Places in Golfo di Marinella, Sardinia

In a few minutes driving past the town of Olbia, on the north side towards the town of Golfo Aranci, you can already start enjoying the landscape dominated by granite rocks, Mediterranean bush and pristine sea waters with a number of white beaches and coves like Lido Pittulongu, Cala Sassari, Cala Sos Aranzos and Spiaggia di Marinella.

Further ahead lies the famous Porto Rotondo, an exclusive holiday resort and marina with sparkling night life, designers' shops and entertainments. Multi coloured and cosy, Porto Rotondo has been developed around its marina, preserving the Mediterranean bush, with very low buildings and tiny lanes, sometimes hard to spot.

Punta Nuraghe, Spiaggia dell'Ira e della Volpe are some of the main sea corners where motor and sailing yachts are usually harboured and where television starlets love to be pictured by paparazzi. In spite of its glamour, the atmosphere is of understated elegance, where everybody is at ease and friendly, wishing only to enjoy the beauties this area promises.

Before reaching the heart of Costa Smeralda there is a rural village, San Pantaleo, which is worth a short visit. You will have to drive through its spectacular winding roads set among beautiful granite promontories.

Breathtaking coastal roads and dirt tiny lanes lead to some enchanting beaches like the one of Pevero, Baia del Principe, Liscia Ruia, Pitrizza, Capriccioli and Cala di Volpe just to name a few. Also, the small islets of Mortorio and Soffi, part of the Arcipelago de La Maddalena, two pink granite rocks rising above the water of what seems to be a huge natural swimming pool.

Slightly inland, from the small village of Abbiadori a winding road climbs up to Monte Moro where to enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole area stretching from Golfo Aranci to Arcipelago de La Maddalena.