Charms of Puglia

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Olbia, the main gateway to North Sardinia, is far more than just an airport town. Framed by turquoise waters and low, granite hills, it offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with easy access to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and the exclusive Costa Smeralda. In the compact historic center, café-lined squares, elegant boutiques, and old stone churches make it ideal for slow strolls and people-watching at any time of day. Start your exploration along Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street, leading towards the waterfront and the small but charming old town. Don’t miss the Romanesque Basilica of San Simplicio, built between the 11th and 12th centuries from local granite, and the Church of San Paolo with its colorful tiled dome. The Archaeological Museum by the port offers an engaging look at Olbia’s past, including shipwrecks and relics from the Phoenician, Greek, and Roman eras that once shaped this strategic harbor. Olbia is also a perfect base for beach lovers. Within a short drive you’ll find a chain of stunning coves and long sandy stretches such as Pittulongu, Porto Istana, Cala Brandinchi, and Lu Impostu, all washed by crystal-clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. From the nearby port of Palau or the marina in Olbia, you can arrange boat trips to the La Maddalena Archipelago, a national park famous for its wild, unspoiled islands and postcard-perfect bays. Food and wine are central to the Olbia experience. Traditional Sardinian dishes like porceddu (roast suckling pig), fresh seafood, and culurgiones (stuffed pasta) are widely available in trattorie and agriturismi in the countryside. Pair your meal with a chilled glass of Vermentino di Gallura, the local white wine that perfectly complements the sea breeze and coastal views. Whether you stay a night or a week, Olbia offers a blend of authentic Sardinian life, seaside relaxation, and easy connections to the rest of the island.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful cities. Due to its gorgeous beaches it has become a very popular holiday resort with herds of tourist arriving every summer. Yet it has managed to keep its unique character and its charming atmosphere. The narrow streets of the old city, named Barcelonetta due to the island’s Catalan past, are crowded on the peninsula surrounded by a fortified bastion. Walking through this medieval world, visitors will discover the striking cathedral, built in the 16th century in Catalan-Gothic style. The church of San Francesco has a beautiful Gothic interior and a small golden cloister. From the cute little fishing port, below the city walls, boats depart towards the Grotta di Nettuno or Neptune's Caves, one of the island’s most spectacular attractions. But undoubtedly the main attraction of Alghero is wandering around its streets, discovering its charming spots while contemplating the sunset that bathes the Mediterranean in warm glowing light.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Oristano is an Italian city and comune, capital of the Province of Oristano, in the central-western part of the island of Sardinia, Italy. It is located in the northern part of Campidano plain. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Tower of St. Christophoros, otherwise known as Tower of Mariano II, Torrione (""Big Tower"") of Portixedda. • St. Mary's Cathedral. • The Church of St. Francis of Assisi. • The Franciscan church of Santa Chiara. • The Church and cloister of the Carmine is one of the best examples of Baroque-Roccoco architecture in Oristano. • The Church of Saint Sebastian is the only medieval extramural church. • The Church of Saint Dominic (San Domenico)

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Cagliari is pure Mediterranean essence, and it expresses it in every corner, in every bite of its delicious cuisine. Sardinian’s capital is located in the southern part of the island and it’s the political, economic and cultural centre. It has Roman ruins of great value, as the Amphitheatre and many testimonies of Cagliari’s priceless historical heritage. It's an easy city to get around on foot, where you can get lost in the narrow streets that shape the old town located in the upper part of the city and surrounded by fortifications. Strolling around the Castello district, the living heart and memory of the city, visitors will encounter the Cathedral with its adjacent museum, the Royal Palace and countless churches. A nice staircase leads to the bastion St. Remy. From its terrace you can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city. There is an excellent beach in the city, Spiaggia Poetto, an 8km long full equipped beach, perfect to get tanned, swim and chill out. And at nigh it becomes a nightlife hot spot, with clubs, cocktail bars and restaurants. Cagliari is definitely a top tourist destination, one of the most interesting in Sardinia and in Italy.