Things to do in Olbia

Things to do in  Olbia

Dig past the industrial surface

Bookended by stretches of modern resorts both north and south, Olbia has a refreshingly authentic old town crowded with ancient ruins, storied churches, and cafè-filled squares that capture the true essence of the Sardinia. The city’s port serves as a gateway to the island for travelers arriving by ferry, with many heading north to the Costa Smeralda, Santa Teresa Gallura, and La Maddalena Archipelago or south to the Gulf of Orosei for boating and kayaking adventures. Olbia is also a popular jumping-off point for exploring Sardinia’s inland archaeological sites and wineries.

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Explore Olbia by interest

Top activities in Olbia

Small Group Tour Hiking Capo Testa, The Moon Valley! Sardinia - Italy

Small Group Tour Hiking Capo Testa, The Moon Valley! Sardinia - Italy

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16
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$115.25
Small Group Tour - Costa Smeralda Sightseeing Tour in Sardinia ITALY

Small Group Tour - Costa Smeralda Sightseeing Tour in Sardinia ITALY

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41
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$119.64
Small Group Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Fruit

Small Group Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Fruit

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219
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$49.39
Archaeological Tour with Tuk Tuk

Archaeological Tour with Tuk Tuk

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29
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$131.71
Wine & Food Tour in Tuk Tuk

Wine & Food Tour in Tuk Tuk

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$131.71
Olbia Sightseeing Tour with Tuk Tuk (Complete)

Olbia Sightseeing Tour with Tuk Tuk (Complete)

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$49.39
Tour Olbia + Beach Tour with Tuk Tuk

Tour Olbia + Beach Tour with Tuk Tuk

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$109.76
Olbia Sightseeing Tour with Tuk Tuk (basic)

Olbia Sightseeing Tour with Tuk Tuk (basic)

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15
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$21.95
Archaeological sites and monuments in Sardinia: Small Group

Archaeological sites and monuments in Sardinia: Small Group

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7
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$131.71
From Olbia Airport to Cala Gonone

From Olbia Airport to Cala Gonone

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3
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$274.40
per group
From Olbia Airport to Orosei / Cala Ginepro / Cala Liberotto

From Olbia Airport to Orosei / Cala Ginepro / Cala Liberotto

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$219.52
per group
Day trip on a sailing catamaran in Sardinia

Day trip on a sailing catamaran in Sardinia

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$230.50
Tour in rubber dinghy and snorkeling in the Protected Marine Area of Tavolara

Tour in rubber dinghy and snorkeling in the Protected Marine Area of Tavolara

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40
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$65.86
Dolphin Watching Tour - from Golfo Aranci

Dolphin Watching Tour - from Golfo Aranci

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$38.42
From Olbia: Boat tour in the La Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From Olbia: Boat tour in the La Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia

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$142.69
4 × 4 excursion to the beaches of Biderosa and Capo Comino
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

4 × 4 excursion to the beaches of Biderosa and Capo Comino

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$65.86
Small Group Sunrise Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Coffee

Small Group Sunrise Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Coffee

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$49.39
4x4 excursion between mountain and sea
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

4x4 excursion between mountain and sea

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$65.86
Departure Private Transfer from Sassari City to Alghero Airport AHO by Minivan

Departure Private Transfer from Sassari City to Alghero Airport AHO by Minivan

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$79.87
COSTA SMERALDA TOUR in Sardinia: Small Group

COSTA SMERALDA TOUR in Sardinia: Small Group

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$131.71
See all Olbia tours

All about Olbia

When to visit

If you’re looking to hit the beach, plan to visit between April and October. July and August are the island’s hottest months, making the end of summer an excellent time for swimming and snorkeling. However, because Italians flock to the beach en masse in August for their annual vacation, it can be hard to snag hotel, restaurant, or ferry reservations then. If you can wait, September is perfect: The crowds have long gone, but the water hasn’t cooled.

Getting around

Sardinia isn’t easy to navigate without a car, but Olbia is an excellent base for those looking to eschew a costly rental. Not only is it a major port of entry for flights and ferries, but the tranquil Old Town is easy to get around on foot. You can find limited buses to reach nearby beaches, but if you’re looking to get further afield, you’ll need to either find a guided tour or arrange your own transportation.

Traveler tips

While in Olbia, consider exploring Sardinia’s stunning eastern coast. Within less than 30 minutes by car, you can reach San Teodoro, a lively beach town home to Spiaggia La Cinta, a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of white-sand beach. About 20 minutes from Olbia and San Teodoro is Porto San Paolo, where you can take a ferry to the rugged, marine-protected island of Tavolara. And if you’ve got 90 minutes each way to spare, head to the Gulf of Orosei, one of Sardinia’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

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People Also Ask

Is Olbia worth visiting?

Yes. Olbia boasts some of Sardinia’s most stunning coastlines—think crystal-clear turquoise water and white-sand beaches, like Spiaggia Pittulongu, Punta della Saline, and Bados. While the city doesn’t have much outside its Old Town, it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring surrounding areas—it also conveniently has its own port and international airport.

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What are the most popular things to do in Olbia with kids?

No visit to Olbia is complete without a stop at the family-friendly Olbia Archaeological Museum, where kids can see relics of Roman ships sunk by Vandals in the 5th century. Almost all the local beaches are ideally suited for children as well, with little to no surf, designated lifeguards, and warm and shallow water.

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How safe is Olbia?

Olbia is very safe—don’t let the city’s industrial feel fool you. You’ll want to exercise basic caution, but there are few incidents of violent crime. Just like in any city, be careful when walking at night, keep your car parked in a safe space, and watch out for pickpockets.

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Which is better: Alghero or Olbia?

In terms of what the city has to offer, Alghero wins hands down. It has a larger historical center, boasts more restaurants, bars, and buzz, and sits on the sparkling “Coral Coast”—a snorkeler’s paradise. However, Olbia is not only easier to get to, but arguably has the island’s all-around best beaches.

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Does Olbia have good nightlife?

Not really. Olbia itself is better known for its neighborhood restaurants and bars than any thumping nightlife spots. That said, it’s a quick hop in the car from Olbia to the Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast, where you’ll find all manner of ritzy nightclubs and seaside lounges to while the night away.

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Do you need a car in Olbia?

Yes and no. Buses are infrequent in Sardinia, so most travelers rent their own cars to explore destinations like San Teodoro, Alghero, or Castelsardo, a stunning Genovese town 90 minutes away by car. That said, if you’re planning on sticking to your resort or local beach, a taxi from the airport will suffice.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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