Fly from Nice to Olbia

Summer is here… Are you ready for a few days’ rest, or a long weekend as a couple or with friends? Do you have one or two weeks’ leave to spend with your family? Then what are you waiting for? Buy a Nice-Olbia ticket and discover paradise in the far north of Sardinia. You’ll quickly fall for its charms, its Mediterranean dolce vita, its party atmosphere, its unspoilt beaches, and the simplicity of its people, which contrasts with the ostentatious luxury of the private jets and massive yachts of a jet set who, since the 1960s, have made this part of the island one of their preferred summer destinations.
Still hesitating? Then here’s a little anecdote that’s bound to convince you… 2700 years ago, deciding to settle on this shore, the Greeks did not have long to choose a name for their city. They simply called it “Olbia”. In the language of Pericles, this name meant “happy”! It has remained with the city through the centuries, well-suited to its lifestyle and the lovely surrounding region.

• Explore Olbia in the cooler hours of the day, to discover its treasures: the Romanesque Basilica of San Simplicio, the Church of San Paolo Apostolo, the archaeological museum, and the old houses of Corso Umberto.
• Step back in time by discovering Gallura’s many ancient ruins: the Riu Mulinu nuraghe, the Roman aqueduct in Sa Rughittula, the Sa Testa sacred well, the Giants’ grave of Su Mont’e s’Abe…
• Put on your mask and snorkel to discover the secrets of Tavolara Island and its marine protected area. A giant aquarium for all to enjoy! And don’t forget your hiking shoes: the island is also a beautiful place for walking.
• Spot some marine mammals. See whales and sperm whales up close, and swim with the many dolphins around the coasts of Sardinia.
• For sunbathing and dips in the sea, head to one of the region’s many idyllic beaches: Pittulongu, Bados, Le Saline, Rena Bianca or the coves of Porto Istana.
• Hire a little boat and cruise between the islands of the Maddalena archipelago. The beaches of Olbia’s coast are pretty enough, but those of the archipelago are incredible. Pale sand and turquoise waters: absolutely magnificent!
• By bus, by car, or even better, on a Vespa, head to Porto Cervo and mingle with its regular crowd of celebs and billionaires. With its trendy boutiques and luxury hotels, this is the place to feel like a star.
• Sample some Sardinian cuisine, especially malloreddus (the island’s typical pasta), cassola (a fish and seafood soup), and of course pane frattau: lasagne made with the famous pane carasau, a very thin flatbread nicknamed “carta musica” (music paper).
• Wash down your meal with a good glass of local wine. Winegrowing is an age-old tradition in Sardinia, and the island has many DOC-labelled wines: Alghero, Mandrolisai , Arborea, Malvasia di Bosa…
• Party in Porto Rotondo. Almost a luxurious as its neighbour, Porto Cervo, this little village on the Costa Smeralda is well-known for its night-life.