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Europe Italy Olbia Do & See Costa Smeralda

Overview

Costa Smeralda

The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

Costa Smeralda lies between Golfo di Cugnana and Golfo di Arzachena, and boasts an extraordinarily beautiful 56-kilometre coastline. This is a real billionaire’s playground, but everyone is welcome to enjoy its spectacular beaches, views and water. There are so many beaches ("spiagge") to choose from on Costa Smeralda, including Spiaggia del Principe, Liscia Ruja and Capriccioli, all famous and fabulous on this dreamy coastline. With warm sands and crystal-clear waters, you're spoiled for choice.

Useful Information

Address: Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Basilica of San Simplicio

Basilica of San Simplicio

Olbia’s top sight is this medieval Pisan-Romanesque church, hewn out of Galluran granite. In the apse there are two 13th-century frescoes, the left-hand one depicting San Simplicio, the patron saint of Olbia. The Festa di San Simplicio, Olbia’s biggest festival, is celebrated for three days in mid-May.

Pevero Golf Club

Pevero Golf Club

If you want to play a game of golf in stunning surroundings you can visit Pevero Golf Club. The Golf Club is located north of Olbia and is claimed to be one of the most beautiful courses in Italy. Here you can find everything you need including a club house and recommended accommodations.

Corso Umberto I

Corso Umberto I

Corso Umberto I is one of the main shopping streets in Olbia. Every night from 7pm this street is closed off from traffic and becomes the perfect place for strolling among shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture.

National Archaeological Museum of Olbia

National Archaeological Museum of Olbia

Right on Olbia’s waterfront, you can find The National Archaeological Museum. The museum exhibits various objects dating back to the Romans, like ship fragments. Because of it being the biggest museum in Olbia, concerts and grand openings are also hosted there.

Mount Altura Fortress

Mount Altura Fortress

Just outside Palau you can find Fortezza di Monte Altura. This fortress has seen many wars, but has remained largely intact. From the fortress you will have a stunning view over Palau, Corsica and La Maddalena. It is highly recommended to go on a guided tour.

Arzachena Prehistoric Sites

Arzachena Prehistoric Sites

Moving away from the coast you can discover megalithic stone circles in the prehistoric remains honeycombing the woods and fields around Arzachena. The Nuraghe Albucciu, 2 kilometres southeast of Arzachena, is one of Gallura’s best preserved nuraghi. About 4 kilometres south of Arzachena lies Coddu Vecchiu, one of the island’s most complete 'giants’ tombs'. Nearby you can also find another giant's tomb, Tomba dei Giganti di Li Lolghi, and the Li Muri Necropolis. Regarded as Gallura’s finest example, the "Necropoli di Li Muri" is estimated to date back to 3,500 BC.

Santa Teresa Gallura

Santa Teresa Gallura

The town of Santa Teresa Gallura is situated on the northernmost tip of the island and has stunning views over the straits of Bonifacio to the island of Corsica. Rena Bianca is the town’s beach, and you can find it only a stone’s throw from the centre, with turquoise water and flour-fine sand. Just to the west, on the headland Capo Testa, there are two beaches. The left hand side is beautiful and ideal for children, and the beach on the right is also beautiful with amazing rock formations. Ferries leave daily for a 50 minute trip to cross the Straits to the town of Bonifacio, in Corsica. This is perfect for a great day out, having French lunch and doing some shopping.

Tavolara Island

Tavolara Island

Isola Tavolara is a little island located southeast of Olbia and is dominated by an imposing stone towering at over 564 metres. This is the perfect spot for nature lovers, divers and for soaking-up the rays on the beach of Spiaggia Spalmatore.

Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda lies between Golfo di Cugnana and Golfo di Arzachena, and boasts an extraordinarily beautiful 56-kilometre coastline. This is a real billionaire’s playground, but everyone is welcome to enjoy its spectacular beaches, views and water. There are so many beaches ("spiagge") to choose from on Costa Smeralda, including Spiaggia del Principe, Liscia Ruja and Capriccioli, all famous and fabulous on this dreamy coastline. With warm sands and crystal-clear waters, you're spoiled for choice.

Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo is the only real town and the Smeralda’s ’capital’, disguised as a Mediterranean fishing village with a curious mix of Moroccan style buildings. This is a pleasant place to stroll, people-watch and to go window-shopping.

Archipelago of La Maddalena

Archipelago of La Maddalena

Dreamy islands with Caribbean-blue seas make up this archipelago on the northeast coast, near the Costa Smeralda. Rocks hewn over thousands of years characterise the landscape. The only inhabited island is La Maddalena, linked with a causeway to Garibaldi’s island, Caprera. You can go on a boat trip and see five of the other main islands, including Budelli, which has a glorious pale pink beach called Spiaggia Rosa, and Spargi.

La Maddalena

La Maddalena

Stroll around this town full of character, cobbled streets and piazzas, and enjoy the decorous passeggiata along the main street, Via Garibaldi. There are also some good restaurants around the squares and pleasant bars in which to linger over a cool drink. The Diocesano Museum is located in the heart of town and has some fascinating exhibits, including two silver candlesticks and a crucifix gifted by Lord Horatio Nelson.

Caprera

Caprera

A causeway links La Maddalena to the pine-covered, macchia-scented Caprera Island. This is an idyllic spot for walking and cycling, as well as visiting the Garibaldi museum.

Excursions

Excursions

Olbia is the hub for excursions to the northeast and its fabled coast. Buses leave just off the Corso Umberto I in all directions, all within easy reach for just a few euros. The town beach is the Lido del Sole, but far better is the white beach of Pittulongu, located 5 kilometres away, with its dreamy views across to Tavolara Island.

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