For many, a holiday to the world renown beaches of the northeast coast of Sardinia would be heaven enough, but any one who wants a little diversity may be surprised but what else this region has to offer. Organising car hire in Sardinia not only gives you freedom, but allows you to add a little culture into the equation and sample more then the regular tourist experience.
Although it is possible to fly into Alghero Airport, just a 2 hour drive away on the opposite side of the island, Olbia Airport would be the normal point of entry. From there the Olbia Airport car hire companies are AM Service, Avis, Easycar, Ellepi, Europcar, Eurorent, Hertz, Italy by Car, Maggiore, Matta, Midarent, Pinna, Ruvioli, Sardinya, Sixt and Smeralda Express.
Originally founded by the Greeks, Olbia is the major port in Sardinia and ferries from Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples in mainland Italy arrive here. Although it is not the most beatific of cities, there are many signs of its ancient past to be appreciated here. Dating back to the nuragic age, there are evidence of this and its subsequent occupation in the form of its Punic necropolis and Roman baths. There are other little architectural treasures to be found as well such as the granite 12th century Church of San Simplicio and the Church of San Paolo built in the 1600s.
Just a 2 hour drive south and you come to Nuoro, where you can truly indulge in a flavour of the real Sardinia. Situated on Monte Ortobene, this traditional village in the mountainous heart of the country is one of the few places untouched by foreign invasion and, as such, has managed to keep many of its ancient customs and interweave them into current day life. Some of the sights to see here are the Museum of Life and Popular Tradition, which displays objects such as jewels, textiles, dresses, weapons, masks, utensils and instruments and explores the festivals, carnivals, folklore and music of the region, plus the National Archaeological Museum, a small but interesting display which includes items between the Neolithic period and the Dark Ages.
The surrounding Gennargentum and Supramonte mountain ranges provide magnificent, untamed landscapes and fascinating wildlife from buzzards to eagles and wild boars to view while walking or riding up the established trails. Alternatively make your way through the passageways and grottoes beneath the mountains around nearby Oliena or check out the extensive and elaborately murals painted all over the houses in neighbouring Orgoloso.
There is no denying, however that THE biggest draw to this region is the Smeralda Coast. Virtually untouched until the 1960s when the Aga Kahn discovered its beauty and descended on the region with his uber-wealthy, glamorous entourage. Since then it has become a magnet for the rich and famous and yachts the size of oil tankers can regularly be seen doing the rounds here. One of the most adored destinations is Porto Cervo which is a drive north from Olbia up the SS125 and then the SP59, a journey of around 40 minutes.
This is where the beautiful people come to play, with high-end, designer boutiques and spiffy restaurants to cater to their every whim. Just across from here is the archipelago of La Maddalena, stunningly beautiful with a host of unique wildlife and accessible by boat. One of these groups of islands is Caprera where you can visit a museum dedicated to the Italian hero Garibaldi for a charge of around €5. It shows a recreation of how the military figure use to live, with original items of furniture, books, weapons, private letters and other personal effects.
However, there are plenty of other tantalising beaches along this 55 km stretch of coast which less expensive and easily reached by car. The waters range in colour from the pale blue sea of Il Pevero and La Celvia beaches to the rich turquoise of Calo Grano and Liscia di Vacca, which lap against dreamy, pinky white sands and offer idyllic locations to release any pent up tension.
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