Relax in Sardegna

About the destination: Palau, a tourist centre in the north-east of Sardinia, overlooks the archipelago of La Maddalena. Palau is located in one of the most sheltered areas from the north wind. It is known for its carved coastline, unique in the world, with crystal clear blue waters. Life revolves around tourism and the harbour. It connects the archipelago of La Maddalena. In the centre there is a lot of nightlife. The town comes alive with lively bars, lights and activity that fills the summer nights. Porto Rafael has that elitist and charming island feel, with its villas and small marina framed by a landscape of olive trees, myrtle and lavender. Nearby rises the Cabo d'Orso, with a well-known granite hill that through the erosive action of time has carved a large stone in the shape of a stuffed toy. It is a place to enjoy the wonders of the sea: the beaches of Punta Sardegna, the wild beauty, and Cala Trana, exotic places you will forget. Fall in love with Porto Faro with its Nordic atmosphere. If you want to add a touch of culture and history to your stay, visit the tombs of the giants of Li Mizzani and those of Sajacciu, near the church of San Giorgio. Regional festivals include Santa Maria delle Grazie in the first week of September and the feast of St. George on 1 May. In the town of Palau every year there is a famous carnival with floats and groups of people wearing masks parading through the town. One more reason to make Palau your ideal destination, even in winter.

About the destination: Olbia, the main gateway to North Sardinia, is far more than just an airport town. Framed by turquoise waters and low, granite hills, it offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with easy access to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and the exclusive Costa Smeralda. In the compact historic center, café-lined squares, elegant boutiques, and old stone churches make it ideal for slow strolls and people-watching at any time of day. Start your exploration along Corso Umberto, the main pedestrian street, leading towards the waterfront and the small but charming old town. Don’t miss the Romanesque Basilica of San Simplicio, built between the 11th and 12th centuries from local granite, and the Church of San Paolo with its colorful tiled dome. The Archaeological Museum by the port offers an engaging look at Olbia’s past, including shipwrecks and relics from the Phoenician, Greek, and Roman eras that once shaped this strategic harbor. Olbia is also a perfect base for beach lovers. Within a short drive you’ll find a chain of stunning coves and long sandy stretches such as Pittulongu, Porto Istana, Cala Brandinchi, and Lu Impostu, all washed by crystal-clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. From the nearby port of Palau or the marina in Olbia, you can arrange boat trips to the La Maddalena Archipelago, a national park famous for its wild, unspoiled islands and postcard-perfect bays. Food and wine are central to the Olbia experience. Traditional Sardinian dishes like porceddu (roast suckling pig), fresh seafood, and culurgiones (stuffed pasta) are widely available in trattorie and agriturismi in the countryside. Pair your meal with a chilled glass of Vermentino di Gallura, the local white wine that perfectly complements the sea breeze and coastal views. Whether you stay a night or a week, Olbia offers a blend of authentic Sardinian life, seaside relaxation, and easy connections to the rest of the island.

About the destination: Turin, the elegant capital of Italy’s Piedmont region, is a city of grand boulevards, baroque palaces, and Alpine views. Once the first capital of unified Italy, it still wears its royal past with dignity: arcaded streets, stately squares like Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, and the imposing Palazzo Reale form the city’s refined backbone. Yet Turin is far from a static museum piece; it’s a lively university and innovation hub, known for its car industry (FIAT), contemporary art, and thriving café culture. At the heart of Turin’s skyline stands the Mole Antonelliana, the city’s iconic spire housing the engaging National Museum of Cinema. A panoramic elevator whisks visitors to the top for sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and, on clear days, the snow-capped Alps. Nearby, the Egyptian Museum—one of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities—turns a rainy afternoon into a journey through ancient history. Strolling along the Po River, you’ll encounter the romantic Borgo Medievale and the green expanses of Valentino Park, perfect for a pause from urban sightseeing. Food and drink are central to the Turinese experience. This is the birthplace of the aperitivo ritual: order a vermouth-based cocktail or a Negroni in a historic café, and you’ll often receive a generous spread of snacks. Turin’s chocolate heritage shines in local specialties such as gianduiotto and bicerin, a layered drink of espresso, chocolate, and cream. The city is also an ideal base for exploring Piedmont’s wine regions—Barolo, Barbaresco, and the Langhe hills are within easy reach for day trips focused on vineyards, truffle-laced dishes, and slow-food traditions. Turin is a year-round destination, with vibrant cultural events adding flavor to any visit. Autumn brings truffle fairs and wine festivals, while winter lights up the streets with artistic installations and Christmas markets. Spring and summer are ideal for combining city exploration with excursions into the nearby mountains and royal residences scattered around the region. Compact, walkable, and stylish, Turin rewards travelers who take the time to look beyond Italy’s more familiar cities and discover its understated charm.