Olbia has historic charm, turquoise seas and beaches for miles…
Pretty well-connected Olbia, named from the Ancient Greek for ‘happy’, nestles on the northeast coast of Sardinia in the middle of the Mediterranean. More than a gateway to the breathtaking beaches of the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), this seaside city boasts ancient sights, incredible eating and a welcoming café culture.
Flying to Olbia, Sardinia from London CityÂ
Direct flights to Olbia Costa Smerelda Airport (OLB) from London City Airport (LCY) take around two and a half hours, bringing you in to land just a few kilometres from the centre, which is around 10 mins away by taxi or bus. Â
Many visitors pass through Olbia en route to the glitzy resorts of the Emerald Coast and Northern Sardinia, but the city itself is well worth lingering in. It’s a small place that’s easy to move around on foot or by bus, and you’ll find a number of pay-as-you-go scooter and bike rental services too. To sightsee inland or explore beaches and restaurants along the coast, having a car is your best bet. Make holiday life run smoothly by renting one from London City before you go.Â
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There can be a few direct flights between London City Airport (LCY) and Olbia Costa Smerelda Airport (OLB) each week, so whatever your travel plans, here's what you need to know about getting there. Â
Key Stats
Language
Italian
Time Difference
1 hr ahead of GMT
Currency
Euro
Olbia Tourist Travel Guide
Plan a trip to Olbia and expect an authentic vibe that offers a charming contrast to the luxury holiday villages further north. You can snap epic views from the giant Ferris wheel on the harbour, shop your way along bustling Corso Umberto, or sail through the pristine islands of Archipelago La Maddalena to the famously beautiful spiaggia rosa (pink beach). Look at our Olbia tourist travel guide to discover the essential sights to see, what to eat and drink, and local events worth checking out.
Essential Sights
Museo Archeologico Â
Museo Archeologico Â
You can’t miss this contemporary building near the old port, especially when it’s floodlit after dark. Designed by architect Giovanni Maciocco, the dramatic façade was inspired by the shape of a ship at anchor. The archaeological museum inside reveals the history of the port and Olbia’s role as main city of the surrounding Gallura region. You’ll find fascinating artefacts dating from prehistoric times, through multiple eras up to the modern day – including an ancient Roman vessel sunk in the 5th century. Â
Basilica di San SimplicioÂ
In Olbia’s centro storico (historic centre) you can admire one of Gallura’s most significant religious monuments, a granite medieval cathedral dedicated to Bishop Simplicius who was martyred in 304 AD. Constructed in stages during the 11th and 12th centuries, the simple well-preserved interior features 13th century frescoes. Â
Lungomare di OlbiaÂ
This palm-dotted waterfront path unfurls alongside the city, providing a refreshing place to stretch your legs as well as the rest of your body. A 2km-long promenade punctuated by thoughtfully placed exercise areas and fitness machines, it’s designed to encourage people of every age to get moving in the open air. Â
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BeachesÂ
Beach lovers visiting this stunning stretch of coastline are undeniably spoiled for choice. To the north, fine white sands and crystal-clear waters mark the great curve of Pittulongu, popular with locals. Further up, beachy meets luxury at jet-set haunts including Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, where you can admire super-glam yachts moored in its round harbour. Â
Visit a vineyardÂ
Head out of the city into the pretty Gallura countryside to sample some of the region’s many wineries. The local soil and climate offer perfect conditions for producing the crisp, light Vermentino whites Sardinia is known for. Pop into Tenute Olbios winery to taste delicious vegan vintages made in a traditional farmhouse surrounded by hectares of sprawling vineyards. Â
Nuraghe Riu MulinuÂ
A short walk from central Olbia takes you up to this prime example of an ancient nuraghe megalithic fortification – similar remains are found all over Sardinia. This one dates from around 1300BC, and its walls, towers and gates give an extraordinary glimpse into the region’s history. The location on top of Cabu Abbas Hill also treats you to stirring views across the whole of the Gulf of Olbia. If you want to see more of the area’s Nuragic treasures, check out the giants’ tomb at Su Monte ‘e S’ Ape.Â
Monte LimbaraÂ
Just an hour’s drive from Olbia, Monte Limbara is a real treat for walking and hiking enthusiasts, especially in the cooler months. This rocky massif features spectacular terrain marked by wind-carved peaks, waterfalls and forests – and the higher you climb, the more spectacular the views across northern
Nightlife
Olbia’s combination of historic old town and tourist-friendly hub give the city’s social scene an interesting feel. Beach-side, the vibe builds from laid-back to lively as the sun goes down. In town, take to the streets with the locals for a people-watching passeggiata (stroll), stopping for aperitifs along the way. You can eat and drink until late and there are plenty of clubs on offer if you feel like dancing.
Food & Drink
Sardinia’s approach to food follows the Italy-wide ethos of using fresh seasonal ingredients and keeping things simple. Many cultures have occupied Olbia during its long history, and their influences have fed into the rustic tradition that defines Galluran cuisine. In cafes, restaurants and affordable trattorias all over town, you can try delicious dishes based around local meats, cheeses, honey and – especially in Olbia – seafood. Â
Sardinian staplesÂ
Meat lovers can choose to fill up on pecora in cappotto, a thick mutton stew made with herbs and potatoes, ever popular slow-cooked suckling pig, or cordula, spit-roasted lamb intestines. For a sweet finish, treat yourself to pardulas, little sunshine-yellow cakes filled with ricotta and saffron cream, or try some knockout gelato. This is Italy after all…Â
SeafoodÂ
Olbia’s coastal location means endless bounty from the sea! Sea urchins flavour various pasta dishes and can be enjoyed raw in many small trattorias. A popular delicacy is the distinctive tasting bottarga (dried mullet roe), often served in pasta or as an appetiser. Try ortiadas (fried anemones dipped in semolina and rosemary oil), burrida (sliced skate, cat or dogfish simmered in fish-liver broth) or rich lobster stew for a taste of the ocean, Sardinian-style.Â
CheeseÂ
Sardinia’s most reputed for mature hard cheeses made with milk from the goats, cows and sheep roaming its pastures. You’re bound to try some of the many local types of pecorino while you’re there. Look out for Pecorino Sardo, a sheep’s milk cheese matured in brine, then wood-smoked for intense flavour. You can even learn to make your own cheese, on a tour guided by the experienced hands of local cheesemakers and shepherds. Â
Events
Olbia Spring April - May
Active tourism is the name of the game with this programme of outdoor activities, urging everyone to get out and enjoy the city as it revives after winter. Â
Festa di San SemplicioMay
Join the locals to honour Olbia’s patron saint with a huge range of city-wide festivities held across two weeks in early May. Hundreds come to compete in the pallio, a traditional horse race through town that demands plenty of courage and speed on the part of the riders. This important festival also features religious processions, costume parades, fireworks and foodie events such as the Festival of Mussels!Â
Red Valley Music Festival August
Artists from across Italy, Europe and beyond descend on the Olbia Arena, luring big audiences keen to share their passion for electronica over several days and nights of live music performance.  Â
Benvenuto Vermentino October
This enticing series of tastings, shopping events and exhibitions is dedicated to the wines crafted by Sardinian growers from the fertile Vermentino vineyards.Â