The Maddalena Archipelago, reached by ferry from Palau (40km north), is one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the Mediterranean: a national park of small granite islands with clear turquoise water. La Maddalena and Caprera are the main islands, the latter home to Garibaldi's house and tomb.
The Costa Smeralda, the planned resort coast of granite coves and emerald water that runs north from Olbia toward Palau, is the most famous part of Sardinia internationally. Porto Cervo is its glossy hub; outside July and August the roads are quiet and many places shut.
Inland, Arzachena, 25km north, is the base for the region's prehistoric Nuragic monuments: the Giants' Tomb of Coddu Vecchiu, the tomb of Li Loghi, and the circular necropolis of Li Muri are all within a short drive of each other. Closer to home, Tavolara Island, a massive limestone rock 10km offshore with excellent snorkelling and a tiny restaurant, is reachable by summer ferry from Porto San Paolo.
