May 8, 2025
Sardinia, or Sardenga, is a beautiful island with a population of 1.5 million. Le Dumont d’Urville cruised up the coastline in the early morning hours to the city of Olbia, the beginning of Costa Smeralda or the Emerald Coast.
We arrived at the port in the early afternoon, allowing us to indulge in an onboard feast of Mafaldine pasta cooked in a Parmesan cheese wheel! Black truffle enhanced the flavor—we are truly spoiled!
Our tour took us along this beautiful coastline, making a photo stop on our way to the village of San Pantaleo. Sardinia is a fairly flat island with the Sarda sheep outnumbering the human population. Both the Sarda sheep and goats are indigenous to the island and are mainly used in the production of cheese as their coats are too coarse for clothing fabric. Pecorino cheese is made from sheep milk as is Pecorino Romano. There are vineyards on this island with vermentino being known as Sardinia’s regional wine.
Our tour stopped at the village of San Pantaleo, located between Olbia and Arzachena in the Gallura region of Northern Sardinia and near the huge granite formations of Cugnana. It is known for its artist community, beautiful square and the filming of James Bond’s “The Spy Who Loved Me”. We wandered around, purchasing a small nautilus-shaped dish to remind us of this place.
Back on the bus and down to the historic center of Olbia where left the bus at the steps of the San Simplicio Piazza. Walking up the steps and onto the square, we were given a view of the Basilica of San Simplicio, a significant religious landmark. It was built in the late 11th century on a small hill and over an earlier church possibly built in the 6th century. Stepping inside this simply built church was stepping back in time.
We left the church and walked to the pedestrian shopping area filled with stores and restaurants. There are virtually no public restrooms in any of the stops we’ve had, outside of designated historic sites. As it was late afternoon and only 40 minutes of “free time”, we stopped at a café and ordered a glass of prosecco before using the restrooms. That is how it is done!
Sardinia is a gorgeous island with wealthy enclaves along the eastern coastline. We had originally signed up for a tour of the archeology museum, however the museum was closed for renovations. The bus tour was delightful, taking us past breathtaking views and introducing us to the unique geography and people of this island.
