Despite its relatively small size, Olbia boasts one of Italy’s most significant harbors. This distinction can be attributed to its rich historical heritage, unique customs, and a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. Moreover, Olbia serves as the gateway to the renowned Costa Smeralda, adding to its appeal as a destination worth exploring. Think Olbia could be your dream destination? Here’s is a complete guide to Olbia Sardinia.

Things to Do in Olbia Sardinia

If you find yourself in the area with some free time, it’s highly recommended to dedicate at least a full day to exploring Olbia. Why not plan a family vacation with Sardinia Package holidays? Whether the weather isn’t conducive for a day at the beach or you’re looking to do more than just visit a few sandy shores, Olbia offers a wealth of attractions to keep you engaged. You can discover a wide range of things to do in Olbia including a range of experiences, from exploring museums and nearby nuraghe structures to visiting intriguing churches and even enjoying a ride on a Ferris wheel. 

Discover the Beauty of The City

The city center of Olbia is a nice place to look around. If you walk down the famous Corso Umberto, which is the main street, you can find many places to shop, some of which are high-end and some of which aren’t. You can also see many old buildings, the most photographed of which are in the Liberty style. Piazza Regina Margherita also has many clubs and bars where you can spend a nice evening if you go there at night.

You can also see the remains of the Roman Court and the even older Punic defense walls near the City Hall. If you keep looking around, you’ll find two of Olbia’s most important church buildings.

San Simplicio Cathedral and Necropolis

This church is the best-preserved Roman church on the island. It was built in the 11th century, making it the oldest church north of Sardinia. It was built for and named after St. Simplicius, who died as a martyr during Diocleziano’s rule. Even though the church’s style is simple and neat, the most interesting part of this building is beneath. During excavations, the bodies of about 450 martyrs were found in a huge cemetery. The cemetery is now open for visits and tours, but you must book in advance. Some objects and tools found in the tombs have been left to be seen in their original setting. Many others are on show at the Archeological Museum in Olbia.

Olbia Ferris Wheel

The Maestosa Ferris Wheel, which opened in 2019 right before the Museum of Archeology, is the main thing to do at night in Olbia. It stands 36 meters (118 feet) tall and gives you a great view of the Gulf and a great place to take a picture while you wait to ride in one of the 26 rooms.

Parco Fausto Noce

In 2004, a deserted part of the city was cleaned up and turned into this park, now a peaceful place for families and sports fans. The park has several sports areas, four fountains, and 18 hectares of Mediterranean trees and plants. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and guards are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it a safe and quiet place for anyone who wants to walk in nature.

Where to stay in Olbia Sardinia?

There are many places to stay in Olbia Sardinia and the area around it so you will have a lot of options. Check out the Sardinia hotel deals to save your money. Here are some popular places you can consider:

Altré Guesthouse: It’s a beautiful small guest house with only three rooms. It’s right next to the San Simplicio Church, close to the train station, and only a few minutes walk from the town center. The rooms are big, clean, and have everything you need for a short stay. The owners are great at making people feel welcome.

Jazz Hotel: The Jazz Hotel is close to the airport and only a few minutes away by car from the city center. It has everything you might need. You can have a relaxing vacation with free Wi-Fi, free parking, a private bathroom, and a swimming pool. The restaurant on site is great.

Smeralda Flats: An apartment is the best choice for people who want their place even when they’re on vacation. This one is in the city center, just a few steps from all the main sites. It has free Wi-Fi, parking, and everything you’d expect to find in a nice, well-furnished apartment.

Olbia restaurants and bars

You will have a lot of choices in Olbia, whether you want a quick bite, a traditional meal, or something a bit fancier. All of the places below have been tried and tested by me:

Natura: Go to Natura on Corso Umberto in the center of Olbia for a quick, healthy lunch that won’t break the bank. The average bowl is enough for one person unless you are a big eater.

Bacchus: You wouldn’t think a restaurant in an airport hotel could be this good, but it is! Michelin Bacchus lists it and focuses on fish, seafood, and meat meals from Sardinia that are in season. The portions are big, the service is great, and the prices are fair. It’s a good option.

Spirits Boutique: It’s possible that these are the best drinks on the island. This small drink bar is on Via Cavour in Olbia’s old town center. Cocktails are made with carefully mixed seasonal and local ingredients. Even the vermouth is made by them.

How to get to Olbia Sardinia?

Olbia is one of the easier places to get to on the island of Sardinia. It has an international airport, a port, and trains that go to other parts of the island. Here are the steps to get there.

From the airport: From Olbia’s airport, shuttles and public buses will get you to the city center in no more than 20 minutes. The airport is only 5 km from the city, and the road signs are clear and easy to see. Now you can book cheap flights to Sardinia. 

From the harbor: The port is close to the city center; you can walk there in a few minutes.

From Cagliari: A car is the best way to go from Cagliari to Olbia. Take SS131 toward Sassari, and when you get to the Abbasanta crossing, take SS131 BIS to Nuoro and Olbia. It takes about 3 hours to get there. If you’d rather take public transportation, buses, and trains leave daily from the center of Cagliari and even from Cagliari Airport. 

Conclusion 

We hope that this guide to Olbia Sardinia has been helpful in providing you with some ideas of things to do and see while you are here on vacation. Sardinia Olbia is a charming and vibrant city that beckons travelers with its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and Mediterranean allure.