text Giulia Santini

September 25, 2025

What to see in Olbia

The best beaches, historical sites to visit, traditional restaurants, dream hotels, and all the information you need to experience the most authentic Sardinia.

If you want to immerse yourself in history and visit some of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches, Olbia is the perfect compromise. Every corner of the city preserves historical traces of ancient settlements, dating back to the 7th century BC, with Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. Under Roman rule, Olbia changed its appearance: paved roads, thermal baths and a forum were built, traces of which can still be seen today near the Town Hall.

Many archaeological finds, such as a treasure trove of gold coins, are kept in the Archaeological Museum on the islet of Peddone, a short walk from the old port. The museum resembles a moored ship, with circular windows and suspended walkways, offering visitors a unique experience.

The town overlooks a picturesque gulf that protects the marine area of Tavolara. Among the numerous beaches and coves, Porto Istana and Lido di Pittulongu stand out, with the famous La Playa beach. To the south, you can discover Portisco, a picturesque harbour that has been awarded the Blue Flag every year since 2016, in recognition of the clarity of its waters and the quality of its tourist services.

The beaches of Olbia and surroundings

Porto Istana Beach

Characterised by fine, light-coloured sand dotted with pink granite rocks, Porto Istana is located a few kilometres south of Olbia, at the foot of the Capo Ceraso promontory. Its sandy seabed makes it ideal for families, snorkelling and relaxing walks in the surrounding hills.

Pittulongu Beach

The most famous beach in Pittulongu is called La Playa, frequented by both Olbia residents and international tourists. Protected from the wind by the nearby islands of Tavolara, Capo Ceraso and Capo Figari, it is perfect for children. The beach is well equipped, with sunbeds, umbrellas and sports equipment available for hire.

Cala Brandinchi Beach

Also known as ‘little Tahiti’, Cala Brandinchi is a wide bay with fine white sand, surrounded by a lush pine forest and natural dunes. A cliff on one side offers an ideal vantage point for admiring the landscape. Sun loungers and parasols are also available for hire here.

Capo Coda Cavallo Beach

Located at the tip of a granite peninsula, Capo Coda Cavallo stretches out into the sea with white sand and breathtaking views. The surrounding nature is wild and unspoilt, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The beach is also the starting point for excursions to the islands of Molara and Tavolara.

Golfo Aranci Beach

About twenty minutes from Olbia, Golfo Aranci is a small town overlooking the sea, known for its five beaches. These are perfect for families, water sports or simply relaxing days surrounded by Mediterranean scrub.

Bados Beach

Near Golfo Aranci, Bados beach stretches for about 300 metres of fine sand and is surrounded by dense vegetation and maritime pines, creating a natural oasis waiting to be explored.

To discover all the most beautiful beaches in Gallura, click here!

What to see in Olbia and its surroundings

San Simplicio

In the heart of Olbia, cradle of a Roman past, stands the Basilica of San Simplicio, the best preserved in Sardinia. Built at the beginning of the 12th century, it was one of the most impressive churches of Sardinian Romanesque architecture. The church, dedicated to Bishop San Simplicio, martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian in 304 AD, stands on a hill and every year, in mid-May, is celebrated with a procession and the Palio della Stella. The surrounding area was home to an ancient Roman necropolis with around 450 tombs, whose finds are now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Olbia. (Piazza S. Simplicio, 07026 Olbia SS, Ph +0789 396241)

Museo Archeologico di Olbia

Located on Pennone Island, near the historic centre, the Archaeological Museum of Olbia houses unique artefacts: ancient shipwrecks, Roman masts and rudders, funerary objects, amphorae and Greek and Punic artefacts. The structure resembles a moored ship and tells the story of Olbia from the Phoenicians to the Romans. (Via Isola Peddone, 07026 Olbia SS, Tel. +0789 28290)

Chiesa di San Paolo

Located in the centre of Olbia, the Church of St. Paul is built on the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules and was renovated in Baroque style in the 18th century. The spectacular polychrome dome dates back to 1939, while the interior features frescoes by the painter Alberto Senna and sacred silver objects. (Piazza Civita, 3, 07026 Olbia SS, Ph +0789 22265)

Castello di Pedres

About 5 km from Olbia, Pedres Castle dominates a 140-metre granite rock. This medieval castle, once surrounded by double walls, can be reached via a path with a recent staircase, which is thought to have been used by soldiers during the Second World War. Nearby is the Tomb of the Giants of Mont'e s'Abe, built in two phases between the Bonnanaro period and 1600 BC, with a semicircular exedra, corridor and burial chamber. (Via Castello Pedrese, 07026 Olbia SS, Tel +345 6328150)

Acquedotto e cisterna romana

The Roman aqueduct in Olbia, built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, is the best preserved on the island. Located in Sa Rugghittula, it carried water from Monte Cabu Abbas to the city centre. It is easily accessible by car via Via Mincio, about 2 km from Olbia railway station.

Parco Fausto Noce

Fausto Noce Park is the green heart of Olbia. Covering 18 hectares in the northern part of the city, it features fountains, ponds, children's play areas and an amphitheatre which hosts events and shows during the summer months.

Pozzo Sacro Sa Testa

This sacred well, dating back to between the 15th and 13th centuries BC, was a place of worship linked to water, a significant testimony to Nuragic civilisation. It can only be visited from the outside.

Nuraghe Riu Mulinu Cabu Abbas

The Nuraghe Riu Mulinu Cabu Abbas is an example of defensive and sacred Nuragic architecture. Consisting of a central tower and a wall with two entrances, it was also used for sacred rites and ceremonies.

Places to eat in Olbia and the surrounding area

Tenute Olbios
Via Loiri, 83
ph +0789 641003

About 10 minutes from the centre of Olbia, in the hills rich in Vermentino vineyards, lies Tenute Olbios, a place surrounded by nature where the vines are cultivated using integrated farming methods, without herbicides. Here you can visit the winery and take part in tastings and food and wine experiences in a room with large windows overlooking the vineyards. The setting combines local materials such as olive wood and granite, creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. You can book lunches, dinners, show cooking with chefs from Gallura, walks in the vineyard, picnics and bicycle tours. Ideal for those seeking a food and wine experience in the heart of Sardinia.

Essenza Bistrot
Via delle Terme, 8a
ph +0789 25594

Chef Massimiliano Villani offers traditional Sardinian dishes reinterpreted in a contemporary style, using mainly local ingredients. The menu combines typical Sardinian flavours with culinary innovation. The atmosphere is intimate and warm, with small tables, stone walls and a terrace perfect for al fresco dining.

Dulchemente
Via R. Papandrea, 10
ph +0789 21451

Dulchemente is an elegant and welcoming restaurant specialising in seafood and meat dishes. The restaurant was born from the experience of the family who own it and aims to offer a simple yet refined setting. The modern décor with vintage touches and contrasting colours creates an original and refined atmosphere, ideal for a gourmet dinner or a gourmet break in the city.

Bacchus (Jazz Hotel)
Via degli Astronauti, 2
ph +0789 651010

Located inside the Jazz Hotel, Bacchus offers Mediterranean and Sardinian cuisine with seafood and meat dishes. Bright and welcoming, the restaurant has a veranda overlooking the pool, perfect for an evocative dinner not far from the centre of Olbia.

Where to stay in Olbia and surroundings

Hotel Luna Lughente
Via Sa Serra, 2
ph +0789 57521

Founded in 1994, Hotel Luna Lughente is an elegant establishment located on a hill about 1 km from the sea. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views stretching from Capo Figari to the island of Tavolara, passing through Capo Ceraso to the Gulf of Olbia. Comfortable rooms and family-friendly surroundings make it the ideal choice for those seeking relaxation without sacrificing the convenience of reaching the main points of interest, such as the Roman Aqueduct and the Sacred Well of Sa Testa.

Casagliana Suite Resort
Via Sole Ruju, 14,
ph. + 0789 1733029

Immersed in the peaceful countryside, Casagliana Suite Resort is the perfect spot for those who want to chill out after a day exploring Olbia and its surroundings. Close to the main attractions and local restaurants, it offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes and free parking, ideal for a comfy, independent stay.

Petra Segreta resort & Spa
Via Stazzu Malcusa (San Pantaleo)
ph. + 0789 1876441

On the hills of San Pantaleo, behind the Costa Smeralda, the Petra Segreta Resort & Spa combines the luxury of five-star service with the tranquillity of the Gallura countryside. Nestled in five hectares of myrtle and juniper trees, it offers twenty-five rooms and suites – six of which have private heated pools – inspired by the stazzi, the ancient rural houses of Gallura. The open-air spa and bar overlooking the sea make this location an exclusive retreat, ideal for an unforgettable holiday.

Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa
Via Cala Capra (Palau)
ph. +39 0789 790368

About 20 km from Olbia, in Palau, this elegant boutique hotel is nestled in the greenery of Cala Capra park, with spectacular views of the Maddalena Archipelago and the Costa Smeralda. It is the perfect choice for a romantic holiday, thanks to its two private beaches – Cala Capra and Cala Selvaggia – and wooden platforms suspended over the sea. The private marina is also the starting point for unforgettable boat trips.

Hotel Ollastu
Loc. Costa Corallina
ph. +39 0789 36744

Located on the beautiful Coral Coast, about 10 km from Olbia, Hotel Ollastu owes its name to a large, centuries-old olive tree that dominates the entrance. For over twenty years, family management has been at the heart of the hotel, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. The swimming pool surrounded by greenery and panoramic terraces offer unique views of the coast, making it the ideal place to recharge your batteries in peace and quiet.

How to get to Olbia

By Car

If you are already in Sardinia, Olbia is easily accessible via the SS131, also known as the Carlo Felice state road. This main artery connects the south of the island to the north, passing through important cities such as Oristano and Sassari, and leads directly to Olbia.

Those arriving from the rest of the peninsula by car can take the ferry from major Italian ports such as Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia. The port of Olbia is one of the largest and busiest in Italy, a strategic arrival point for those wishing to explore Gallura.

By Aeroplane

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is one of Sardinia's main airports, serving both domestic and international flights. At the airport, you can hire a car to travel comfortably to the city and surrounding areas, making it easy to access all the main tourist attractions.