Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The train station is just off Corso Umberto. There are trains to Cagliari (€17, four hours,
five daily), Sassari (€7.35, two hours, six daily) and Golfo Aranci (€2.35, 25 minutes, four
daily).
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Golfo Aranci
POP 2288
Some 18km northeast of Olbia, Golfo Aranci is an important summer port, with services
to Livorno and Civitavecchia. Most people pass through without a second glance, but it is
worth a stop for its three white sandy beaches, particularly if activities like diving and
speargun fishing rock your boat.
For a truly memorable experience, join the
Bottlenose Diving Research Institute
( 0789
183 11 97;
www.thebdri.com
;
Via Diaz 4)
on one of its half-day cruises (€70/50 per adult/child)
to spot bottlenose dolphins. Sightings aren't guaranteed but the odds are excellent.
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Costa Smeralda & Around
Stretching 55km from Porto Rotondo to the Golfo di Arzachena, the Costa Smeralda
(Emerald Coast) is Sardinia's most fêted summer destination: a gilded enclave of luxury
hotels, secluded beaches and exclusive marinas. Ever since the Aga Khan bought the coast
for a pittance in the 1960s, it has attracted A-listers and paparazzi hoping to snap celebs in
compromising clinches. But despite all the superficial fluff, it remains stunning, with
granite mountains plunging into emerald waters in a series of dramatic fjord-like inlets.
The Costa's capital is
Porto Cervo
, a weird, artificial town whose pseudo-Moroccan ar-
chitecture and perfectly manicured streets give it a strangely sterile atmosphere. It's dead
out of season, but between June and September is party central, with tanned beauties pos-
ing on the
Piazzetta
and cashed-up shoppers perusing the designer boutiques.
To the west,
Baia Sardinia
faces onto a gorgeous strip of sand, while to the south, afi-
cionados head for
Capriccioli
and
Spiaggia Liscia Ruia
, both near the exclusive Hotel Cala di
Volpe. Near the signposted Hotel Romazzino,
Spiaggia del Principe
is a magnificent crescent
of white sand bordered by Caribbean-blue waters - and the Aga Khan's favourite.
