Hotels in Olbia

Olbia is a popular jump-off place for those wanting to visit the white-sand beaches at Costa Smeralda. The coastal town is also a historic city that offers many archaeological sites, plazas brimming with wine bars and various authentic food shops. Olbia means happiness in Greek. The vibrant town of Olbia is the central hub of the north-eastern part of Sardinia. However, this city is so much more than just a port of arrival. It is located in a magnificent bay, with a bustling harbour, railway and air links. The beaches, activity and shopping centres make it a prosperous place, allowing local inhabitants and foreign visitors to live it up and enjoy themselves.

As part of Italy's Sassari province, Olbia offers a wide range of accommodation types to suit various budgets. You can find a villa or guesthouse with panoramic views, elegant rooms with classic décor, luxurious hotel suites and modern apartment rooms in complexes.

Neighbourhoods of Olbia

The Province of Olbia has 26 municipalities. Some of which include the following:

• Pittulongu: A tiny seaside town in Olbia renowned for stunning beaches.
• San Teodoro: This area lies in south-east Olbia. It is famous for its religious and historical sites, architecture, exhibition halls, sports, nature parks and cultural experiences.
• Porto Rotondo: This district in Olbia offers a highly equipped tourist port that attracts hundreds of residents every winter. The port has about 800 boat moorings.
• Porto Ottiolu: This beautiful village sits on the island's north-western side. The tourist destination has a private marina and specialises in recreational activities.

What to see and do in Olbia

The town boasts several beaches, such as Spiaggia Rena Bianca, Porto Istana Beach and Spiaggia Pittulongu – La Playa. These beaches are perfect for diving, boating and sea kayaking. There is always something the whole family can do, including horse riding, hiking, biking and other water sports. Olbia is the perfect place for enjoying dolphin watching tours. You can also go snorkelling or take a boat tour around the beaches. The wildlife and nature tours are fantastic for those who love nature, especially areas like Punta Coda Cavallo.

For seekers of religious sites and art museums, the Museum Civitatense Basilica di San Simplicio is a must-explore attraction. The basilica was built towards the end of the 11th century. The Spanish-style structure features an interior made of granite that's beautifully decorated with small corbels. Enjoy a kayaking experience, or take a full-day tour around the town. There are also cooking classes available, which are great for learning how to prepare local dishes yourself.

Another interesting place to tour is the National Archaeology Museum. With hanging walkways and portholes, the museum pays tribute to its location in the sea and its role in shaping the city's island history. The museum was built in the shape of a docked ship. Its exhibitions concentrate on Greek, Roman, Phoenician, Punic, contemporary, modern and medieval periods. They're also devoted to the port and region's rich history. Other activities include historic walking areas, like Corsa Umberto, and tours of local vineyards and wineries, like the Tenute Olbios.

What to eat in Olbia

The town offers a unique mix of Italian, Sardinian, and Mediterranean cuisines, focusing largely on seafood. Pasta and pizza are the local favourites, including gnocchi, ricotta ravioli and meaty pasta with cheese. You can also find plenty of gluten-free and vegan dishes in several restaurants around the town.

Typical events and festivals in Olbia

Festa di San Simplicio is one of the town's most significant events, which begins in mid-May. It includes Sardinian songs and poetry, and you can enjoy dress parades and delightful gastronomy. Another highlight of the event is the fireworks that illuminate the night skies.

How to move around in Olbia

Most areas throughout Olbia are easily accessible by bus, train, taxi or shuttle. Ferries are a viable option for inter-island travel. If you prefer touring the city in comfort on your own convenient schedule, you can arrange car hires at the airport or book one online.

The climate in Olbia

January is the coldest month in Olbia. The winters are cold, mostly windy, partly cloudy and long. The cold season has an average high temperature of 14.6° C (58.3° F) and an average low of 5.2° C (41.4° F). The summers are short, dry and humid. August is the warmest month to visit Olbia. The city accumulates a year-round total of approximately 67 days or 582.4 mm (22.93") of precipitation. The entire month of July experiences only one day of rain, typically bringing in around 6.4 mm (0.25") of rainfall.