A rental car will give you the freedom to explore everything Olbia has to offer. From the impressive beaches and lively harbor to the prehistoric architecture, this is a city that will soon have you soaking up the charming Sardinian atmosphere.
Discover the sites by the waterfront
The perfect way to start your Olbia adventure is with a trip to the waterfront. Here you can explore a number of stunning monuments – including the 11th-century Basillica of Saint Simplicio. Inside this quaint church you’ll find a statue of the city’s patron saint, as well as tall, stone archways and a small bell tower.
After you’ve taken in the cathedral, head towards the harbor. Here, you can spend hours just sitting back in one of the harbor-side restaurants and watching the large cruise ships come in to dock.
The harbor is also home to Olbia’s archaeological museum which is filled with interesting exhibits that showcase the city’s history. One of the most important exhibits in the whole museum is the relic of a Roman vessel, which was found in the old port.
Unwind on the emerald coast
When you rent a car in Olbia, you have the unique opportunity to explore the island’s beautiful emerald coast.
With its rocky coves, sandy stretches and crystal-clear waters, Sardinia is home to some of the best beaches in the world. With the sun out, drive to the enticing palm beaches in the Budoni area, just 30 minutes away.
Feel the powdery white sand underfoot, and watch the waves roll into the bay. A short drive north will see you paddling in the clear and calming waters of Cala Brandinchi. Behind the beach, clusters of pinewood trees create a leafy canopy, while out to sea, the imposing Tavolara Island rises from the waters.
Unearth the interesting Nuragic heritage
Trace the island’s ancient Nuragic civilization through the well-preserved prehistoric monuments surrounding Olbia. A 240 yard-long wall loops around the ancient, granite Riu Mulinu nuraghe, a tower that stills stands 16 feet tall.
Next, drive 10 minutes to the Sacred Well of Sa Testa. Accessed via a narrow passageway, it’s a shrine built around a spring, and is believed to date back around 3,500 years. It was used for rituals and worship, and its design is symbolic of the gateway between life and death. Important relics, such as jewelry and ancient tools, were found here, and it’s a fascinating place to visit.
Arguably the most important prehistoric site near Olbia is the fascinating 4,000-year-old Tomba Dei Giganti – Tomb of the Giants. Heavy rocks pile in the shape of the head of a bull. The 10-meter long chamber was once a burial ground, where sacred rituals took place. Artifacts from these three sites can be seen in the city’s archaeological museum.
Exploring the otherworldly sights in this beautiful area of Sardinia is made simple with car rental in Olbia.