The Olbia Hilltop Hideaway

Rooms

Besides the open-plan living-dining space and kitchen, there are two bedrooms in the Olbia Hilltop Hideaway. The master bedroom, dressed in monochromatic hues, comes with a raised bathtub where you can stargaze, and a separate shower and loo. There are built-in wardrobes, a vanity area with sink, and doors that open directly onto the terrace.

The second bedroom has more flexibility, with twin beds and a separate bunk bed, plus a pull-out third bed. It could accommodate multiple kids or three adults, thereby making the hideaway a good choice for couples, friends, big or small families. There’s a sink in this room too, plus a drench shower and loo in the bathroom next door.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee / tea making
• DVD player
• Fan
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Safe box
• TV
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

The house is extremely well set up for self-catering. There's a large fridge and appliances for making coffee, preparing food and cooking, and nearby supermarkets on the outskirts of Olbia and Arzachena are well-stocked for an alfresco barbecue (there’s a large gas barbecue and long dining table on the terrace); we'd recommend picking up a few supplies before you arrive. Dusk at the house is very special but should you not feel like cooking, Leontine has a range of contacts from ready-prepared family cooking, to a skilled chef to serve you.

There’s a huge choice for eating out, from barefoot dining at laidback beach shacks, smart white-tablecloth restaurants to breezy hilltop pizzerias. We loved the nearby boho-chic town of San Pantaleo for aperitivo in the golden-hued square. Leo will gladly share her local knowledge on where's best to eat and drink in the area, from award-winning pizzerias to seafood on the beach. She can also help arrange a dinner at a local agriturismo where you'll get an authentic taste of Sardinian cuisine, like porcheddu (slow-roasted herby suckling pig).

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Chef on request
• Dishwasher
• Food blender
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Microwave
• Oven
• Shopping service
• Toaster

Activities

• Explore the region’s array of white-sand beaches from lounger-clad Baia Sardinia with its promenade and gelateria, to the shady coves of Capriccioli, borrowing the house’s snorkels and food containers for picnic bits
  
• Take to the seas to discover the crystal clear waters and pink beaches that surround the Maddalena archipelago - either by your own private boat rental or vintage sailing vessel
  
• Bike or hike the old hunting trails around the house, best done in the cooler months of spring or autumn to see wild tortoises, hares and magical rock formations
  
• Take advantage of the house’s terraces and panoramic views with an aromatherapy massage or private yoga session in the comfort of your own home
  
• Leo can help arrange local tasting experiences: traditional bread, bio-wines, the regional mirto liquor, or try your hand at beekeeping, making and tasting your own honey
  
• Horse ride through the macchia-covered hills dotted with pastel-coloured villages, or canter on the beach through clear-as-gin water
  
• Learn about the Bronze Age at a series of historical rock citadels called Nuraghe and explore the unexplained tombs, wells and towers at sacred sites

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Mountain biking
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Yoga

Kids

Although the house is not suitable for under 5’s due to the rocky landscape and the rope balustrade terraces, it’s good for family holidays with older, outdoorsy children - if you don't mind the bumpy drive (you might spot hares, tortoises or wild boars on the way).

Best for:

Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The family room has two twin beds, and there is a bunk bed which also has pull-out trunk bed underneath it.

Distances:

• Airport: 30 minutes
• Hospital: 32 minutes
• Shops: 20 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Olbia Hilltop Hideaway is set in the hills above Olbia, near the scattered houses of Casagliana and Sole Ruiu, and about 10km from the pretty village of San Pantaleo (shops, restaurants).

By Air:
Sardinia has 3 airports. The nearest is Olbia (16km), which has seasonal flights. Failing that try Alghero (143km) or Cagliari (270km); the latter has year-round flights.

By Ferry:
You can reach Olbia or Golfo Aranci from mainland Italy (Genoa, Livorno, Piombino, Civitavecchia) or France (Corsica, Marseille).

From the airport / port:
You'll need a sturdy, high-clearance hire car (ideally a 4x4) to reach the cottage, and for local shopping and exploration.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.