Hertz car hire in Olbia

Hire a car in Olbia to explore northern Sardinia’s largest city. Uncover its historic centre, relax on golden beaches or get lost in the myriad of boutiques and wine bars in its centre.

Get your culture fix at city attractions such as Museo Archeologico and then embark on a grand tour of Olbia’s best beaches. From the turquoise waters of Porto Istana to the unspoiled landscape of Capriccioli Beach, this section of Sardinia is a coastal treasure trove.

The convenient road system, rugged scenery and famously beautiful coastline makes hiring a car an enviable way to explore the region. We have several car hire pick-up

locations, including at Olbia Airport and close to the ferry terminal, so it’s easy to get on your way.

Plan a romantic road trip or family holiday with our range of quality hire cars.

Driving in and around Olbia

Parking in Olbia

• There is plenty of parking close to the SS125, which connects Olbia Airport to the city. Parkplatz Auchan and Area Di Parcheggio are two of the most convenient, since they are situated between the airport and marina.
• The closest car parks to Olbia’s historic centre are Parcheggio San Simplicio and Parcheggio Piramidi.
• For easy access to Olbia’s seafront attractions – such as Museo Archeologico – head to Parcheggio Molo Brin.

Traffic in Olbia

Olbia’s city centre has a one-way system, which can become busy during rush hour. Outside of the city, Sardinia’s scenic coastal roads rarely become congested.

How to get from Olbia airport to Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo’s Piazzetta address is: P. Sottopiazza, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy

To get to the Piazzetta from the airport:

1. Use Via Degli Astronauti to reach SS125 Orientala Sarda, driving west towards E840 and Olbia city centre.
2. Continue on SS125 as it exits Olbia to the north.
3. About 10 minutes after exiting Olbia, turn right onto SP73. Drive towards the harbour of Portisco.
4. Join SP94 and drive north until you reach Abbiadori.
5. Take SP59 into the heart of Porto Cervo.

Roads and freeways

Main routes in Olbia

• E840 is one of Olbia’s most important roads, connecting the ferry terminal to Codrongianos, a central Sicilian commune just outside Sassari.
• SS127 and SP38bis are the best routes for beating the traffic in Olbia, since they are wider than the more historic lanes.
• Corso Umberto I is central Olbia’s main road for shopping and restaurants.

Olbia to La Maddalena

Strada Statale 125 Orientale Strada leads almost all the way to La Maddalena. Drive north for just over an hour – sometimes more if you are driving through Olbia in peak hours – before exiting onto SS133 and joining the one-way system at Via Nazionale. At Porto di Palau, you’ll need to board a ferry to reach La Maddalena.

Olbia to Alghero

It’s easy to drive from Olbia to Alghero in western Sardinia. Simply use E840 to reach Sassari, then use E25 to drive around the city. Turn left onto SS291var, then use SS127bis to reach the walled city of Alghero. This journey takes just over an hour and a half.

A quick guide to Olbia

What to see and do in Olbia

Museo Archeologico

A portside treasure, Olbia’s Museo Archeologico shows off some of Sardinia’s greatest artefacts from the 19th century back to prehistoric times. Step inside to discover how the ancient world shaped modern Olbia. There are other historic sites out of town too, such as Tomba Dei Giganti, a colossal archeological site dating back 4,000 years. It’s just over an hour away via SS125.

Corso Umberto I

A colourful terrace where Olbia’s shopping scene really comes into its own, Corso Umberto I is a must-see. There are luxury fragrance shops, boutiques selling handbags from the best Italian fashion brands and pizzerias aplenty.

La Maddalena National Park

The stretch of Sardinian coastline that envelopes Olbia is famous for its distinctive waters, lush marine life and beautiful landscapes. La Maddalena National Park is a Geomarine-protected area spread across several islands. Once you arrive, you’ll be free to visit the area’s many museums, including Museo Diocesano di La Maddalena, a heritage centre packed with religious exhibits. Or simply marvel at natural wonders such as Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli Island’s pink granite beach.

Olbia’s best hotels

Jazz Hotel

A four-star hotel set between Olbia’s airport and the historic centre; this superb accommodation makes for the perfect first stop on a Costa Smeralda road trip. It’s also a great base for city breaks in Olbia, boasting its own swimming pool, gym and Turkish bath, plus a relaxation area kitted out with chaise lounges.

The Pelican Beach Resort

This adults-only complex is situated in Pittulongu, Olbia’s closest seaside town. Not only does this resort overlook the ocean, but it also has an array of facilities – most notably, a spa. There’s also a beauty centre where guests can book a massage or a manicure.

Geovillage Sport & Wellness Resort

Geovillage is located between Olbia and Pittulongu, in the blissful Mediterranean suburbs. This is a hotel with a difference, where 254 rooms are spread across many buildings between leafy parks, tennis courts and a glamorous swimming pool. The nearby Olympic swimming pool and bicycle hire outlets make this a great option for active travellers.

Olbia’s best places to eat

Agriturismo Agrisole

The most authentic eateries are often located off the beaten track, and this is also true in Sardinia. Agriturismo Agrisole is six miles (10 kilometres) north of Olbia and it’s well worth the drive. Here, farmhouse cooking meets soft entertainment in a rural setting.

Art Academy

Looking for classic Italian food with an international twist? Olbia’s Art Academy infuses Brazilian flavours into its meat or churrasco dishes, while also serving up Italian staples such as ravioli.

La Lanterna

One of central Olbia’s best kept secrets, La Lanterna is a pizzeria that also specialises in seafood and regional Sardinian dishes, such as porcheddu or roast pork.

Olbia’s best beaches

Pittulongu Beach

Olbia’s neighbouring beach resort is known for its mile-long sands spread across four beaches. There is the option to try your hand at watersports in the summer, when Sardinia’s sea temperatures often surpass 20°C.

Del Principe Beach

Remote and beautiful, Del Principe Beach is also called Prince’s Beach. One of many unspoiled beaches near Olbia, this is a great place for hiking and snorkelling.

Capriccioli Beach

Famous for starring in the 1977 Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me, Capriccioli Beach is also known for its fine sand and wild backdrop: picture junipers, olive trees and a rainbow of granite rocks.