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    Olbia

    Italy

    Olbia

    CityCultureBeachCulinaryNatureFor Families

    Olbia is located on a bay in northeastern Sardinia. The port is the island's most important passenger harbor, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport lies south of the city.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Italy
    7. Sardinia
    9. Olbia
    Olbia is located on a bay in northeastern Sardinia. The port is the island's most important passenger harbor, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport lies south of the city.CityThe most significant building is the Romanesque Basilica di San Simplicio, mostly of granite.HistoryPhoenicians and Greeks came to the coast; the Carthaginians built a fortified city, and the Romans followed later. The Archaeological Museum at the harbor displays Roman ship parts; nearby are a well sanctuary and a giant's tomb.

    Sights in Olbia

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Basilica di San Simplicio
    Church

    1Basilica di San Simplicio

    The Romanesque church of local granite is the oldest and most important religious building in northeast Sardinia. Dating before the 11th century, extended in the late 11th century, its final phase likely from the 13th century. The hill it stands on served as a cemetery from the Roman Republic to the Middle Ages.
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    Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Olbia
    Museum

    2Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Olbia

    The museum stands on the small island of Peddone next to the harbour. The ground floor displays original parts of Roman ships and the reconstruction of two wrecks that sank during a vandal attack. The upper floor showcases the city during the Roman Imperial period, as well as finds from prehistory and the Nuragic period.
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    Pozzo Sacro Sa Testa
    Attraction

    3Pozzo Sacro Sa Testa

    Sacred well from the Nuragic period, circa 1200 to 1000 BC, near the road to Golfo Aranci northeast of the city.
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    Giant's Grave Su Mont'e s'Abe
    Attraction

    4Giant's Grave Su Mont'e s'Abe

    Communal grave, Early Bronze Age (c. 1800-1600 BC), rebuilt in the Nuragic period. Located on the road to Loiri, south of Olbia.
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    Pittulongu
    Beach

    5Pittulongu

    Part of town with sandy beaches, about 10 kilometers from the city.
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    City walks in Olbia

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Discover Olbia: A Journey Through History and Harbour Flair

    Experience Olbia's fascinating mix of ancient history and modern harbour life on this 2-hour walk. From the ancient basilica to lively squares and the modern port, immerse yourself in the heart of this Sardinian town. Ideal for exploring the main sights at a relaxed pace.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (6)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    1

    Trattoria da Mario

    Trattoria in the Old Town near the port with Sardinian dishes, fish and seafood.
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    2

    Da Tonino Re di Sardegna

    Restaurant in the Old Town with a focus on fish dishes and a selection of Sardinian wines.
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    3

    Essenza Bistrot

    Bistro in the Old Town with modernly prepared dishes using seasonal produce.
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    4

    Ristopizzeria Black Bull

    Restaurant and pizzeria west of the center with pizza, pasta and meat dishes.
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    Food and Drink

    Olbia combines fish cuisine with the traditions of Gallura.

    Shells from the Gulf

    Mussels are cultivated in designated farming areas within the inner Gulf of Olbia.

    Seadas

    Fried semolina pastry with sheep's cheese filling, served with sugar and honey.

    Vermentino di Gallura

    White wine from Gallura with DOCG status.

    Culture

    The name Olbia derives from the Greek word ólbios, meaning "happy." Remains of a Roman aqueduct from the 1st and 2nd centuries, which carried water about seven kilometers to the city's thermal baths, are preserved near Tilibbas. In the Middle Ages, the city was called Civita, later Terranova, and from 1862 Terranova Pausania; in 1939, it regained its ancient name.On May 15, Olbia celebrates the feast of its patron saint, Simplicius.

    Nightlife

    Olbia's nightlife is centered around cozy bars and a few clubs in the city center. For a relaxed evening drink, you'll find places like the Spirits Boutique Cocktail Bar Olbia with its creative creations or traditional pubs such as the My Soul Irish Pub.
    1

    Spirits Boutique Cocktail Bar Olbia

    Cocktail bar on Piazza Matteotti in the city center.
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    2

    The Wine Club

    Wine bar on Piazza Matteotti with Sardinian and Italian wines.
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    3

    Devil Kiss Rock Club

    Rock club in the north of the city with live music and DJ nights.
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    4

    My Soul Irish Pub

    Irish Pub on Corso Umberto in the Old Town.
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    Exploring

    Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is south of the city. From the port, ferries travel to Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Piombino.In the city center, you can get around on foot. Olbia is on the Cagliari–Golfo Aranci railway line.

    Accommodations in Olbia

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    Campgrounds in Olbia

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    Plan your trip to Olbia

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      • 1Basilica di San Simplicio3 days
      • 2Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Olbia4 days
      • 3Pozzo Sacro Sa Testa5 days
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    Nearby

    La Maddalena

    La Maddalena

    La Maddalena is the main town of the archipelago of the same name off Sardinia's northeast coast. From Palau, you can reach the port by ferry in 15 to 20 minutes. The town is a starting point for boat tours through the National Park and for excursions to Caprera with Garibaldi's house.
    Bonifacio

    Bonifacio

    The city of Bonifacio in Corsica captivates with its spectacular location on white limestone cliffs that rise steeply from the Mediterranean Sea. The medieval citadel majestically overlooks the sea, inviting exploration with its narrow streets and historic buildings. Particularly impressive is the rock-hewn Stairs of the King of Aragon, a testament to the town's eventful history. From the upper part of the town, you'll enjoy expansive views over the Strait of Bonifacio to Sardinia, while the sheltered natural harbor forms a lively center. For the best perspective on the steep cliffs and sea caves, a boat trip is highly recommended. Plan your visit in spring or autumn to experience Bonifacio's unique atmosphere without the summer crowds.
    Porto-Vecchio

    Porto-Vecchio

    This stylish seaside resort in southern Corsica is known for its chic marinas, the charming upper town, and proximity to the island's most beautiful beaches.
    Alghero

    Alghero

    Alghero is located on Sardinia's northwest coast and features a walled old town by the sea. Since the Catalans occupied the city in 1354, it has been influenced by Catalan culture; Algherese, a Catalan variety, is recognized as a minority language.Old Town and BastionsThe Old Town is home to the Cathedral and the Catalan-Gothic Church of San Francesco, while the bastions with a promenade line the seaward side.SurroundingsWest of the city lie the Bay of Porto Conte and Capo Caccia with Neptune's Grotto. Along the coast are beaches such as Le Bombarde and Lazzaretto.
    Sardinia

    Sardinia

    Sardinia is, after Sicily, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and lies west of the Italian mainland. It is known for its coast with sandy beaches and clear waters, from the Costa Smeralda in the northeast to the bays of the Golfo di Orosei in the east. The island's interior is mountainous and sparsely populated; here stand many Nuraghe, stone tower-structures from the Bronze Age, among which the Su Nuraxi complex near Barumini is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sardinia has its own language, Sardinian, and in Alghero, an old form of Catalan is still spoken today. Ferries connect the island to Genoa, Livorno, and Civitavecchia, among other places, and airports are located in Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero.

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