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The biggest town on Sardinia's north-western coastline, Olbia has grown in recent years thanks to its closeness to the Costa Smeralda. This beautiful stretch of coast has (over the past 40 years) been transformed by rich investors including the Aga Khan from beautiful wilderness into a playground for the rich. Head away from the most obvious money-traps though, and there is plenty for the rest of us to enjoy. You'll find miles of unspoiled sandy beaches and a confusion of little islands (more than 60 in total) lying off the coast - it's a quite stunning stretch of coastline in fact. Olbia is a ferry port, connecting with Rome's Civitavecchia, so it makes the perfect arrival point for those bringing their cars onto the island. It also has the airport, so no surprise that this is the first sight of Sardinia for many of us. Historic sights are few in this swiftly developing town, but check out the Basilica di San Simplicio, which is a Pisan reconstruction of an earlier church, and dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. Catering largely for tourists (and for the Nato and US naval bases) you'll find Olbia has plenty in the way of restaurants, cafes and bars. Largely though, it's likely to be a stopping-over point as you head out to discover the Costa Smeralda and this lovely north-eastern Sardinian province of Gallura. There are boat trips out to the islands, and Santa Teresa di Gallura has lovely beaches and secluded coves.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Olbia hotels.
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