Olbia Key Attractions

Less famous than the nearby Costa Smeralda with its party scene, Olbia offers visitors a calmer ambience without the VIPs and jet-setters. The surroundings of Olbia are full of interesting archaeological sites and evidence of ancient cultures. There are some interesting natural and cultural sights dating back to the Roman era which lend Olbia much of its historical appeal.

Olbia Town

In the historical centre, the 17th century church of Saint Paolo, with its Gallurese style, is worth a visit, as are the many old houses and buildings. There are numerous remains from the Roman era to be seen here including the town's defence wall and the thermal baths.

Holy Well of Sa Testa

Five kilometres from the city, along the panoramic road that leads to Golfo Aranci, you will find the Holy Well of Sa Testa (8th to 9th century BC). This well, one of the most important of its kind in Sardinia, was probably a place where believers used to rest.

Nuragic complex of Cabu Abbas

The Nuraghe is the main distinctive archaeological monument of Sardinia. The Nuragic group of Cabu Abbas is about five kilometers from town. It is a megalithic structure with a town wall of about 200 meters high, which goes around the mountains until it reaches the top, where a mono-towered Nuraghe can be found. The monument has no foundations and stands only due to the weight of its stones, which may weigh as much as several tons.

Medieval Castle of Pedres

The ruins of the medieval castle of Pedres lie to the west of the town on the road to Loiri. The castle stands in a strategic location on a granite hill and is visible from all over the surrounding plain.

Church of San Simplicio

Well worth a visit is the Church of San Simplicio, the oldest, most artistic and significant religious monument in the Gallura region, and clear evidence to the diffusion of Christianity in Sardinia. It is different from other Romanesque churches because its faade reveals architectural influences from the Tuscany and Lombardy regions. The interior area is separated by pillars and columns, which hold up the beamed roof and the vaults of the side aisles. On the walls there are some stones from the Roman road which led to Telti and several Roman gravestones from the nearby graveyard. In addition to the cultural and archaeological places of interest, the whole area offers an extraordinary natural setting with coastal areas of unusual beauty and outstanding maritime scenery.

Island of Tavolara

Located 10kms off the coast from Olbia. This is a massive calcareous table that rests on a granite shelf, reaching a height of 600 meters. It is separated from the island of Molara by a narrow channel. At present, the island is inhabited by only a handful of families, and has a small cemetery and seasonal restaurant. The water around the island is a popular spot for scuba diving.

Arzachena

Located 25kms from Olbia. The surroundings of this small town are very interesting because of a string of unique ancient monuments. The Grave of Gigante in Coddhu Ecchiu is one of the best preserved graves in the whole of Sardinia. The Neolithic necropolis of Li Muri is also very interesting, with its grave circles typical of the culture of Arzachena. At the northeastern boundaries of the town, on a hill called Monte dell'lncappiddatu (meaning of the hat), a big granite rock stands out: erosion slowly formed it into a large mushroom.