Olbia

In the region known as Gallura, the Gulf of Olbia is spectacularly backed by an amphitheatre of granite mountains and extraordinary wind-sculpted rock formations. To the south of the city rises the knife-edge of Tavolara Island, towering over the bay. To the north is the glamorous Costa Smeralda and other resorts, all lapped by the same limpid turquoise seas. Inland awaits a different world, going back 30.000 years when the first human settlements were established in Gallura. The area around Arzachena is honeycombed with prehistoric sites, all reminders that this is one of Europe’s oldest islands. Olbia itself often surprises visitors who venture beyond its functional port area. The compact historic centre reveals a genuine Sardinian character, with narrow streets lined with independent shops and traditional enotecas serving local Vermentino wines. Unlike the manufactured glamour of nearby resorts, the city maintains an unpretentious atmosphere where cafe life unfolds in sun-dappled piazzas.