Olbia (Sardinia)

From the airport

Bus. The Linea Urbana bus goes to Olbia every half hour and takes about 8 minutes.

Citta Mercato and Olbiamare supermarkets, in all the central tourist areas, offer goods at reasonable prices.

Hand-made rugs are a Sardinian speciality. Nip into the Centro Tappeti Sardi for some of the best selection.

Only a few kilometres from Olbia sits the Byzantine Castello di Sa Paulazza. The castle is in an area where a nuraghe (a megalithic stone tower that is unique to the island) was established.

August is a busy time throughout Olbia with long traffic jams sometimes extending up to 20 kilometres. It is wise to bear this in mind when planning any journey, particularly if you are heading to the airport.

Head to San Teodoro where the streets are closed to traffic. Pedestrians can stroll about the evening markets and stop off at bars spilling out onto the pavements for a late-night expresso or gelato.

La Corte offers tea service with panoramic view of the bay. In an area where ancient Roman remains have been found, the newly revamped resort has an interesting display of traditional costumes during the festivals that take place in February.

Carnival is the biggest festival of the year, with processions of floats, free food, beer and wine, as well as other special treats. Although there are celebrations in every town, Tempio, near Olbia, is by far the most famous.

Surfing has become really popular in Sardinia in the last decade and surf clubs have popped up all along the southern beaches of the island.

Day trip

Berchidda. An hour south of Olbia you will find the breathtaking and much photographed beaches of Berchidda with pristine sand and crystal-clear waters. 
Alghero. Why not see the Sardinian countryside while partaking in a little wine tasting? Sella & Mosca, near Alghero, has produced some of the best wines on the island since 1899. You can also find out more about winemaking in the region.

Sardinians have one of the world's longest average life expectancies at about 83 for men and 85 for women. Scientists are studying their diet and lifestyle to find out why.

Palermo (Sicily)

From the airport
Train. The Trinacria Express reaches Central station in just 45 minutes.

Dario D'Oca is an artist, decorator and ceramicist. Check out his unique expressions of traditional Sicilian craftsmanship.

Liberia Del Mare is ideal for sea enthusiasts. This bookshop at the Cala sells just about everything pertaining to marine life, books, maps, ship model kits, guides and much more.

If you plan to travel by bus while visiting, you can save money by buying a 24-hour ticket.

Corso Calatafimi is a long road leading to Monreale. It includes important archaelogical and historical sites, such as a Punic catacomb and a perfect Arab building (La Cuba).

Mondello is Palermo's favourite beach. Although it is jam-packed with sunbathers, that does not detract from its aristocratic charm, with art-nouveau villas just steps away from crystalline waters. Hop on bus 806 at the Politeama or any stop along Viale Liberta.

In February, Sagra del Mandorio in Fiore celebrates the blossoming of the almond trees in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. People come from all around to celebrate this folk festival, dressing in traditional garb and enjoying the regional cuisine

Day trip

Piana Degli Albanesi. This small town half an hour south of Palermo is unique: it boasts bilingual status with many locals speaking italian and Albanian, from where many their ancestors originated in the 15th centur. No visit is complete without trying the larger-than-average cannoli, a trademark of the town.
Agrigento. Founded in the 5th century BC, Agrigento's former influence is evidenced by its Doric temples which dramatically overlook the sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has also offered its share of prominent thinkers, from scientists/mathematician Empedocles to the Nobel Laureate Pirandello.