Olbia’s beauty is more than skin deep. Yes, on the surface its Romanesque churches, cobbled streets and shady piazzas are dazzling, but you’ll also find authentic Italian restaurants – trattorias – serving up delicious seafood and chic stores selling locally produced goods.
See the best of charming Olbia before setting off to discover the wonders of Costa Smeralda.
Explore history and delicious food
Why not spend a day or two exploring Olbia’s centro storico (historic center)? It’s a delightful place to amble around, full of boutiques, restaurants, and café-lined piazzas. Chief among its attractions is the Museo Archeologico, which stands on its own tiny island in the harbor. Here you can learn about the city’s history, stretching from the Carthaginian and Roman eras through to its growth as a major maritime port.
After a day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a Sardinian seafood feast. Mussels and clams are the focus here and there are plenty of excellent restaurants in which to try them. Dolceacqua is one of the best, where you can indulge in steamed octopus, grilled sea bass and fish ravioli.
Discover some of the world’s best beaches
Starting at the Golfo di Cugnana, 10 miles north of Olbia, the stunning Costa Smeralda stretches for 30 miles north to the Golfo di Arzachena. The coast is framed by pearly white sand beaches and bright turquoise waters that sparkle in the sunshine.
The emerald sea fringing Spiaggia del Principe, the Prince's Beach, is breathtaking. Take a dip in the gentle, turquoise waters, then lay back on the half-moon-shaped sandy shore to admire the view of the surrounding greenery.
Liscia Ruja is another favorite beach spot. Stretching for miles, it’s one of the longest beaches on the island, offering ample room for you to relax and recuperate in the sunshine. In the distance you can see Soffi and Mortorio islands, which you can visit on a boat trip.
Experience Sardinia’s ancient culture
If you can bear to tear yourself away from the Costa Smeralda, head into the Gallura Mountains to visit the charming and traditional village of San Pantaleo, set around a picturesque piazza with cafes and artisan stores. In the summer months, the village holds a bustling weekly market, which offers a chance to pick up fresh produce and local souvenirs.
Drive north-west from here to the neighboring town of Arzachena, famous for the fascinating prehistoric monuments that are scattered around the surrounding area. Visit the Tombe dei Giganti (Tomb of the Giants), a sacred site that dates back to 2,000BC. You can also see excellent examples of Sardinia’s nuraghe – mysterious prehistoric stone towers created during the Bronze Age.
Reserving a rental car at Olbia Airport will give you the freedom to fully enjoy the beauty of north-eastern Sardinia. Book in advance with us, and start planning your trip.