What to Do in Olbia?

Located on the northeast coast of Sardinia, Olbia is a port city that serves as a gateway to the Costa Smeralda. If you're wondering what to do in Olbia, you'll find that this small Sardinian town boasts archaeological sites, charming monuments, picturesque villages perfect for wandering, museums, and trattorias where you can indulge in local delights Of course, let's not forget the beautiful beaches lining the Tyrrhenian Sea. If you're looking for a sunny getaway in Olbia, I've selected the best activities to add to your itinerary

Experience the ambiance of Olbia from the very beginning of your stay by strolling through its historic center, located just at the end of the port Corso Umberto is the main street in the area. This pedestrian street is lined with cute shops and restaurants situated within Art Nouveau buildings. There's no better way to discover the authenticity of the neighborhood. Near Via Cagliari, you'll come across the Church of San Paolo, a beautiful 18th-century church characterized by its multicolored granite dome. If you have time, step inside the building. The visit is free and will only take you a few minutes.

In the morning, stop for a coffee on the terrace and soak up the atmosphere of Olbia ☕️ In the evening, the historic center transforms and is adorned with lovely warm lights. Again, settle down on the terraces for a drink and enjoy life in Olbia at night!

If you want to learn every nook and cranny of the historic center and discover more about the city's history and its historical buildings, you can join a guided tour on a tuk-tuk for €35 per person. This little vehicle travels all over the city, from the historic center to the promenade further south. It's a fun activity that I recommend

Before leaving the city, return to the historic center to buy souvenirs. In this case, head to the Mercato Porto Romano. Note that this market is held every Tuesday morning north of the historic center. You'll find stalls selling handmade products, as well as cheeses, wines, and cold cuts

The Basilica of San Simplicio is an iconic monument of Olbia. It is located in the square of the same name, west of the historic center, opposite the train station. This basilica is an old church built in the 11th century in honor of the city's patron saint. Thus, it serves as a living witness to Olbia's medieval past.

This building showcases a more or less simple Roman-Pisan style, yet it ranks among the most beautiful monuments in Sardinia! Within its granite walls are three naves, lovely Romanesque frescoes, marble decorations, and a statue of San Simplicio. Don't leave before discovering the Roman necropolis located beneath the square of the basilica! This site contains around 400 tombs, making it a unique activity to do in Olbia!

It's important to know that Olbia has a rich archaeological past. To better understand it, head to the archaeological museum. It is located on Peddone Island, a small islet in the middle of the Old Port. The archaeological museum traces the history of Olbia from the Nuragic period to the Roman and medieval eras.

The centerpiece of this museum is its beautiful collection of Roman ships. These shipwrecks were found in the port of Olbia. More specifically, these are ships burned by the Vandals in the year 450 during the decline of Roman Olbia. Among the museum's other collections, you'll find ancient objects and reconstructions of the city's urban layout over the centuries. If you are a history enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting!

⚠️ March 2025: unfortunately, the archaeological museum of Olbia is currently closed for renovations. Therefore, be sure to check in advance if you want to visit to ensure it is open to the public.

South of the historic center, the Lungomare di Olbia is a beautiful palm-lined promenade that gives off a little Miami vibe This scenic path stretches about 1 km and offers views of the port and the sea. If you're wondering what to do in Olbia with children, this part of the city is equipped with parks and green spaces to relax and enjoy the Italian dolce vita! A bonus: I highly recommend taking this walk at sunset to marvel at the last rays disappearing on the horizon. In the evening, the scene is even more magical, with the port lights reflecting on the water ✨

The Castello di Pedres is a monument dating back to the 13th century. It is located about 7 minutes from the center, heading south near the airport. This monument is perched on a rocky outcrop, a strategic position that allowed it to monitor enemy attacks From the site of this ancient castle, enjoy a 360° view of the Sardinian countryside!

Note that today, a solitary tower serves as a sentinel on the hill. It is the only one that remains standing among the four towers that made up the structure. To see the Castello di Pedres, you will pass through small paths and stone stairs through the woods. Along the way, don't miss the Tomb of the Giants of Su Monte e S'Abe, a site that dates back to 3200 BC. Stroll around the monument to admire its different ancient steles and passages.

Tavolara is a long island off the coast of Olbia, easily accessible in a few minutes by ferry from the port ⛴️ If you're up for a hike, I recommend reaching the island's peak (565 m). From this spot, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Sardinia Along the way, savor your adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean vegetation. Via Ferrata courses are also offered for climbing enthusiasts.

After your physical adventure reaching the summit of Tavolara, take your time descending to relax on one of the island's beautiful beaches. I recommend unwinding in the area on the southern tip of Tavolara. There, you'll find beaches surrounded by cliffs and greenery, a setting worthy of postcard landscapes ⛱️ Note that Tavolara's turquoise waters are perfect for diving and snorkeling in Olbia. For those interested, expect to pay around €68 per person to take the boat tour around the island, with stops for swimming.

Board a boat that will take you to Isola di Figarolo if you want to watch dolphins! This small island is located off the Golfo Aranci and can be reached by ferry from Olbia. If you're unsure about when to visit Sardinia, know that the best time for such a cruise is from May to October.

You can also leave your boat for a diving adventure! With a bit of luck, the dolphins may approach you. If they do, make sure not to touch them and only observe from a distance. If you're looking for a more physical outing, you can also opt for a kayak tour to explore the surroundings. This way, you'll easily get close to limestone caves and cliffs.

You won't find proper beaches in Olbia, as the city is situated at the end of an industrial bay. But fortunately, beautiful beaches, some of which are among the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, are easily accessible around Olbia!

The islands of La Maddalena are located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Olbia by car. This archipelago is a must-visit in Costa Smeralda and is one of the most beautiful places in Sardinia. Declared a national park, the area delights nature lovers and offers stunning panoramic landscapes to feast your eyes on This Sardinian archipelago is a blend of beautiful beaches, rich underwater resources, secret coves, cliffs, and Mediterranean vegetation.

It's important to know that the archipelago is perfectly preserved and only its main island, La Maddalena, is inhabited. This island is accessible by ferry from Palau, about 1 hour's drive from Olbia. You can then wander around the historic center of La Maddalena before venturing into nature. Personally, I've had the chance to participate in a boat excursion to the main islands of La Maddalena, and I found it truly magnificent! This activity includes a tour of the historic center, a diving session, and meals aboard, all starting at €50 per person.

Sardinian cuisine is a delight, and Olbia is full of trattorias where you can enjoy local specialties Some must-try dishes include malloreddus, small Sardinian gnocchi with sausage ragù, porceddu, a slowly roasted suckling pig for a savory taste, and fregola with clams, a typical seafood delicacy.

On the sweet side, be tempted by seadas, pastries filled with cheese and drizzled with honey, and, of course, pair your meals with Vermentino di Gallura wine, an exceptional local product.

Among the best addresses, I can mention Ristorante Da Paolo for an authentic atmosphere in the historic center, or Il Vecchio Porto, where seafood takes center stage! However, if you prefer to combine tasting with a cultural activity, you can also participate in a Sardinian tapas tasting for €62 per person, or a guided tour of the Gallura vineyard from about €52 per person.

If you visit Olbia with your family, you absolutely must check out the Aquadream water park! It's a great opportunity to spend quality time with the kids. They'll be thrilled to see the water slides, large pools, water games, etc... Most attractions are accessible to everyone. Besides, under the Sardinian sun, this type of facility is an excellent way to cool off.

⚠️ Note that Aquadream opens from June to September to welcome vacationers. Thus, expect to encounter a bit of a crowd...

You have the choice between flying and taking the ferry to get to Olbia. Expect about a 2-hour direct flight from New York to Olbia, with tickets ranging from €200 to €500 depending on the season. To find the best-priced flights for your travel dates, I recommend using the flight comparison site Ulysse.

If you want to take the ferry from France, embark from Marseille or Toulon to reach Porto Torres, in the northwest of Sardinia. Then take the road (approximately 1.5 hours) to get to Olbia. From Nice, you can board a ferry to Golfo d'Aranci, in the northeast of the island. You'll then be closer to Olbia, just about twenty minutes by car. Expect about a 7 to 8-hour crossing and starting at around €50 per person.

Once at your destination, I recommend renting a car in Sardinia for your various trips, and why not organize a road trip in Sardinia. If you don't know where to go in Sardinia after visiting Olbia, I have another guide dedicated to the subject!

In practical terms, tourist attractions in the center of Olbia are easily connected on foot. However, to reach other more distant sites, such as the Castello di Pedres or the beaches, having a personal car remains practical. On DiscoverCars, you'll find vehicles available starting at €10 per day in the off-season.

Don't know where to stay in Olbia during your visit? In the city center, Intra Rooms offers good value for money with double rooms available from €60 a night. The establishment has a shared kitchen and small dining area. If you're coming with your car, parking is included in the room price

In the heart of the historic center, on Corso Umberto, Hotel Centrale is one of the most well-known hotels in Olbia. Rooms in this establishment are available from €73 per night, excluding the tourist season. By settling into this accommodation, you will be close to all amenities. As a bonus: a great breakfast every morning ☕️

If you don't know where to stay in Sardinia near Lungomare di Olbia, Bullerjanos welcomes you starting at €69 per night. The rooms are tastefully decorated and ensure 100% comfort! They also feature small balconies with views of the city or garden.

In conclusion, I hope this article has made you want to visit Olbia! If you want to explore other locations on the island but don't know what to do in Sardinia, know that I also have other articles on the best activities to do in Cagliari as well as some good addresses if you don't know where to stay in Cagliari