Famous for its archaeological sites, Olbia shines on the shores of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by islands and hiking trails, this charming coastal town invites you to stroll through its colorful streets. From museums to hikes, treat yourself to a dream trip to sunny Sardinia on your next vacation. Ready to go? Let's go! Discover the 13 must-do activities in Olbia during your stay in Italy!
1. Stroll through the historic heart of Olbia
The historic center of Olbia in Sardinia is absolutely charming. As soon as you arrive, take the time to stroll through its lively alleyways teeming with small shops. Corso Umberto is the main street, offering restaurants, craft stores and souvenirs. This is also where you'll findOlbia's Tourist Office, where you can stock up on great sightseeing ideas, such as this guided tuk-tuk tour of the town!
Along this street, the buildings with their Art Nouveau facades are a feast for the eyes. Adjacent streets immerse you in a quieter atmosphere, with granite houses and flower-filled balconies. Simply adorable! TheTown Hall, a former family residence dating from 1932, overlooks Corso Umberto. This youthful building, too, is a true splendor.
2. San Simplicio Basilica, a thousand years of history
The town's main point of interest, the Basilica of San Simplicio is Olbia's oldest and most important Romanesque church. It houses the relics of San Simplicio, patron saint of the town and the Gallura region. We invite you to push open its doors to admire its granite interior, which is divided into three naves adorned with frescoes.
Good to know every year, a procession celebrates San Simplicio on May 15.
Your visit continues below the basilica square, where you'll find a necropolis dating back to Roman times, with over 400 tombs revealing a succession of cultures right up to the Middle Ages.
3. The Archaeological Museum, Olbia's history revealed
A must-see in Olbia, the Archaeological Museum is located on Peddone Island near the Old Port. In addition to its historical collections, it boasts a panoramic view of the Gulf. In the museum's many rooms, you can relive the city's history from Phoenician times to the present day. On the first floor, shipwrecks burned by the Vandals in 450 AD are on display, marking the end of Roman Olbia. Another room features the only medieval shipwreck in Italy. Unusual and unique: we love it!
Another floor invites you to explore Olbia's town planning through the ages, while subsequent rooms cover different periods, highlighting the town's strategic and cultural importance over the centuries. In short, a digest of culture and astonishing artifacts, to be seen again and again!
4. The Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Olbia and its colorful dome
It's impossible to miss the Church of St. Paul, built on the ruins of a Roman temple in the late Middle Ages. Renovated in Baroque style in the 18th century, it is distinguished by its multicolored dome, built in 1939. Covered in polychrome majolica, it's a marvel to behold during your visit to the city center. The interior is also worth a look. It features frescoes on the side walls, as well as a polychrome marble high altar and balustrade. It's a must-see in Olbia, offering a little piece of history along the way.
5. Admire the dolphins off Olbia
Board a boat for Figarolo, near Golfo Aranci. Excursions are organized to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. Snorkeling, cliff diving and a limestone cave are also on the program. This type of outing can also be enjoyed by kayak, with stopovers planned at certain strategic points. With an aperitif in hand, you're in for one of the best days of your vacation!
Click here to to book your guided boat trip near Aranci with dolphin watching and snorkeling.
6. Tavolara Island, a hiker's paradise
Another type ofsea excursion from Olbia takes you to theisland of Tavolara, a mountain emerging from the Mediterranean. With a surface area 6 km long and 20 km wide, and a summit reaching 565 m in altitude, it's an irresistible magnet for hikers. Like a sailor captivated by the song of the sirens, let yourself be charmed by the lush Mediterranean vegetation of this island of 1000 wonders.
Accessible by ferry from the port of Olbia, it promises both magnificent beaches and dreamy walks leading to its summit. Tavolara is a place of contemplation and escape, fascinating locals and visitors alike with its natural beauty. Add to this a breathtaking panorama , and the picture is perfect!
Tempted? Take advantage of our partner's rates by booking your Tavolara boat tour with snorkeling here .
7. Archaeological sites around Olbia
Get out of town for a while, and explore Olbia's surroundings. Several archaeological sites await your visit, eager to reveal the richness of Sardinia. One of the must-sees, albeit a quick one, is the Sacred Well of Sa Testa, with its astonishing geometric structure, symbolizing the transition between worlds.
Meanwhile, Pèdres Castle (or rather, its ruins) offers panoramic views from its hillside, bearing witness to the dominance of the Pisans and Aragonese. Nearby is the tomb of the Su Monte S'Abe giants. Your visit to Olbia's past then inevitably leads you to the remains of the Roman aqueduct, dating back to the first century. Want a little more? Then head for the Nuraghe Riu Mulino, dating back to 1300 B.C., which in its day served as both a defensive point and a place of worship.
8. Excursion from Olbia to the Maddalena archipelago
Bathed in azure-blue seas, theMaddalena archipelago is a must-see in the Olbia region. Comprising over 60 islets, only one of which is inhabited, it offers the perfect exploration ground for wilderness lovers. During a leisurely excursion, discover its coves, beaches and superb seabed. The whole area is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, creating a magnificent national park. This excursion allows you to fully discover the beauty of Italy, sailing peacefully amidst the breathtaking scenery of La Maddalena. A must-do!
Explore the islands of Santa Maria, Spargi and La Maddalena by booking this one-day boat trip from Olbia.
9. Enjoy Olbia's most beautiful beaches
Visiting Olbia also means taking the time to enjoy its magnificent beaches. They are ideal for relaxing, bordered by a crystal-clear sea and offering pleasant temperatures. To the south of the city, you'll find the beaches of :
- the island of Tavolara,
- costa Smeralda,
- the Aranci Gulf.
Want to soak up the sun on one of Olbia's most beautiful beaches? We recommend Porto Istana, with its spectacular shallow waters. Perfect with children! Meanwhile, the Salines beach, closest to the town center, is ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
10. Porto Romano market, an explosion of colors and flavors
Tuesday mornings are a rendezvous for Olbiesi and other market-loving visitors. Olbia's market runs until 1pm, offering a vast palette of colors, scents and enchanting tastes. It's the Mercato Porto Romano, located in Olbia's historic center near Corso Umberto I. Here, local products are widely represented, from cheeses to Sardinian salamis, clothing, objets d'art and souvenirs of all kinds. Take your time to explore all the stalls and discover the surprises.
The icing on the cake: the Olbia market is a lively place, with musicians playing their most beautiful notes, accompanying your stroll with their instruments.
11. A guided tour of the Gallura vineyards from Olbia
France knows how to make good wine, but so does Italy! Book here for a guided tour of a picturesque Gallura vineyard from Olbia. Your guide will take you on a tour of the secrets of local wine-making, including a tasting (in moderation!) of some of the finest vintages. Nestled in the mountains of beautiful Gallura, this vineyard offers a complete experience, with exploration of the winery and vineyard. You'll discover the charm of barrels and casks, while breathing in the owners' passion for their daily work. This total immersion lets you discover an ancestral know-how, through a perfectly conducted visit.
12. Aquadream water park, a day of family fun
Is Sardinia's heat getting hard to bear? Cool off at Aquadream, a water park with waterslides to delight the whole family. Between pools and water games, the adventure is total! While some slides are only accessible to those of a certain age, many attractions are open to all. It's the ideal place, around 30 km from Olbia, to add a breath of fresh air to your vacation in Sardinia! Let's face it, crowds are dense in summer... If you can, don't hesitate to travel outside the school year. Open from June to September, the water park is constantly improving its facilities, to the delight of young and old alike.
13. Taste Sardinian specialties
Gourmet moment! Sardinia offers a wide variety of culinary specialties to discover, and it would be a shame not to try them. These include pane carasau, a crusty, fine bread that was once the choice of shepherds during the transhumance. Many restaurants also offer malloreddus, a pasta popular in Sardinia, often served with Sardinian sausage and pecorino cheese. Perhaps you'd prefer to try culurgiones, ravioli filled with cheese and potato, served with a succulent tomato sauce.
Another highly original dish is zuppa gallurese, a bread and cheese gratin. Speaking of cheese, you've probably already seen pecorino here in France. Taste the real thing in Olbia! It's a succulent sheep's milk cheese that's omnipresent in Sardinian cuisine.
If you want to make the most of your stay in Sardinia, we recommend you book this Sardinian tapas tasting: you'll enjoy ten dishes prepared by a local chef using seasonal produce.
You can also take advantage of our partner's rates by booking this guided workshop in traditional pasta-making: you'll then taste your own creations with a glass of wine.
Where to stay in Olbia?
Olbia's northern district is ideal for staying close to the various points of interest, while enjoying a quiet neighborhood. From here, you can easily reach the old town by car or bus. The area is also home to Parco Fausto Noce, a pleasant green lung ideal for children and parents.
- Our favorite
La Locanda del Conte Mameli has it all! The well-appointed rooms offer every comfort. Some are even housed in the old stone buildings, offering authentic charm. Spa, sauna, hammam and a hearty breakfast round out the facilities at this establishment in the historic heart of Olbia, which you can book right here.
- The quietest
A beautiful view, a quiet hotel, great amenities - welcome to the Hotel Valdiola! This well-located 3-star establishment offers beautiful, pleasant rooms in a prime location. For those looking for peace and quiet during their vacation in Olbia, you can book itright here.
- The most modern
Treat yourself to the contemporary setting of the 4-star Hotel For You. From the modern decor to the attentive staff, everything is designed to make you feel at home in this comfortable establishment, which you can book right here. The restaurant's lovely terrace is an added bonus for a relaxing evening after your sightseeing.
What can I visit in Olbia in 3 days?
Three days is more than enough time to visit Oblia's main attractions. Just follow the guide!
Day 1
Olbia's old town awaits you on your first day. On the program: the Basilica of San Simplicio, the Archaeological Museum and the Church of St. Paul the Apostle of Olbia. Stop off at a local restaurant for a taste of Sardinian specialties.
Day 2
For your second day in Olbia in summer, visit the beaches of Bados, Mare Rocce or Pittulongu, all around 20 minutes from the city center. In autumn or winter, we invite you to explore the Punic, Carthaginian and Roman remains.
Day 3
Set sail! From the Maddalena archipelago to Tavolara Island, including a dolphin-watching excursion, the choice is vast!
What to do in Olbia without a car
From the airport, public transport takes you to the heart of Olbia. The religious buildings and other treasures of the town center are within easy reach. From there, you can get around on foot or by bus. The beaches of Pittulongu and Bados, for example, are accessible by bus (Bus 4 ASPO). You can also take the bus to Palau, in the north of the island, to board a boat for the Maddalena archipelago. Travelling with the family? Join Aquadream with one of the island's companies, such as Sun Lines S.R.L. or Caramelli Tours Di Caramelli Pietro E C Snc.
For an excursion to Figarolo, near Golfo Aranci, take bus line 602 (Olbia Corso Vittorio Veneto 3c-Capolinea). The Gallura vineyards can also be reached by bus in around 1 hour, using route 5301. In short, you can do almost everything in Olbia without a car, as the public transport network is pretty well organized.
Good to know: many cabs are available to get you around Olbia more quickly (but more expensively!).
Finally, we invite you to discover the Spiagge Express. For just €5 return, this bus service links the city center to Pittulongu beach - a great deal if you're traveling to Olbia as a family without a car!
Olbia can be visited in 2 or 3 days, but Sardinia itself is a veritable call to contemplation. Discover Sardinia's 17 must-sees, and extend your stay! From historic visits to lazy days on the beach, the Italian Dolce Vita offers you a 100% pleasurable stay on the shores of the Mediterranean!
Find out more about the most popular things to do in Olbia below:
