Welcome to Northern Sardinia!
I'll tell you all about my beautiful discoveries.
Super easy to arrive in Olbia with Easyjet or Volotea from Lyon (and other French cities, of course). Landing and immediately picking up a rental car is absolutely essential for visiting.
WATCH OUT when choosing car rental companies, as there are so many of them. Right in front, you will see SIXT (which clearly has a huge contract with Olbia airport) and then on the right, you will find the others located in small construction site bungalows.
As for me, I chose FILORENT (via BSP AUTO) and it was great: a new-generation FIAT PANDA mini-SUV type, very pleasant, automatic with all options.
IMPORTANT POINT for driving: all minor roads are limited to 50 km/h; then, on faster roads, it varies between 90 and 110 km/h. You will notice that this is not always signposted and locals drive very fast, so be vigilant.
Heading to PALAU for 2 nights
Palau is a very small seaside resort facing the Maddalena archipelago, highly famous for its natural pools and turquoise lagoons (truly, it is extremely beautiful, one wonders how it is possible to have this so close to home!). We stayed in a small 4* residence: Palau Green Village. Very clean, functional, and within walking distance of the village.
A quick sleep and the next day, we headed to Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo, get your wallet ready as these are quite chic seaside resorts, similar to Saint-Tropez. It is very pretty and full of charm.
I highly recommend the pizzeria in Porto Rotondo, which is authentic, family-run, facing the port and offering excellent value for money: Il Pomodoro.
Next, we visited the small inland village of Arzachena, with a charming little church and small square. Sardinia is generally very authentic, in my opinion, and still preserved in certain areas.
The Maddalena Archipelago by boat
On day 2, we set off on a sailboat to discover the different islands of the Maddalena; it's a full-day excursion: 10 am - 5 pm. I highly recommend certain providers (contact me) and also doing the trip in a small group to avoid being with 40 people, which would be totally unbearable in high season. Spargi, Budelli, we are truly at the Tahiti of the Mediterranean.
In the evening, absolutely eat at this restaurant in the center of Palau: Aglio e Mare.
Heading to Santa Teresa Di Gallura
A 30-minute drive to discover the little pearl at the tip of Sardinia. Founded in 1808 by King Vittorio Emanuele I and named after his wife Maria Teresa of Austria, Santa Teresa is one of the most famous seaside locations in Northern Sardinia. The small town's tourist port is one of the most important in Gallura and connects the island with neighboring Corsica thanks to the Santa Teresa - Bonifacio ferry line.
The little narrow streets are very pretty; I invite you to take your time to stroll around and enjoy a delicious Italian coffee there.
Capo Testa
Stop at CAPO TESTA, the peninsula just west of Santa Teresa. It is a must-see during a stay in Santa Teresa. The site features exceptional rock formations, sculpted by the wind over time. With the clear water, the place is superb!
The Northwest Coast
We then hit the road, heading south and west of Sardinia. We are going to stop for the magnificent sunset at the beach club: Paradise Beach Club.
A bit further down, there is an exceptional vineyard that is an absolute must-visit: Tenute Vignola.
GOOD to know in Sardinia: very few locals speak English, that's just how it is, they didn't necessarily learn it in school; the second language until recently was French. So, everything is fine, we manage to communicate using a mix of French and Italian words.
Castelsardo, Sassari and Alghero
We slept near Castelsardo in an agriturismo run by a local (which is often the case with this type of accommodation). NOTE that this place is very typical: Sa Tanca Noa.
Castelsardo is a superb village that rises in a maze of medieval streets on a rocky promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its Doria Castle, perched at the very top, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf of Asinara. I invite you to walk around there and stop to eat here: Le Cisterne.
Sassari is the second-largest city in Sardinia and its northern cultural capital. Less touristy than Cagliari, it won us over with its authenticity: a resolutely local atmosphere. The San Nicola Cathedral, with its finely carved Hispano-Gothic facade, is its jewel. We ate excellent pasta here: L'antica Hostaria.
Alghero was founded by the Catalans in the 14th century, and it has kept a Mediterranean soul with a Spanish touch: Alguerés, a Catalan dialect, is still spoken there, and the architecture of its golden ramparts running along the sea reminds you of this at every step. The historic center, compact and pedestrianized, is a pleasure to explore.
We slept in a tiny hilltop village with an incredible view: Osilo, on the way back up to Olbia; I'll put the link to our superb accommodation here: Tuffudesu Guesthouse
OLBIA, the prosperous
A real favorite in Olbia: I had been told it wasn't great, but think again, it is very pretty! I loved it!
Olbia is worth lingering in before rushing off to the beaches. Its historic center hides a beautiful early Christian basilica, San Simplicio, one of the oldest on the island, and its shopping streets have a quiet charm far from the seaside hustle and bustle.
To end the trip, we ate here: SA CARERRA EZZA.
