car hire Olbia

The town of Olbia is situated in the Gallura region of the Italian isle of Sardinia, across the Tyrrhenian Sea from mainland Italy. Thanks to its prime location on the coast, Olbia has long been a locale of importance (and importing), particularly as a key port. The port has always done well by Olbia, and its prosperous reputation is echoed by its name, which means, "rich and happy." Colonised at different times by Carthaginians, Phoenicians, and Romans, the city has a long history. Today it's thought of as the economic capital of northeast Sardinia, and is the island's primary tourist gateway.

A five-kilometre drive, the Nuragic structures of Cabu Abbas make a fascinating sight. There's a town wall here that climbs about 200 metres, at top of which towers a "nuraghe," the trademark archaeological monument of Sardinia. These wonders are cone-shaped and made of square blocks that are strategically arranged to bear their own towering weight without the support of a foundation.

Olbia's centre hosts some intriguing sites, among them the Romanesque cathedral of San Simplicio, dating back to the 11th or 12th century. The granite structure features an educational assortment of Roman funeral inscriptions. San Paolo is another popular church in the area. The 17th-century church is regarded as exemplary of the "Gallurese" mode of architecture. There are also some nearby Roman ruins (thermal baths and the old town wall).

After picking up your hire car at Olbia – Costa Smeralda Airport, you'll do well to point it toward the ever-popular Costa Smeralda ("Emerald Coast"). You can drive this 55-kilometre stretch and take your pick from the abundant beaches. Cappriccioli, Romazzino, and Liscia Ruia are some of the choice beaches along this idyllic coastline, and in general the Costa Smeralda is Sardinia's favorite tourist destination. The archipelago of Maddalena (often dubbed the "Polynesia of Italy") offers rewarding snorkeling.