Biking, hiking and dolphin spotting

The Basilica of San Simplicio, situated in the heart of the old town, and the well-preserved Castle of Pedres are two of Olbia’s most popular landmarks. As well as man-made attractions, the region of Olbia stuns with spectacular natural beauty, such as Capo Figari that boasts an impressive promontory and has some nice bike and hiking trails. The enchanting town of Golfo Aranci in the northeast of the island is definitely worth a visit. The calm waters of the gulf are used to farm giltheads and European seabasses. The presence of these fish attracts dolphins that can be spotted from the shore.

Lovely and rich vs. lovely and quiet

The beaches in northern Sardinia are quite simply irresistible. Besides the ones frequented by the rich and the famous along the fashionable Costa Smeralda, the headland of Punta La Greca features delightful little sandy coves and, on the horizon, a shipwrecked cargo ship that sank in 1974.

Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are the island’s “see and be seen” spots. But Sardinia also has plenty of more low-key places to enjoy: the village of Isola Rossa, for instance, that owes its name to the red granite rocks and is a popular venue for scuba divers, surfers - and sun worshippers of course!

Information for golf fans

A holiday that includes golf, or a golfing holiday? What a great decision to have to make! Let our special page inspire and inform you:

• Edelweiss golf tips