Olbia, Sardinia

Pedres Castle

The Castle of Pedres, or rather its ruins, is located on a hill 89 meters high, not far from Olbia. Two rows of walls are relatively well preserved. The first wall, very large and square in shape, runs down the slope; the second wall encloses an area of 1,000 square meters. Most likely, it protected the residential quarters. The castle itself was built from granite blocks, some of which were taken from nearby megalithic structures-nuraghes (towers) and dolmens (megalithic tombs). Most scholars believe the castle was constructed between 1296 and 1322, during the period of Pisan-Aragonese rule on the island, and served military purposes. The castle was finally abandoned in the mid-15th century, along with the town’s decline and the population leaving the city.

Roman aqueduct

The Romans took Sardinia in 238 BC, after which Olbia became an important strategic point and seaport connecting the mainland and the island. In Olbia, they even built Sardinia's only aqueduct, stretching 7 kilometers, which collected water from springs on Mount Cabu Abbas and pumped it into the city center. In the Sa Rugittu area, the aqueduct widens-here a large stone reservoir was installed with six openings for air circulation and containers for drawing water. Remains of the aqueduct have survived to this day- it was restored in 1989-1990. As a result, the underground sections were uncovered, including the large reservoir.

Maddalena Archipelago

This is a large national park off the coast of Sardinia, protected by the state, and consisting of 27 islands, mostly uninhabited. Almost the entire area of the park is made up of granite rocks of all shapes and sizes, rising straight from the sea and considered to be among the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. Another reason to visit this wonderful park is the dolphins living in these waters and the enormous whales. To help preserve their population, Italy, France, and Monaco joined forces and created an international whale sanctuary in the archipelago.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Olbia is located on a small island of Peddona, directly opposite the old harbor. The museum building, with its silhouette, resembles a ship-so as to highlight Olbia’s role in Sardinia’s history as a port city. Of particular interest are the remains of cargo vessels that were burned during the Vandals’ attack around the year 450. This assault brought an end to Roman Olbia. They were discovered during excavations of the old harbor’s seabed. Other sections of the museum feature full-scale reconstructions of Roman ships with original details, a small sunken vessel from the Middle Ages, a panorama depicting the Vandals’ attack in 450, and many artifacts from the prehistoric period.

Bay of Sardinia

This is one of the most prestigious resorts of Costa Smeralda and, perhaps, the most lively-largely thanks to Aquadream, the oldest water park on Sardinia, where you can spend days on end. Another advantage of Baja Sardinia is its proximity to the marine reserve of the Maddalena Archipelago. Baja’s beaches are among the most beautiful and convenient on Sardinia: they are shallow and gently sloping, with soft sand-an ideal option for young children-yet they also make it possible to enjoy all kinds of water sports, including surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, and rowing. The best beach is considered to be Cala Battistoni on the outskirts of the town. Nearby are the famous Battistoni Hills, where you can see numerous granite formations in bizarre shapes.

Porto Rotondo

A lovely little town in Sardinia where, for some reason, everything is pink: the walls of the houses, the pavements, flowers on balconies, café tables. And yet the natural landscapes here are harsh-sheer cliffs all along, and granite boulders protruding from the water. On one of these crags, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi built himself a luxurious villa with a sea view. The beaches in Porto Rotondo are wonderful: fine, silky, white sand, the cleanest water, smooth, comfortable descents-especially for families with little kids. The most beautiful swimming spots are Ira, Marinella, Capo Figan, Punta Asfodela. There are also plenty of things to do along the shore in Porto Rotondo: you can visit the ancient church of San Lorenzo, where two hundreds of wooden saints stand, or the ancient amphitheater.

Beaches of Porto Cervo

Liscia Ruja Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches along the entire Costa Smeralda coast. A semicircular shallow bay with clear greenish water frames a strip of white and pinkish sand. The beach itself is surrounded by citrus and strawberry trees and by juniper. The beach is an excellent choice for families with children and for lovers of snorkeling. Pevero Beach is known for its picturesque scenery-off the turquoise water, rocky ridges and reefs rise, and the sea here has a simply extraordinary shade. The beach opens out onto shallow waters, making it especially convenient for small swimmers. Rena Bianca Beach-one of the smallest and most charming beaches in the region. It is especially popular with windsurfing enthusiasts, canoe strolls, and other water sports.

Overview Excursion on Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda, in translation - Emerald Coast,- the most famous coastline of Sardinia. In the 1960s, Prince Karim Aga-Khan saw the rugged rocky coastline of northern Sardinia and made it the object of his capital investments and speculations. As a result, after million-dollar investments, luxurious hotels, a yacht marina, cottage settlements, country houses and a golf course were built here, so the new name “Emerald Coast″ became associated with the jet set and a life of luxury. The excursion includes a visit to the city of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, viewing the beautiful little church “Star of the Sea”, a stroll through the typical Sardinian village of San Pantaleo, famous for its craft shops of local artists, and the resort town of Baia Sardinia, located on the coast of the Gulf of Arzachena.

With a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can get acquainted after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.