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Olbia

Main port of North Sardinia and of the Emerald Coast
Olbia is one of the most important cities in Sardinia. Together with the famous Porto Rotondo and San Pantaleo, nestled between the granitic rocks overlying the Costa Smeralda, Olbia boasts the Marina di Portisco and the Marina in Olbia, among the most important yacht harbours the Sardinia.
 
The Basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia
In Romanesque style, rich with medieval frescoes and built in blocks of local granite is one of the monuments of greatest importance in town; originally stood outside the medieval city, surrounded by a large graveyard dating from the Punic age.

The Basilica Minore, or Minor Basilica, built in several stages beginning in the second half of the eleventh century, is the most important medieval building in north-east Sardinia and one of the most beautiful in all of Sardinia.

The former cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, San Simplicio (St. Simplicius), who was martyred in 304 by the emperor Diocletian.

 
Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com/ ArtMediaFactory / Shutterstock
 
The Archeological Museum

The Archeological Museum, located on the seafront promenade, shows the entire historical story of the ancient city and the territory of Olbia; of special interest are the shipwrecks of Roman Age found during the excavation of the ancient port, corresponding to the waterfront of the current historical center.  

 

Sa Testa archaeological site, Sardinia. Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
Elements of particular interest are the Roman and medieval relics found during excavation of the old port. Do not miss the Roman Aqueduct, the Sacred Nuraghic Well of "Sa Testa" and the Tombs of the Giants of "Su Monte de s'Ape" near the city.
 
Pittulongu beach in Olbia

Known also by the name of “La Playa", this is the favourite beach of the locals. It has very fine white sand with small shells and is half-moon shaped with numerous private areas that offer every services. There are many characteristic restaurants on the foreshore and hotels nearby.

 

The Pittulongu beach, Olbia, Sardinia. Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
Olbia offers naturalistic spots as the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara- Capo Coda Cavallo, hiking and diving destination well known for the many beautiful beaches of white sand and the sea of crystal blue colours.
 
lsland of Tavolara, Sardinia. Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
 
Il pane Carasau. Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
Local products of Olbia
There are many top quality products such as: pecorino al fiore sardocarciofo spinosozafferano and bottarga.
Also numerous typical wines to drink, from different territories such as vermentino in Galluratorbato and cagnulari in Algherocarignano in Sulciscannonau in Ogliastranuragus in Campidanovernaccia in Oristanomalvasia in Bosa. In addition also different varieties of bread like coccoi,  civraxupan’e gherda and the famous carasau to try with typical dishes like the pane frattau and the zuppa gallurese
 
Olbia is a modern and dynamic city, rich in services, nightlife, sporting activities and events (the San Simplicio Festival in mid May, Olbia Spring week of active tourism) and of great international entertainment (World Rally d'Italia Sardegna, Six Days Enduro).
Easily accessible through its port and international airport connected with Europe, Olbia is the ideal place to spend the holidays with a wide range of hotel accommodation and entertainment; also good for making investments in the real estate and nautical business.
 
Text by Olbia Municipal Tourist Office
Updated by Alisè Vitri
Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos: Copyright © Olbia Municipal Tourist Office; Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
Copyright © Sisterscom.com
Video: www.sardegnaturismo.it
 
 
Tourist Board

Ufficio Turismo Comune di Olbia

www.olbiaturismo.it

www.sardegnaturismo.it


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Where to sleep in Olbia
Olbia. Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
Olbia is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.
To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

 

STARS
Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:
B&B, HOUSES, RESORTS
Stays in B&B, Holiday Homes, Resorts:
 
 
LANDMARKS
Hotels in tourist areas
 
 
AIRPORT
Hotels near the airport
 
 
WHERE TO GO IN OLBIA
Castles, villas, theaters and amphitheatres
MOLARA CASTLE

The Castle was constructed in a strategic position to the south-east of the Island of Molara and was part of the defensive quadrilateral created by the Judges of Gallura to protect the city of Olbia and its coastline. The building sits high above the sea and is completely without defensive walls, because of the natural protection offered by the steep cliffs.

 
SA PAULAZZA CASTLE

Sa Paulazza Castle is located approximately 5 kilometres from the hilltop city of Monte a Telti and dominates the plain and Gulf of Olbia. The Castle has a quadrangular layout with a pentoid tower to the south-east. It is precisely the shape of this tower that dates the castle to the Byzantine era, when the emperor Justinian re-conquered Sardinia in 534 AD.

 
PORTO ROTONDO AMPHITHEATRE

Inaugurated in 1995, the theatre was developed from an idea of the sculptor Mario Cerioli and built by the architects Gianfranco Fini and Marina Sotgiu. The structure of the theatre recalls the classical Greek-Roman models in Gallura granite and is adorned with high reliefs by same Cerioli. The Classical style derivations are present even on the exterior, as demonstrated by the tympana.

 
Olbia
Pedres Castle, Olbia, Sardinia. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
VILLA CLORINDA

The Villa was built in the twenties of the last century according to the design of Bruno Cipelli who was commissioned by the Colonna family. The building originally consisted of two floors, to which a third was added later. The exterior has numerous ornaments, cornices and lesenes in white stuccowork. The interior of the building has blend of Gothic motifs and Art Nouveau style elements.

 
MICHELUCCI THEATRE

The building was designed by the great architect Michelucci, who died just before the start of work. The complex is made up of a theatre workshop that holds events and shows thanks to a retractable gallery of 150 seats. A documentation centre houses a multimedia room and library with enormous rooms. The open-air theatre can host 2,000 people and has spectacular views over the Gulf of Olbia.

 
RIU MULINU NURAGHE

The Riu Mulinu Nuraghe stands on the peak of the hill of Su Casteddu and has a typical circular shape of approximately 8 metres diameter. In addition to the main hall, it also has a sentry box and stairwell that leads to a sacrificial ditch. A bronze of a woman carrying an amphora on her head, found during the excavations of 1939, is of particular significance. It is believed that the tower was built around 1600-1300 BC and lost its function as a place of worship only in the sixth-fifth century BC.


Partnership with GetYourGuide 
Recommended tours
Lake Liscia, Gallura, Northern Sardinia
Green hills around Lake Liscia, Gallura, Northern Sardinia. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
GALLURA
Excursion in the nature of the Gallura region, in the north-east of Sardinia, a green valley of olive trees and vineyards near Lake Liscia. Visit to the millennial Olivastri valley of Santo Baltolue and the Gallura Museum. 6-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off with minivan. Tour of Gallura.
 
Maddalena archipelago, Sardinia
Maddalena archipelago, Sardinia. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
ARCHIPELAGO OF THE MADDALENA
Boat excursion with stops in different islands of the archipelago such as Spargi, Budelli with the pink beach, Santa Maria and La Maddalena where you can swim or visit some shops in the city center of La Maddalena. After Punta Sardegna and Porto Rafael you return to the starting point: the port of Palau or the port of Maddalena. Duration of the tour: 7 hours with bar and restaurant service on board. Boat tour of the Maddalena archipelago.
 
Caprera Island, Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia
Caprera Island, Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
PALAU, LA MADDALENA AND CAPRERA
1-day excursion for small groups to explore two islands of Sardinia: La Maddalena and Caprera. Pick-up in mini van from the hotel to Palau then by ferry to the island of Maddalena to visit the ancient city of La Maddalena and then the island of Caprera. A day in the nature of the Maddalena archipelago national park with turquoise sea, deserted beaches and uninhabited islands. Including ferry ticket and professional guide. Tour by ferry from Palau to La Maddalena and Caprera or Sailboat tour from Palau to La Maddalena with expert skippers for swimming in the crystal clear sea of Santa Maria, Spargi and Rizzoli.
 
Porto Cervo, Sardinia
Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
COSTA SMERALDA: PORTO CERVO
6-hour tour through the enchanting landscapes of the Costa Smeralda to Porto Cervo to visit the city center and the typical Stella Maris Church. During the trip visit to: a small village with local market, a winery with temporary exhibitions and the Arzachena archaeological site. Pick-up and drop off at the hotel in a mini van and expert guide. Costa Smeralda: tour in Porto Cervo and visit to a winery.
 
Tavolara, Sardinia
Tavolara, Sardinia. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
 
TAVOLARA
A cruise to Tavolara with a tour that departs from the tourist port of Olbia Marina to visit three of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, the Cave dell'Orecchio di Ulisse, the granite promontory of Capo Ceraso, Tavolara, white and fine sand beaches, rocks of red granite and the small islets. Possibility to swim or snorkel during the day. Cruise to Tavolara with snorkeling.
 
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