Overview
Welcome to Olbia, the happy city! This is not just a tourist slogan—Olbìa in Greek actually means “blessed” or “fortunate.” In addition to the Greeks, the Phoenicians and Romans also passed through here, leaving behind significant traces.
Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum on the little island of Peddone, where precious artifacts are on display, as well as Nuragic sites like the Giant’s Tomb of Su Mont’e s’Abe and the sacred well of Sa Testa, and the Punic-Roman necropolis with around 450 tombs. This lies next to the Basilica of San Simplicio, which served as the cathedral until 1839 and is built in Romanesque style with Lombard influences.
The Church of San Paolo also has ancient origins; it features a colorful dome and was built on the ruins of a Roman temple.
But today, Olbia is more than just history and culture. It is also, and above all, the economic and tourist heart of Gallura, the vibrant gateway to the coastline and the stunning sea of northeastern Sardinia.
Here you’ll find beautiful beaches like Pittulongu, Bados, and Le Saline, famous for their crystal-clear waters and white sand. To the south, the Gulf of Olbia opens up onto the spectacular Tavolara Marine Protected Area. Heading down toward San Teodoro, you’ll come across more enchanting beaches such as Lido del Sole and Punta Corallina.
For food lovers, Olbia’s mussels, accompanied by a good glass of Vermentino di Gallura, are an experience not to be missed.
07026 Olbia, Sassari, Italia
