Touching down at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport puts you at the gateway to Sardinia’s Emerald Coast. With so much natural beauty and culture to uncover on Italy’s second largest island, having your own set of wheels is key. Whether you opt for a scooter hire, motorcycle rental or quad bike, you’ll have the freedom to discover secluded coves, rugged hills and sleepy villages at your own pace.
Within Olbia itself, the pedestrianised Corso Umberto I makes for a lovely stroll among boutiques, gelaterias and alfresco cafés. Wander down its side streets to seek out traditional shops selling Sardinian delicacies like pecorino cheese and cjarrones, cured pork. Be sure to sample local mirto liqueur as well.
The National Archaeological Museum is worth a visit to learn about Olbia’s roots as a Carthaginian trading settlement established in the 4th century BC. Just 15km south of the city, Costa Smeralda awaits with its upscale resorts and celebrity cachet. Yet the real highlights here are sublime strips of sand lapped by emerald seas, secluded bays only accessible on two wheels.
Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo and Baia Sardinia all have their own unique charms. For deserted coves and quaint hilltop villages, head inland. Making use of your motorbike rental opens up a whole host of opportunities.
Stop for hearty fare at an agriturismo farmstay before continuing onward through fragrant macchia scrubland. The medieval town of San Teodoro also merits a visit thanks to its hilltop fort and pristine white sand beaches. With so much to uncover, a scooter provides the perfect means to make your own adventure across this spectacular corner of the Med.
