Sardinia - Northern Region Attractions

To the north of Olbia, extending along the shores of a large peninsula, is the beautiful Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), whose beaches of fine sand are being developed as a holiday area by the construction of new roads and the provision of tourist facilities. The roads to the various resorts branch off S.S. 125, which runs north from Olbia to Palau.

S.S. 597, the direct road from Sassari to Olbia, goes off. 2km/1.25mi along this road is the former abbey church of the Santissima Trinità di Saccargia, the finest example of Pisan architecture in Sardinia, with 13th century frescoes.

3km/2mi north of Porto Cervo, beyond Capo Ferro, is the bay of Liscia di Vacca, and 5km/3mi farther on Baia Sardinia (51m/168ft; pop. 4,000), with numerous hotels. At the south end of the Costa Smeralda lies the holiday center of Portisco.

Bonnanaro (405m/1,337ft), where a road goes off on the left (4km/2.5mi southwest) to the richly ornamented church of San Pietro di Sorres (Pisan period, 12th century). Beyond Bonnanaro the road runs through the beautiful wooded uplands of Logudoro.

Calangianus (518m/1,709ft; pop. 6,000), an old town surrounded by forest, with a pretty parish church.

Osilo (600m/1,980ft; pop. 6,000), renowned for its beautiful costumes. From the ruined Malaspina castle and the nearby Cappella di Bonaria there are beautiful views. The road continues through the wooded Aglona district.

Porto Cervo (30km/19mi) is the chief place on the Costa Smeralda.

Tempio Pausania (566m/1,868ft; pop. 13,000), formerly chief town of the district of Gallura, situated below the north face of the jagged Monti di Limbara (cork industry).