Located off Italy’s mainland on the island of Sardinia, Olbia is a coastal city known for its cultural landmarks, scenic port and cafe-lined piazzas.
Right from its Greek name, Olbia has been influenced by several cultures and civilisations over its illustrious past. The highlight is the Romanesque Basilica of St Simplicio, which dates back to the 11th century and is dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Every summer, Olbia’s biggest festival is held to honour St Simplicio with fireworks, horse races and cultural processions through the streets. The other significant religious monument is St Paul Church, crowned by a colourful, mosaic-patterned dome. After soaking up the city’s history, you can head to the main street of Corso Umberto I for some shopping and round off your day at an atmospheric wine bar or alfresco cafe on Piazza Regina Margherita.
Olbia is a popular starting point for the white-sand beaches and resort towns of Costa Smeralda (meaning ‘Emerald Coast’ in Italian). Aptly named for the emerald waters that gently lap the shore, the strip of land is home to some of the island’s best beaches – Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli and Romazzino to name a few. You can rent a car and drive to any of these beaches for an afternoon of swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing in the sun. Closer home, you can check out the beaches of Pittulongu or Le Saline.
Tonight
From $200 per night
Next weekend
From per night
Most popular time to visit | October-December |
Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
Local currency | € 1 = $1.09 |
Language | Italian |
Average weekend price | $129 per night |
Average weekday price | $133 per night |
Average stay | 2 nights |
I was in Olbia a couple of years ago for half day while...
July 25, 2024
I was in Olbia a couple of years ago for half day while waiting for my departing flight. I quite enjoyed it. I was back for one night this year because I had an early flight, but it was very disappointing. It was extremely hot, while in Alghero and the west coast I was coming from it was 8 degrees cooler thanks to the constant breeze. Prices for accommodations have become outrageous, due to high amount of flights often departing very early in the morning or arriving late at night people need to spend the night and have to pay between 100 and 150 euros for one room for one person. Anybody who owns a room in the center has turned it in a BB, asking for high prices not in line with the quality of what is being offered. In this way, people who live there do not find places to rent anymore. Sardegna is beautiful, there are gorgeous beaches everywhere. There is no need to stay in Olbia and contribute to this situation that Obla shares with other tourist destinations. Make sure to get a flight that doesn't oblige you to sleep there.
Two nice main streets in the city itself but other than...
July 19, 2024
Two nice main streets in the city itself but other than those there isn't much to see, great food & drink spots scattered throughout. Taxis or cars really are the only way to get around which is annoying as their bus services are unreliable
Olbia was quaint, and looked like it could be used in films.
July 15, 2024
Olbia was quaint, and looked like it could be used in films. It is really picturesque, has beautiful beaches, friendly people, the restaurants made great food and gave a great service. The cost of the food and drink is on par with London. We took a couple of tours to visit the other islands and also booked a trip for a wine tour, this is a must as far as we are concerned. The weather was top notch 30 - 34 degrees. Would recommend Olbia to anybody especially if you want sun, sea and relaxation.
The old town is charming.
July 8, 2024
The old town is charming. However, the rest of the area - not so much. The water in the bay is quite polluted due to the intensive ferry traffic. The air is polluted as well due to the airport nearby and the extensive and chaotic car traffic. Most of the area around the old town looks poorly developed. The pavements for walkers are either absent or an afterthought. Most of the coastline within the city limits is very dirty and swampy. So this city is rather a gateway/purgatory on your way to the beautiful places of Sardegna. Do not waste your time here, just rent a car or a boat and go exploring right away.
Was only there for one night stop over so visited only for...
July 7, 2024
Was only there for one night stop over so visited only for an afternoon and evening. Went to a nearby beach and walked around the downtown city area. Fairly easy access to beaches with local transport and with a very pretty city area with lots of restaurants, gelaterias and, what it looked, good contemporary fashion shopping for both men and women. Will come back again.
Not a lot to do in Olbia, but great starting point for the...
June 30, 2024
Not a lot to do in Olbia, but great starting point for the beaches nearby. Food wise, however, it's a great location! Sa Carrera Ezza, Anticas Licanzias Bistro, Gelateria Villi and Pasticceria Da Zia Anna are all great places to try while you're there.
Olbia, Italy
From $221 per night
Olbia, Italy
From $182 per night
Olbia City Centre, Olbia
From $314 per night
Olbia City Centre, Olbia
From $420 per night
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