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Olbia – a brief overview
The waters of the Golfo di Olbia carve a deep inlet into the northeastern tip of Sardinia, creating an ideal location for a port. Ships and cruise liners dock here much as they’ve done for millennia, as Olbia is one of Sardinia’s oldest cities. The town itself though is often ignored by travellers in favour of the stunning beauty of the Emerald Coast further north.
If you choose to stay a while, you’ll find a fetching historic centre full of shops, authentic Sardinian restaurants and café-rimmed piazzas, and you’re easily within reach of the stunning white-sand beaches that made Sardinia so famous.
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Top 10 sights in Olbia

Museo Archeologico
Porto Vecchio
07026 Olbia
Italy
Tel: +39 789 28290
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Opening times:
Wed-Sun 1000-1300 and 1700-2000 (winter)
Beautifully designed by architect Giovanni Maciocco, this archaeological museum spells out Olbia’s long history. Star of the show is the reconstructed hull of a Roman vessel pulled out of the old port.
Basilica di San Simplicio
07026 Olbia
Italy
Tel: +39 789 23542
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0700-1800
Sun 0730-0930 and 1130-1800
This granite-built Romanesque church was built in the 11th century in a mix of Tuscan and Lombard architectural styles. It is considered the region’s most important medieval monument.
Lido di Pittulongu
07026 Olbia
Italy
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A quick 8km drive northeast of Olbia brings you to Pittulongu and its broad swathe of fine white sand. Locals love it here. Beach umbrellas and deck chairs are available to hire, and the beach is backed by restaurants and bars.
Chiesa di San Paolo
07026 Olbia
Italy
Tel: +39 789 28290
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Opening times:
Daily 0730-1800
The cheerful Valencian-style, tiled dome of the Church of St Paul is an Olbia landmark. Constructed in the 15th century, the interior is decorated with frescoes and some fine 18th-century woodwork.
Nuraghe Riu Mulinu
Olbia
Italy
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Sardinia’s past is deeply mysterious; just witness this hulking, fort-like construction made of granite blocks a few miles north of Olbia. Dating back to 2000BC, it perches scenically on the hilltop of Cabu Abbas.
Isola Tavolara
Olbia
Italy
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To reach the tiny island of Tavolara, visible from Olbia, you’ll have to head south to Porto San Paolo where excursions leave hourly from June to September for snorkelling and diving amongst the rocky coves.
Capo Figari
Porto Vecchio
07026 Olbia
Italy
Tel: +39 789 28290
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At the northernmost tip of Olbia’s broad bay poking out into the sea like a rocky finger are the craggy heights of the Capo Figari nature reserve. It’s a great place to hike and picnic looking out towards Tavolara Island.
Cantine Surrau
07021 Arzachena
Italy
Tel: +39 789 82933
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Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1000-2100
Sat-Sun 1030-2100
One of Sardinia’s best contemporary winemakers is situated north of Olbia in the village of Arzachena. Sample superb regional wines such as Vermentino and Cannonau whilst admiring the modern art in the gallery.
Porto Istana
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Backed by fragrant Mediterranean shrubs, this bay, south of Olbia, has extraordinarily fine white sand that reflects a myriad shades of green and blue as sunlight strikes the water.
Lido del Sole
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Olbia’s main beach is the busy Lido del Sole. It’s backed by a brackish pond where pink flamingos sometimes come to fish for brine shrimp and algae.
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Italy / Country Information
Country overview
Italy is an extremely popular tourist destination. Its stunning landscapes, fascinating cities and unique cultural heritage are internationally renowned. But it would be impossible to explore the entire country on a single trip. It’s better to concentrate on a few highlights and enjoy the hospitality, style and spirit of the region you choose to visit.
Italy’s diversity is a big part of what makes it attractive to visitors. Loud, lively Naples; the gently rolling hills of Tuscany; the Renaissance treasures of Florence – the country has an irresistible allure. And let’s not forget Italian cuisine!
Geography
Italy is divided into the Italian Alps, the northern Italian lowlands, the actual Apennine Peninsula, and numerous islands. The most famous islands include Sicily, Sardinia, Elba, Ischia and Capri. The Alps are located in northern Italy and form a natural border with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The country borders the Mediterranean Sea to the south, southwest, and southeast. The Apennines, with their tallest peak of 2,910 meters, stretch across the entire peninsula.
Northern Italy is home to the Alps, the fertile, densely populated Po Valley, and the Ligurian-Etruscan region of the Apennines. The Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions include some of Europe’s tallest mountains and most beautiful skiing areas. Numerous rivers have their source here; they flow through the Po Valley and the Italian lake district. Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda are located here. The Po, Italy’s largest river, flows into the Adriatic Sea in the east.
Central Italy is actually located in the north of the Italian peninsula. Tuscany boasts diverse and beautiful landscapes. Mountains, meadows, and hills await visitors to this region, as do sandy beaches and numerous islands.
The region of Marche, between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea, is a mountainous area full of rivers and small, fertile plains. The mountainous regioni (administrative districts) of Abruzzo border Marche to the north. Molise, located south of Abruzzo, borders Puglia to the south. Lazio and Campania are situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea and comprise the western border. Umbria, the “green heart of Italy,” is full of hills and expansive plains.
Southern Italy extends from Baia Domizia to the Gulf of Naples. Campania is hilly, with flat coastal regions. The southern Italian Apennines are lower than the northern mountains, and the Appennino Neapolitano gently merges into the softly rolling hills surrounding Sorrento. The islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida in the Tyrrhenian Sea also belong to Campania. In Puglia, volcanic hills and secluded moors characterize the landscape. And there are still active volcanoes in southern Italy: Mount Vesuvius to the east of Naples is one of the largest volcanoes in Europe. Calabria, the “toe” of Italy’s “boot,” is sparsely populated and heavily forested.
General knowledge
Key facts
Area: 301340 sq km (116348 sq miles).
Population: 60.5 million (2015).
Population density: 204.0 per sq km.
Capital: Rome.
Language
The state language is Italian. South Tyrol is officially a bilingual province, where German is the language mainly spoken. In Trentino, Ladin is taught in some schools.
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two round-pin type.
Public holidays
In addition to public holidays, local feast days are held in honour of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices.
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
2019
Capodanno (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2019
Epifania (Epiphany): 6 January 2019
Pasqua (Easter Sunday): 21 April 2019
Lunedì dell’Angelo (Easter Monday): 22 April 2019
Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day): 25 April 2019
Festa del Lavoro (Labour Day): 1 May 2019
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day): 2 June 2019
Assunzione di Maria Vergine (Assumption): 15 August 2019
Tutti i santi (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2019
Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2019
Natale (Christmas Day): 25 December 2019
Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day): 26 December 2019
2020
Capodanno (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Epifania (Epiphany): 6 January 2020
Pasqua (Easter Sunday): 12 April 2020
Lunedì dell’Angelo (Easter Monday): 13 April 2020
Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day): 25 April 2020
Festa del Lavoro (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day): 2 June 2020
Assunzione di Maria Vergine (Assumption): 15 August 2020
Tutti i santi (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2020
Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2020
Natale (Christmas Day): 25 December 2020
Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day): 26 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Olbia
Not too many people hang around in Olbia for fun, especially in summer when all the action is down at the beach.
Still, Corso Umberto, closed to traffic from 7pm, is a good place for a drink and a stroll.
Malp Bar
07026 Olbia
Italy
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A local favourite with a lovely art nouveau bar and a good selection of wines.
Red Lion
07026 Olbia
Italy
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An English-style pub with a range of beers accompanied by meat platters.
KKult
07026 Olbia
Italy
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A contemporary lounge bar and café with live music and DJ nights.
Villa Pascià
07026 Olbia
Italy
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A glamourous nightclub housed in a converted villa on the outskirts of Olbia.
La Spiaggia Bianca beach bar
07020 Olbia
Italy
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A laid-back beach bar fronting the dazzling white sand of Spiaggia Bianca.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Olbia
Gallurese cuisine is a mix of meat and seafood, including unusual classics such as suppa cuata (a casserole made of layers of bread, cheese and meat ragù), smoked cuttlefish and rabbit in saffron.
Pair with some crisp Vermentino wine for the full effect.
Dolceacqua
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Price: Expensive
Fine dining nouvelle cuisine with an emphasis on fulsome flavours and texture.
Ristorante Barbagia
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Price: Moderate
The best place to sample authentic Gallurese cooking is this traditional trattoria.
La Lanterna
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Price: Moderate
Fish and homemade pasta are the hallmarks of this cosy, subterranean restaurant.
Osteria del Mare
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Price: Moderate
Stand-out creative fish dishes such as monkfish tortelli with courgette flowers.
Pizzeria Funchal
07026 Olbia
Italy
Tel: +39 789 28290
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Price: Cheap
Sizzlingly hot pizza with a backdrop of jolly pine-and-gingham décor.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Carrasciali Timpiesu (Tempio Carnival)
28 February – 5 March 2019
Website
Venue: Tempio Pausania, around 45km west of Olbia
Gigantic, brightly painted papier mâché figures float through the streets of Tempio Pausania, less than an hour’s drive from Olbia, in this magnificent carnival parade. The star is King Giorgio, who sits on his throne for six days before being burnt at the stake at dusk on Shrove Tuesday.
Holy Week
14 – 21 March 2019
Venue: Throughout Olbia
Olbia celebrates Easter with sombre, elaborate processions beginning on Palm Sunday. A highlight for many is the Good Friday procession, remembering Christ’s descent from the cross; a statue of Jesus and the cross is wrapped up and carried aloft through the streets with his mother Mary.
Palio della Stella
May 2019
Website
Venue: Via Redipuglia
Horses hurtle along a road-turned-dusty-racetrack in this competition featuring riders from 26 towns in the province. The aim is to grab a star with a spear. Riders also carry out daring stunts, including standing on top of their galloping steeds. The competition takes place during the San Simplicio Festival.
Festa di San Simplicio (San Simplicio Festival)
15 May 2019
Website
Venue: Throughout Olbia
The highlight of this important religious festival honouring the town’s patron saint is a solemn procession on 15 May, when an icon of San Simplicio is carried through town accompanied by priests and residents dressed in traditional costume. Other festivities include a mussel festival, live concerts and sporting events.
Cinema Tavolara
July 2019
Website
Venue: Isola Tavolara, just off the coast from Olbia
Film fans hop on little ferries to Tavolara Island to enjoy a magical week of open-air cinema each July. Screenings take place beside the sea and beneath the stars, with the emphasis on Italian films, in particular movies shot by young directors or set in Sardinia.
Cala Gonone Jazz Festival
July 2019
Website
Venue: Cala Gonone, around 100km south of Olbia
Summer sees a whole host of jazz stars arriving in the pretty seaside town of Cala Gonone, an hour and a half’s drive south of Olbia. Jazz aficionados can enjoy first-class performances in traditional concert venues, open-air stages and the magnificent Grotta del Bue Marino (Cave of the Sea Cow).
Sardinia Reggae Festival
August 2019
Website
Venue: Cargeghe, around 90km west of Olbia
Leading reggae acts from Sardinia, Europe and Jamaica draw huge crowds to this popular festival in Cargeghe, a little over an hour’s drive west of Olbia. On the go since 2008, this event is fast growing into one of Sardinia’s must-do music festivals.
Festa della Birra Trinitaiese
August 2019
Venue: Trinità d’Agultu, around 70km west of Olbia
Traditional folk dancing, live bands, sweet treats and copious amounts of beer are the order of the day at this lively summer festival on Sardinia’s northwest coast. It’s well worth the day trip from Olbia to Trinità d’Agultu, just over an hour’s drive away.
Olbia In Canto: International Festival of Sacred Song
October 2019
Venue: Various venues
For two decades, the Lorenzo Perosi choir has been organising this annual sacred music festival. Classical music fans are treated to a terrific programme of choral works performed by both the choir itself and a carefully selected line-up of invited choirs from across Europe.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Olbia
As Sardinia’s key transport hub, Olbia is well supplied with a variety of hotels in all price ranges.
More characterful accommodation is focused in the historic centre although many choose to stay just out of town close to the beaches.
Pellicano D’Oro
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Category: Expensive
A seafront hotel on Pittulongu Beach with beachside pool, bar and Jacuzzi.
Hotel Panorama
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Category: Moderate
Contemporary rooms and a rooftop terrace with city and sea views.
Jazz Hotel
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Category: Moderate
A sympathetic new-built hotel with bright design-styled rooms and a pool.
Hotel Cavour
07026 Olbia
Italy
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Category: Cheap
Centrally located hotel with breezy rooms and a sumptuous Sardinian breakfast.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 13.12.2019 06:00 UTC

light rain
temperature
12°C
wind speed
15 mphhumidity
0%7 days forecast
Saturday
14.12.2019
17°C / 14°C
Sunday
15.12.2019
19°C / 11°C
Monday
16.12.2019
18°C / 10°C
Tuesday
17.12.2019
18°C / 9°C
Wednesday
18.12.2019
17°C / 11°C
Thursday
19.12.2019
16°C / 11°C
Friday
20.12.2019
16°C / 10°C
Climate & best time to visit Italy
Italy is a great destination to visit year round, particularly if taking a city break, though for the warmest and most reliable weather April to June is the prime tourist season. Most Italians take their holiday in July and August so prices, and crowds, can soar during these months, which are also the hottest of the year. If you’re keen to avoid the main scrum of peak season but still bank on mild weather, late September to October is a good choice.
Flight and accommodation
Telephone & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +39
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Olbia
Key Areas
The main shopping street in town is Corso Umberto, which is lined with boutiques. Market stalls also set up at the port end in the evenings. Other speciality stores selling olive oil, cheese and honey are dotted throughout the historic centre. For more serious shopping, you’ll have to head to outlet malls north and south of the centre.
Markets
Market days in Olbia are usually Saturday and Tuesday, with stallholders setting up at the lower end of Corso Umberto and in Piazza Mercato. The main Farmers Market takes place in Piazza San Gallo on Saturday with smaller versions in Piazza Crispi on Wednesday and Piazza Nassiria on Monday.
Shopping Centres
To fit in with all those billionaires on the Costa Smeralda, head north along SS125 to the OU Luxury Mall where you’ll find over 30 luxury brand outlets. Alternatively, French hypermarket Auchan can be found south of the city centre.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social conventions
The Roman Catholic church still plays an important role in Italy and has a strong influence on the country’s social structures. Family ties tend to be much stronger here than in many other European countries.
Casual clothing is common, but beachwear belongs on the beach. Appropriate clothing is expected when entering a church. Written invitations generally indicate whether a suit or a tuxedo/evening gown is required.
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings and on public transportation in Italy, as well as in movie theaters, restaurants and bars. Bars and restaurants are permitted to set up smoking areas, however.
Tipping is not common in restaurants. Service charges, VAT and tourist tax are included in hotel bills. However, a tip of around €5 per week for chambermaids is customary. Restaurant bills generally include a standard charge for the tableware and bread (pane e coperto). Particularly satisfied customers are welcome to leave an additional tip on the table. Tipping is not expected in taxis, either.
Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, transport and cinemas. When visiting an Italian home for dinner, bring a small gift of sweets or chocolate, and dress well. Let your host lead when sitting and starting the meal. Take a small portion of what’s on offer as you will surely be cajoled into having another helping. If you do not want more wine, leave your glass full so it cannot be refilled.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is available. The inscription ‘Acqua Non Potabile’ means water is not drinkable. Milk is generally pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Past outbreaks of brucellosis in southern regions means unpasteurised buffalo mozzarella is best avoided. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also recommends vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, polio and hepatitis B.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.