Olbia is more than just the airport gateway to Costa Smeralda. The city itself packs a 2,500-year history from Nuragic settlers through Roman rule to medieval Pisan influence, with archaeological sites, a compact historic centre, and access to some of Sardinia’s best beaches within 15 minutes. Use Olbia as your base for exploring northeastern Sardinia and you’ll find Romanesque churches, prehistoric giants’ tombs, and waterfront seafood restaurants serving Vermentino by the glass. For more detailed information, see the Olbia Weather by Month guide.
Things to Do in Olbia: Historic and Cultural Attractions
Basilica of San Simplicio
This 11th-century Romanesque church is Olbia’s most important historic building, constructed entirely from local Gallura granite. Built on the site of a Roman temple, the basilica features three naves separated by granite columns and a rare 13th-century fresco of San Simplicio, Olbia’s patron saint. The crypt contains Roman-era stonework. Entry is free, open daily 8:00-12:00 and 16:00-19:00 (shorter hours in winter). Located on Via San Simplicio, a 5-minute walk from Corso Umberto. The church hosts the city’s main festival each May 12-15. For more detailed information, see our Best Time to Visit Olbia guide.
Archaeological Museum of Olbia (Museo Archeologico)
Housed in the former Navy headquarters on the small island of Peddone (connected by bridge to the waterfront), this museum displays finds from Olbia’s Greek, Punic, and Roman periods. The highlight is the collection of Roman and medieval shipwrecks excavated from the ancient port, including amphorae, anchors, and hull fragments. Adult entry costs 4 EUR, open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00 (closed Monday). The museum also covers Nuragic civilisation finds from around Gallura with bronze figurines and pottery. Allow 90 minutes. For more detailed information, see the Olbia Events & Festivals calendar.
Nuraghe Riu Mulinu
Perched on a hill 3 km north of Olbia with views across the Gulf of Olbia to Tavolara Island, this Bronze Age Nuragic tower dates to 1500-1200 BCE. The single-tower nuraghe has a central chamber with a tholos (false dome) ceiling and a well-preserved entrance corridor. Unlike larger nuragic complexes elsewhere in Sardinia, Riu Mulinu is rarely crowded. Free entry, accessible by car on SS125 toward Palau, then follow signs. Combine with a walk along the panoramic path on the hilltop. Open dawn to dusk. For more detailed information, see the Olbia Neighborhoods guide.
Church of San Paolo
Set on a hill in the historic centre with a distinctive multicoloured tiled dome visible across the city, this 18th-century Baroque church sits above Corso Umberto. The interior features polychrome marble altars and a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. Free entry, open daily 8:00-12:00 and 16:00-18:00. The small square in front offers a good vantage point over the rooftops to the port. For more detailed information, see our Where to Stay in Olbia guide.
Things to Do in Olbia: Beaches and Coastline
Pittulongu Beach (Spiaggia di Pittulongu)
The closest proper beach to Olbia, 8 km north of the city centre on the SP82. A 2 km stretch of fine white sand and shallow turquoise water with views of Tavolara Island. Bus line 4 runs from Olbia station to Pittulongu (2 EUR, roughly every 30 minutes in summer, hourly in shoulder season). Facilities include paid parking (5 EUR/day), beach umbrellas and lounger rental (15-20 EUR/day for two), several beach bars and restaurants, and public showers. The southern end near the pier is calmer and better for families. Arrive before 9:30 AM in August to find parking. Water depth increases gradually, making it safe for children. For more detailed information, see the Olbia Travel Tips & FAQ page.
Porto Istana Beach
Located 10 km south of Olbia off the SS125, this series of four interconnected sandy coves offers some of the clearest water near the city. The southernmost cove has fine white sand and waist-deep water for 50 metres out. Parking is limited to about 100 spaces (3 EUR/day) and fills by 10 AM in July-August. Bus line 5 from Olbia runs hourly in summer to Porto Istana. Bring your own supplies as there is only one small beach bar. Good for snorkelling around the rocky edges. Tavolara Island looms directly offshore, creating a dramatic backdrop. For more detailed information, see the Olbia travel guide.
Cala Brandinchi
Nicknamed “Little Tahiti” for its shallow, brilliantly turquoise water, this beach is 20 km south of Olbia near San Teodoro. The sand is fine and white, the water stays knee-deep for 100 metres, and pine trees behind the beach provide natural shade. Entry costs 1 EUR per person in summer (reservation required on the Sardegna Spiagge app during peak months). Parking is 6 EUR/day with 300 spaces. Arrive before 9 AM in August or book ahead. Facilities include a beach bar, toilets, and lounger rental. Cala Brandinchi sits within the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, so no motorboats and excellent snorkelling.
Things to Do in Olbia: Outdoor Activities and Day Trips
Tavolara Island Boat Trip
Tavolara is the limestone massif that rises 565 metres straight from the sea, visible from most beaches around Olbia. Boat trips depart from Porto San Paolo (15 km south of Olbia, reachable by bus line 5 or 20-minute drive) and cost 15-20 EUR per person round trip. Boats run roughly hourly from 9:00 to 18:00 in summer, less frequently in shoulder season. The island has two restaurants (Da Tonino and La Corona), both serving fresh seafood with prices around 30-40 EUR per person. Swimming and snorkelling from the narrow beach strip are excellent. The round trip takes 10 minutes each way. No cars, hotels, or overnight stays on the island.
Costa Smeralda Drive
The 55 km stretch of coastline from Olbia north to Palau via Porto Cervo is one of Europe’s most famous drives. Take the SP73 from Olbia toward Arzachena, then follow signs to Porto Cervo. Highlights include the million-euro yachts at Porto Cervo Marina, the Piazzetta shopping arcade (Gucci, Prada, Rolex), and the beaches of Liscia Ruja, Capriccioli, and Romazzino. All are public despite the luxury surroundings. Parking at Porto Cervo costs 3 EUR/hour. Allow a full day. The road itself winds through granite boulder landscapes and cork oak forests. Stop at San Pantaleo (15 km from Olbia) for its Thursday morning market and artists’ studios, a less glossy side of Gallura.
Hiking in the Gallura Countryside
The granite landscapes and cork oak forests around Olbia offer excellent hiking from October through May (avoid midday summer heat). The trail to the summit of Monte Pino (725 m) starts near Telti, 15 km southwest of Olbia, and takes 3 hours round trip with 360-degree views over the Gulf of Olbia and the Gallura interior. The Capo Figari trail on the peninsula south of Golfo Aranci offers coastal views and a ruined semaphore station. Trail maps are available from the Olbia tourist office on Corso Umberto. Wear sturdy shoes as granite can be slippery when wet. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person from May to September.
Things to Do in Olbia: Food and Drink
Corso Umberto Aperitivo
Olbia’s main pedestrian street runs from the town hall to the waterfront and comes alive from 18:00 onward. The local aperitivo culture means that ordering a drink (5-8 EUR for a Vermentino or Spritz) at any bar along Corso Umberto gets you a plate of complimentary snacks: olives, pecorino, pane carasau, and sometimes small seafood bites. Bar Corso and Cafe Principe Umberto are reliable choices. Most bars serve aperitivo from 18:00-21:00. The street is closed to traffic after 19:00 in summer.
Mercato Civico (Morning Market)
Olbia’s covered market on Via delle Terme, open Monday-Saturday 7:00-13:00, is the best place to see (and taste) Sardinian food culture. Stalls sell local pecorino sardo cheese, bottarga (cured mullet roe), pane carasau (thin crispbread), mirto liqueur, and fresh seafood from the Gulf of Olbia. Prices are lower than tourist shops on Corso Umberto. Several stalls will vacuum-pack cheese and bottarga for flights. The surrounding streets have small bakeries selling seadas (fried pastry with cheese and honey) for 2-3 EUR each.
