The provinces of Sardinia | Olbia-Tempo

Guide to the Olbia-Tempo province To the north, the province of Olbia Tempio faces the narrow stretch of water which separates Sardinia from Corsica (Bonifacio Strait), the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east, the province of Sassari to the west and Nuoro to the south. Olbia Tempio is a newly established province which was formed in 2001 when the regional law doubled the number of provinces from four to eight. The landscape in this province is varied with spectacular coastlines, mountains, hills, oak forests, plains, cultivated fields and desert areas. Part of the historic Gallura territory is in the province of Olbio Tempio and here you can see amazing granite rocks which have been formed into unusual natural sculptures by the wind and the rain. The coastline includes the beautiful Maddalena archipelago which is a group of granite islands, La Maddalena (the largest island), Santo Stefano, Spargi, Caprera, Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria. The islands are now a geo-marine national park and the natural flora and fauna of the area are very well protected. The tourist industry started in 1962 when Prince Aga Khan noticed the outstanding natural beauty of the coastal area and set up a consortium for high budget tourism. This paradise holiday destination, known as the Costa Smeralda(which is 55 km long and covers over 30 sq.km), is now one of the most exclusive in the whole world.

Exploring around the area

Cagliari Province

Nuoro Province

Oristano Province

Sassari Province

The regions of Italy | Sardinia

GUIDE TO THE Sardinia REGION Sardinia is the second largest island (23,813 sq. km.) in the Mediterranean (Sicily is larger). Sardinia is mainly a mountainous region without high peaks and vast natural environment. In fact, the presence of man does not seem to affect this territory; great surfaces still preserve their natural composition, luxuriant woods with even millenary trees, small desert areas and marshes inhabited by deer, wild horses and birds.

The climate is Mediterranean with long hot dry breezy summers and short mild rainy winters, except at high altitudes. Average annual temperatures range from 18 ºC along the coastal belt to 14 ºC inland. Precipitations are largely confined to the winter months and distribution is somewhat irregular, with as much as 1,300 mm./year in the highest areas. The prevailing wind is north-westerly, which blows over the island in all seasons, particularly sweeping the west side. Basically, tourism in Sardinia is linked to its extraordinarily beautiful coastline, with a variety of splendours hard to find elsewhere, and not only in the Mediterranean. Pure white sands alternate with tiny hidden coves, sheer cliffs frequently soar above magnificent caves and picturesque rocks rise from a clear sparkling sea facing rugged promontories, eroded by the wind.

Provinces of the Region

Cagliari Province

Nuoro Province

Oristano Province

Sassari Province

Top Outdoor Activities in the Sardinia Region

The Island of Sardinia is one big rock so for those who love outdoors there is plenty to do. Small boat sailing, windsurfing, boating and about every other water sport can be found here. Not a great place to hike due to the lack of a developed trail system, but there are plenty of day hikes to remote beaches. And there is plenty of bouldering and climbing one the island. 

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Need Help Planning Your Italian Vacation?

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country than Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions. If you plan your days well and understand how to move around within the country you can get a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine. Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy. We offer: Travel Consultant - book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy. Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy. Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore. Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers. Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers. Booking assistance and suggested contacts.

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The provinces of Sardinia | Carbonia-Iglesias

Guide to the Carbonia-Iglesias province The Province of Carbonia-Iglesias is in the extreme south west of the island and is the smallest of the provinces. It is surrounded by the province of Cagliari to the east and south, Medio Campidano to the north and the Sardinian Sea to the west. It is a relatively new province which was created in 2001 when the number of provinces for the island increased from four to eight. Deposits of lead, zinc, silver, barium and copper were found and mined in this area but the mining has been abandoned since the Second World War. The province of Carbonia-Iglesias includes two islands, San Pietro and Sant'Antioco which is joined to the mainland by an artificial isthmus. The countryside is natural, wild and mainly untouched and the rocky coastlines have sandy beaches and clear seas. The two islands are popular holiday destinations and are a particular favourite with yachtsmen.

Exploring around the area

Cagliari Province

Nuoro Province

Oristano Province

Sassari Province