Things to do in Olbia: a 1 or 2-day guide
Olbia is the gateway to Gallura and the Costa Smeralda. You can see the historic centre on foot in half a day; by car, Nuragic sites, a medieval castle and the first beaches are just minutes away. Here is what to see and a ready-made itinerary.
1. The historic centre on foot
Olbia's centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Starting from Via Cavour, here are the main stops in the order you will meet them.
- Corso Umberto I: the town's main street, lined with shops, cafรฉs and restaurants. It is the heart of Olbia's life, especially in the evening.
- Piazza Regina Margherita and Piazza Matteotti: the squares of the old town, a few steps from the hotel.
- Church of San Paolo: in the heart of the old town, instantly recognisable by its dome covered in colourful majolica tiles.
- Basilica of San Simplicio: a Romanesque granite church dedicated to the city's patron saint and Olbia's best-known monument. The saint's feast is celebrated in May.
- Archaeological Museum: on the small island of Peddone, near the old harbour. It tells Olbia's story from prehistory onwards; its most famous room displays Roman and medieval shipwrecks found in the harbour.
- Seafront and old harbour: the perfect sunset walk, overlooking the gulf.
Tip: check the Archaeological Museum's opening times and tickets before your visit, as they change with the season.
2. Archaeology nearby
Around Olbia are some of the most interesting Nuragic sites in Gallura, all a few minutes' drive from the centre.
| Site | What to see | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sa Testa sacred well | A Nuragic water sanctuary with a staircase leading down to the well chamber | North-east of town, towards Pittulongu |
| Riu Mulinu nuraghe (Cabu Abbas) | A hilltop nuraghe with defensive walls and panoramic views of the gulf | Reached by a short uphill walk |
| Su Monte 'e s'Abe giants' tomb | A Nuragic collective tomb about 28 metres long | South of town, near Pedres Castle |
| Pedres Castle | A medieval castle on a hill, with its tower and remains of the walls | Reached by a short flight of steps |
Most sites are outdoors: bring comfortable shoes and water, especially in summer, and check any opening times before you go.
3. 2-day itinerary
Day 1: Olbia on foot
- Morning: Corso Umberto, Piazza Regina Margherita and the Church of San Paolo.
- Late morning: Basilica of San Simplicio.
- Afternoon: Archaeological Museum on Peddone island and a walk along the seafront.
- Evening: dinner in the old town and a short walk back to the hotel.
Day 2: nuraghi and the sea
- Morning: Su Monte 'e s'Abe giants' tomb and Pedres Castle, south of town.
- Late morning: Sa Testa sacred well, to the north-east.
- Afternoon: Pittulongu beach, about 7-8 km from the centre. Read our guide to the beaches near Olbia.
One more day? Book a boat trip to Tavolara island from Porto San Paolo, south of Olbia.
Frequently asked questions about Olbia
How much time do you need to visit Olbia?
Half a day is enough for the historic centre: Corso Umberto, the Church of San Paolo, the Basilica of San Simplicio and the Archaeological Museum are all close together. With two days you can add the Nuragic sites nearby, Pedres Castle and an afternoon on the beach at Pittulongu.
Can you visit Olbia without a car?
Yes, the centre is easy to explore on foot and the train station is in town. In summer a dedicated bus run by ASPO, the local transport company, links the centre to Pittulongu beach. For the Nuragic sites and the more distant beaches, a car or an organised excursion is more practical.
Where to stay to visit Olbia?
In the historic centre, so you can walk between sights, restaurants and the seafront. Hotel Cavour is at Via Cavour 22, about 200 metres from the station, with private parking and a ZTL permit: a convenient base for the town and the coast.
