Travel to Olbia

Travel to Olbia

Located in the Mediterranean on the island of Sardinia in Italy, Olbia serves as the main area for tourists on Sardinia with a big well-equipped port where ferries from the Italian mainland arrive. There are a few attractions in Olbia yet the town is friendly and offers a variety of bars, pubs and fine Italian restaurants.

Transportation to Olbia

Olbia has its own airport, Olbia Airport, located four kilometres east of town. There are many connections to major European destinations. You can also fly from London Gatwick International Airport with a travelling time of 2.5 hours. From the airport, you can use the services of local buses which leave frequently from the airport into the city centre. Alternatively, ferry services are also popular.
Car ferry services operate all year between Olbia and Genoa, taking 9 hours 30 minutes. There are also crossings to and from Livorno and Civitavecchia, both with the travelling time of five hours. You can also choose to sail from Marseilles in France to Porto Torres, located on the other side of Sardinia with the crossing taking 27 hours. Another option is sailing from Ajaccio on the French island of Corsica which takes 3.5 hours.

What to see

Sightseeing in Olbia can start in the historic centre of the town. The Church of St Paolo, dating from the 17th century, boasts its Gallurese style and is worth visiting. The surrounding area is filled with an array of old, beautiful houses and exquisite buildings. Remains from the Roman era, the citys defence wall and famous thermal baths can also be seen in this part of the town. Another must-see church is the Church of San Simplicio, which is the oldest and the most important religious landmark in the Gallura region. The church, with its grand exterior and interior boasting refined architecture, also serves as evidence to the diffusion of Christianity in Sardinia. For the most distinctive archaeological monument of Sardinia, head to the Nuraghe, only five kms from town. Here, you can observe a megalithic structure with an impressive 200-metre high town hall.

Day trips

There are many things to see around Olbia, most of which are famous for their historic appeal. The Holy Well of Sa Testa, situated along the panoramic road leading to Golfo Aranci, is one of Sardinias most important. Dating from the 8th century to the 9th centry, this well was believed to be the place where believers used to rest. The ruins of the medieval town of Pedres are also worth a visit. Located to the west of the town along the way to Loiri, the castle gives a magnificent view of the surrounding area. If you want to see many monuments at one stop, Arzachena is the place for you. Only 25 kms away from the city, this place is home to many unique ancient monuments including the Grave of Gigante in Coddhu Ecchiu, the Neolothic necropolis of Li Muriand and the majestic hill Monte delllncappiddatu with a large granite rock standing out as a landmark of the area. If scuba diving is your thing, also make a stop at Island of Tavolara located only 10 kms off the coast from Olbia where many people are drawn to the fascinating underwater corals and all kinds of fish.

Activities and leisure

You can enjoy many great sights and visit some shopping centres in town in the daytime and start an awesome evening when the sun goes down. One of the best options is to have a drink in one of the bars on Piazza Regina Margherita where you can also spot some skaters and performers on the street. There are many cocktail bars, cafs and restaurants serving both local Sardinian food and fresh seafood, so you can choose the one that best suits your mood.

Safety issues

Driving around unfamiliar places can be quite dangerous and different road etiquette can also cause problems. Water sports are also prone to accidents. Also, be aware of pickpocketing and take extra care of your belongings. Taking out travel insurance for you and your family is strongly recommended.