Sardinian adventure of sun, sand and scenery

Sardinia, a perfect summer destination for beach lovers and underwater recreational activities, has some of the best beaches in the world. North-eastern part of the Sardinian islands, especially Olbia may be lesser known to tourists and hence less crowded and more affordable. With turquoise and azure blue waters set against white sandy beaches, north east of Sardinia is still not popular amongst tourists especially Indian expats living in Europe (rarely you’ll find an Indian). Rocky beaches with calm and crystal clear waters in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea have such an alluring appeal to tourists.

Best time to go

You can either enjoy hotter weather in June-July but you’ll find crowded beaches with people thronging everywhere and highly priced resorts or on the other hand around mid or towards end of May before the season begins would be an ideal time. You will find lesser crowds. Resorts and hotels are comparatively cheaper around this time. Climate can be pleasant and not sultry hot. But on the flip side, with temperatures not too high the beach waters can be chilly to get in.

How to get there?

When compared to the more popular Cagliari on the south or the French islands of Corsica on the north, Olbia in itself might not be a happening place but is an ideal base to stay if you want to explore the north eastern part of Sardinia. Best way to reach Olbia is the Costa smeralda airport with many budget airlines operating flights from major European cities. The frequency of flights however is not much. If you are already on mainland Italy for a vacation, there are ferries operating into Olbia from Naples, Palermo, Genoa etc., The duration of the ferry travel depends on the port you depart from.

Accommodation: Olbia town has many hotels. There are some resorts along the main roads on outskirts of Olbia which are closer to the beaches but would be only suitable for travelers with car. Driving throughout the north east of Sardinia is doable from Olbia.

Luna Lughente (authors’ choice) Resort hotel with friendly staff, good restaurant and an infinity pool with spectacular view of gulf of Olbia. Only drawback is its little difficult to spot from the road.

Travelling within

Best way to travel within Sardinia would be to rent a car and drive around since public transport is not that great. Numerous car rentals available at Olbia airport like: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt etc.,

Sightseeing

Although there are some archaeological sites (Giants’grave) on Sardinia, the obvious choice of sightseeing in and around this region is beach hopping. There are umpteen beaches.

Pittulongu beach – one of the closest beaches from Olbia town.

Costa smeralda (Emerald coast)- considered to offer one of the scenic drives along the Sardinian coast. There are many places to stop and take photos of this superb coastline. Porto Cervo on this coast has lavish villas and fancy yachts which belong to the elite who live there. With posh restaurants which are exorbitantly priced it can cater only the upscale crowd but no harm in visiting the place. Cala granu is a small typical Sardinian beach close to Porto cervo.

Maddalena archipelago- ferry to maddalena leaves from Palau. Cars can be taken onboard the ferries which costs around 50 euros for 4 including a small car for a round trip. The prices can be higher during Summer/peak season. Boat trips to different islands like Spargi, Budelli (pink sands) from maddalena, leaves early in the morning (which unfortunately we missed :().

Activities

Numerous activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, aqua scooters, para sailing but all of them begin only around mid of June.

Food

Well known for sea food (lobsters, squids, octopus etc.,). Not many Indians prefer the sea food because it may not satisfy the Indian palette (read less spicy). For Vegetarians you’ll find authentic Italian options to choose from like penne arrabbiata, gnocchi, tiramisu, panna cotta etc., Get a taste of the local port wine if you can.

Our suggestions:

• Renting a car from Olbia airport and driving around would be a wise option if you want to explore the more secluded beaches.
• Watch out for jellyfishes in some of the beach waters. Although they are quite small, their sting can sometimes be painful especially for kids. Take precautions (vinegar reduces pain).
• Avoid Porto Cervo for food and stay if you are a budget traveler.

So load your backpacks with lots of sunscreen and your best swimwear and enjoy this Mediterranean adventure in Sardinia which is truly a paradise on earth.

Happy beach hopping!!