Olbia is not just the airport and port where you disembark. It is a city of 60,000 inhabitants with a 12th-century Romanesque basilica, a lively old town, urban beaches 5 km away, and the most powerful strategic position in northern Sardinia: 30 minutes from Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Tavolara, Maddalena.
Our rates are already lower than Booking and Airbnb. Write to us BEFORE booking and we will compare dates together — we will find you the right home at the best possible price.
Olbia is the economic capital of Gallura and one of the largest cities in Sardinia — around 60,000 inhabitants, and still growing. For tourists it is above all the 'gateway to north-eastern Sardinia': here you find the international airport (OLB, Sardinia's second airport), the busiest ferry port in the north, and the railway station.
But Olbia is not just a transit hub. Founded by the Phoenicians, then a Roman colony, then a Byzantine episcopal see, it has a lively old town with the Basilica di San Simplicio (11th-12th century) — the most important Romanesque church in Gallura. There is the archaeological museum with the remains of Roman ships recovered from the port, the pedestrian high street with boutiques and restaurants, and the real life of a city that is active 12 months a year.
For AffittaSardegna, Olbia is a unique strategic location. From here in 30 minutes you reach Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Porto Istana, Pittulongu, the Tavolara marine area, Palau and Maddalena. We directly manage 1 property in the city of Olbia — a strategic solution for those looking for a base with all the services of the city and stellar surroundings reachable within the day.
The centre of Olbia is a surprise for those expecting just a transit port. Three hours are enough to walk it and understand why it is worth the stop.
Olbia has urban beaches 5 km from the centre and easy access to those of San Teodoro/Costa Smeralda in 30 minutes.
5 km from the centre. The 'beach of the Olbia locals', light sand, a gently sloping seabed, equipped. View of Tavolara.
12 km away. One of the most spectacular in the area, dazzling white sand, turquoise sea, a gently shelving seabed. View of Tavolara.
4 km from the centre. Urban beach, beach establishments, restaurants. Convenient for those who want everything within reach.
8 km away. Wild beach, rocky seabed, excellent for snorkelling. A quiet atmosphere even in August.
7 km away, next to Pittulongu. A quieter little cove, sandy seabed, frequented by locals.
15 km towards Costa Smeralda. A long pale beach, with facilities, an excellent price/quality compromise.
The main reason Olbia is a smart choice: its strategic location. Within 30 minutes by car from Olbia you reach the most sought-after destinations in northern Sardinia, without having to change home.
For those who arrive by ferry/land without wanting to lose hours travelling, Olbia is the perfect base from which to explore Gallura — especially if you have few days and want to see the best of the north-east on different days.
Day boat excursions depart from Olbia towards Costa Smeralda, Tavolara and Maddalena. Lunch on board, snorkelling in the coves, a view of the Porto Cervo yachts from the sea. Average cost 70-120€ per person.
The pedestrian centre of Olbia has some of the best restaurants in Gallura — mullet bottarga, local fish of the day, Gallura cheeses, Vermentino DOCG. Authentic dinners at more affordable prices than Costa Smeralda.
From Porto Istana (12 km from Olbia) snorkelling excursions set off into the Tavolara Marine Protected Area — some of the richest seabeds in the Mediterranean, intact posidonia, abundant fish.
From Tempio Pausania (40 km inland) the Trenino Verde della Sardegna sets off — a historic tour on a narrow-gauge train through Gallura landscapes. A unique experience for families.
The Olbia hinterland is home to the most awarded wineries in Gallura. Tempio Pausania, Berchidda, Monti — winery tours reachable in 30-45 minutes, tastings at €5-15.
A car in Olbia is essential to make the most of its hub position. We compare via Discover Cars Discover Cars — average saving of 35% compared with the airport desk.
| Period | Sea | Crowds | Prices | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May-June | 🌊 21-23°C | 🟢 Few | 🟢 -30/40% | ⭐ Cheaper flights |
| July | 🌊 25°C | 🟡 Moderate | 🟡 Standard | Book 3 months ahead |
| August | 🌊 27°C | 🔴 High | 🔴 Peak flights | Book 4-5 months ahead |
| September | 🌊 24°C | 🟢 Few | 🟢 -20/30% | ⭐ Top season |
| October-April | 🌊 17-19°C | 🟢 Zero | 🟢 -50% | Remote working, the real city |
4 km from the city centre, 10 minutes by car. Sardinia's second airport, direct flights all year round from the main Italian cities + major European routes in summer.
In the city centre, pedestrian access. The busiest ferry port in northern Sardinia: Moby, Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV. From Genoa (10h), Civitavecchia (5-7h), Livorno (8h).
Olbia station in the centre, the Olbia-Cagliari line. Regional trains to Sassari, Cagliari, Macomer.
A central hub for all connections in northern Sardinia. Buses to San Teodoro, Costa Smeralda, Santa Teresa, Sassari.
In Olbia we directly manage one selected property — a boutique solution designed for:
If you are looking for a sea-view home, we recommend our properties in the nearby locations reachable in 15-30 minutes: 🏝️ San Teodoro (30 km), ⛵ Palau (45 km), Porto Cervo (25 km).
Olbia is the gateway to north-eastern Sardinia. A targeted selection + fast 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 Maddalena, Capo d'Orso, access to Costa Smeralda.
25-35 km to the north. Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia, Cala di Volpe. The drawing room of the international jet-set.
50 km to the south. Bidderosa, Capo Comino, Berchida. A less well-known eastern coast, with more moderate prices.
We know every corner of Sardinia and select only housing that meet clear standards of comfort and reliability. From booking to on-site assistance, we follow you step by step.
Each property is verified by our local team: real photos, checked equipment and really convenient locations for your holiday.
Transparent contracts, secure payments and prompt assistance in Italian and English before, during and after your stay.
Official rates, seasonal offers and zero hidden costs: the right value for the right home.
