Sardinia's 3 Great Mediterranean Cruise Ports
Olbia for Costa Smeralda, West Coast Alghero, Cagliari and South
Apr 8, 2009
Sardinia is the second largest Mediterranean island (after neighbouring Sicily). About the size of Wales or New Hampshire, it has no motorways because of its mountainous interior, so it’s not possible to do the whole island justice in a one day. However, cruise ships calling at Olbia, Alghero or Cagliari provide a range of excursions to cover the most interesting and typical sights, sounds, and tastes of this Island of the Sards, as its proud people are called.
Once one of Italy’s poorest region’s, Sardinia was discovered as a yachting paradise by the rich and famous in the 1950’s. Since then, developments on land have kept pace with their high standards. It started in the north of this wild and beautiful island with the glamorous Costa Smeralda. Now the west coast beaches around historic Alghero and resorts near the capital, Cagliari, in the south are being developed with the kind of style and taste that only the Italians can pull off.
Olbia for the Costa Smeralda and Northern Sardinia
The highlight of cruise excursions with Oceania or MSC is the magnificent wind-and-wave-smoothed pinkish granite coastline of the Costa Smeralda and Baia Sardegna. Here the sea is more emerald than typical Mediterranean turquoise because of the way beach sand from the granite reflects sun light. Photo opportunities at exclusive marinas such as Porto Cervo allow glimpses of the rich and famous on their yachts. Princess Diana used to dine at the Cala di Volpe, and latest celebrities seen enjoying the waterspouts around here include Tom Cruise and family.
Other Olbia Excursions
- Visiting the rugged Maddelena Islands by ferry, with views of the Strait of Bonifacio.
- Vintage train journey in carriages from 1913-33 through pine and myrtle covered slopes and vineyards.
- Nuraghe Albucciu, with its atmospheric 5,000-year-old Giant’s Tomb, a huge Neolithic burial chamber, and ‘Fairy Houses’ – strange stone towers that are unique to Sardinia.
- Tasting local wines, Corbezzolo honey, smoked wild boar and other delicacies.
Alghero for the West Coast
Princess Cruises visits Alghero’s historic Old Town (14th-16th century styles). Other excursions cover Nuraghe Palmavera, another impressive archaeological site showing remains of 50 stone huts from 1500 BC and the scenic mountainous interior where the Sards would take shelter from pirates and other invaders.
Cagliari the Capital, and Southern Sardinia
Crystal Cruises visits this ancient port, where invading cultures have left their mark. Highlights are a 10,000-seater Roman amphitheatre, the Spanish Castle, a 5th century basilica (San Saturnino) and stunning views from the mountains behind the town.
Other Cagliari Excursions
- Folklore excursion with wine tasting, delicious local food, music, and dancing in traditional costume.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi, with a ruined fortified settlement from 1,500 BC and a 3-storey beehive tower (nuraghe) that has become the symbol of Sardinia.
- Monte Arcosu Nature Reserve by 4x4 vehicles through mountain forests with possible sightings of deer, boar and rare wild cat.
Whether it’s Olbia, Alghero or Cagliari, cruise excursions from these fascinating Sardinian ports offer something to suit all tastes.
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