“Olbia isn't just the airport and the port where you land. It's a city of 60,000 people with a 12th-century Romanesque basilica, a lively old town, beaches a few km away and the most strategic location in northern Sardinia: 30 minutes from the Costa Smeralda and San Teodoro, less than an hour from the ferry to La Maddalena.”
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Olbia is the economic capital of Gallura and one of the largest cities in Sardinia — around 60,000 people and still growing. For visitors it is above all the “gateway to north-east Sardinia”: here you'll find the international airport (OLB, Sardinia's second airport), the busiest ferry port in the north and the railway station.
But Olbia is more than a transit hub. Founded by the Phoenicians, then a Roman colony, then a Byzantine bishop's seat, it has a lively old town with the Basilica of San Simplicio (11th–12th century) — the most important Romanesque church in Gallura. There's the archaeological museum with the remains of the Roman ships recovered from the harbour, there's the pedestrian high street with boutiques and restaurants, there's the real life of a city that's busy 12 months a year.
For AffittaSardegna, Olbia is a uniquely strategic location. From here you reach the Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Porto Istana, Pittulongu and the Tavolara marine area in 30 minutes; in less than an hour you're in Palau, at the ferry to La Maddalena. In Olbia AffittaSardegna directly manages homes in town: a convenient base, with every service on hand and the most beautiful surroundings within a day trip.
Olbia's centre is a surprise if you're expecting nothing more than a transit port. Three hours are enough to explore it on foot and see why it's worth the stop.
Olbia has beaches a few km from the centre and easy access to those of San Teodoro and the Costa Smeralda in 30 minutes.
About 8 km from the centre. The “Olbia locals' beach”: pale sand, gently sloping seabed, with facilities. Views of Tavolara.
12 km away. One of the most spectacular in the area: brilliant white sand, turquoise sea, gently sloping seabed. Views of Tavolara.
4 km from the centre. A town beach with beach clubs and restaurants. Handy if you want everything within reach.
8 km away. A wild beach with a rocky seabed, great for snorkelling. Peaceful even in August.
Next to Pittulongu. A quieter cove with a sandy seabed, popular with Olbia locals.
15 km towards the Costa Smeralda. A long, pale beach with facilities, a great balance of price and quality.
The main reason Olbia is a smart choice: its strategic location. Within 30–60 minutes' drive of Olbia you reach the most sought-after destinations in northern Sardinia, without having to change accommodation.
If you're arriving by ferry or plane and don't want to waste hours travelling, Olbia is the perfect base for exploring Gallura — especially if you only have a few days and want to see the best of the north-east on different days.
Day trips by boat leave Olbia for the Costa Smeralda, Tavolara and La Maddalena. Lunch on board, snorkelling in the coves, a view of the Porto Cervo yachts from the sea. Paid excursion: check prices and times.
Olbia's pedestrian centre has some of the best restaurants in Gallura — grey mullet bottarga, the day's local catch, Gallura cheeses, Vermentino DOCG. Authentic dinners at more affordable prices than on the Costa Smeralda.
Snorkelling trips into the Tavolara Marine Protected Area leave from Porto San Paolo (about 20 km from Olbia) — some of the richest seabeds in the Mediterranean, pristine posidonia meadows, plenty of fish.
In summer Sardinia's Trenino Verde (“little green train”) leaves from Tempio Pausania (40 km inland) — a historic narrow-gauge train ride through the Gallura landscape. A unique experience for families.
Olbia's hinterland is home to Gallura's most award-winning wineries. Tempio Pausania, Berchidda, Monti — winery tours 30–45 minutes away, paid tastings.
In Olbia a car is essential to make the most of its hub location. We compare options via Discover Cars.
| Period | Sea | Crowds | Prices | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May–June | 🌊 21–23°C | 🟢 Low | 🟢 Reduced rates | ⭐ Cheapest flights |
| July | 🌊 25°C | 🟡 Moderate | 🟡 Standard | Book 3 months ahead |
| August | 🌊 25–26°C | 🔴 High | 🔴 Peak flight season | Book 4–5 months ahead |
| September | 🌊 24°C | 🟢 Low | 🟢 Reduced rates | ⭐ Best season |
| October–April | 🌊 17–19°C | 🟢 None | 🟢 The lowest rates of the year | Remote working, a real town |
4 km from the town centre, 10 minutes by car. Sardinia's second airport, with direct flights all year from Italy's main cities + major European routes in summer.
In the town centre, within walking distance. The busiest ferry port in northern Sardinia: Moby, Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV. From Genoa (10h), Civitavecchia (5–7h), Livorno (8h).
Olbia station is in the centre, on the Olbia–Cagliari line. Regional trains to Sassari, Cagliari, Macomer.
The central hub for all connections in northern Sardinia. Buses to San Teodoro, the Costa Smeralda, Santa Teresa, Sassari.
In Olbia we directly manage selected homes in town, designed for:
If you're looking for a home with a sea view, we recommend our properties in the nearby resorts 30–45 minutes away: San Teodoro (30 km), Porto Cervo (30 km), Palau (45 km).
Olbia is the gateway to north-east Sardinia. Selected homes and quick access to all the top destinations in the north.
30 km to the south. La Cinta, Cala Brandinchi, Tavolara Marine Area. The most sought-after destination in the north-east.
45 km to the north. Gateway to La Maddalena and Capo d'Orso, with access to the Costa Smeralda.
25–35 km to the north. Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia, Cala di Volpe. The international jet set's favourite haunt.
50 km to the south. La Caletta, Capo Comino, Berchida. The lesser-known east coast, with more affordable prices.
We know every corner of Sardinia and select only accommodation that meets clear standards of comfort and reliability. From booking to on-site assistance, we're with you every step of the way.
Every property is checked by our local team: real photos, verified amenities and genuinely convenient locations for your holiday.
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