Olbia

A small coastal town in north-east Sardinia, in the Province of Sassari, Olbia was referred to by the Greeks as Happy City, and really is a wonderful gateway for tourists keen to explore the island.

Its historic centre is a must. Take a stroll or relax in one of the city’s most beautiful squares, such as La Piazza Giacomo Matteotti for its social aspect, as well as for its historical significance. In the middle of the square is the famous Trivenere, a fountain set on a base with geometric shapes and surrounded by a circular pond, showing three Venuses holding an ampulla, from which water flows, seen as a symbol of Olbia.

Architecture and history buffs can visit the Romanesque Basilica di San Simplicio, the town hall built in 1932 and a host of archaeological sites from all eras.

Olbia is also the starting point for a trip to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, boasting some sumptuous landscapes. The Costa Smeralda, also known as the Emerald Coast, named after its turquoise water, transports you to the other side of the world but only two short hours away from Brussels-Charleroi.