Its name means ‘happy’, and that’s how you’ll feel when the lively town of Olbia is the first to welcome you to the treasures of Sardinia: the second you step off the plane or boat, the rapturous fragrance of Mediterranean scrub will revive your senses and make you feel brand new. And that’s just the start of what you’re going to experience on this extraordinary island: the harsh and magical landscape with its wind-sculpted red rocks, the charm of ancient herdsmen traditions, the luxurious lifestyle of the Costa Smeralda jet-set, not to mention emerald green crystalline waters like you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.
Land
Italy
Main City
Rome
Surface
376.10 km²
Population
56,231
Density
150/km²
PUNTA EST RESTAURANT
We highly recommend Sardegna’s Punta Est Restaurant at sunset. One of the best panoramic views for the perfect outdoor dinner in Sardinia is just 25 km south of Olbia, uphill from Coda Cavallo Cape, and pretty secluded: when the winding road up to Villaggio Punta Est seems over, go just a bit further to discover a huge car park, leave your car, cross the street and step down the stairs into an arcade. You’ll reach a lovely square with breathtaking views of Tavolara and Molara islands. Now sit down and enjoy happy hour at the Blue Bar or a delicious grilled fish dinner at Ristorante Punta Est.
PHI BEACH
Phi Beach is the perfect spot for an open-air laid-back party night in Olbia. The Costa Smeralda is notorious for being ultra-posh and ‘invite only’. However, some of its most celebrated luxury joints and nightclubs seem to have lost some of their appeal recently. Since the secret of charm is always attitude and personality, it’s easy to see why Phi Beach– Lounge Bar & Disco Club in Baja Sardinia – has rapidly become one of the coolest places to spend the night dancing on the seashore under the stars, in a totally relaxed and easygoing atmosphere where you’ll find very different kinds of people, but all having a blast.
NURAGHE RIU MULINU
Historically, the island of Sardegna is radically different and quite mysterious compared to Italy as a whole. Many of the most interesting monuments here are archaeological finds dating back to 2000 BC and called Nuraghe, fort-like constructions made of granite blocks, with long walls and towers, which seem to always blend perfectly into the mountainous contours and surrounding verdant wild nature. One of the best preserved is Nuraghe Riu Mulinu, perched on the hilltop of Cabu Abbas, just a few minutes north of Olbia. This is a magical place for whoever wants to spend a special and timeless day.
