Before you go

Your trip to Olbia.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Olbia – Sardenha Destination Sardenha about 270 km from Cagliari

How to get there

Aeroporto di Olbia-Costa Smeralda (OLB) Olbia · 4 km
Olbia 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. From Rome or Milan, a domestic flight to the Aeroporto di Olbia-Costa Smeralda (OLB), about 4 km from the center. There are also ferries from Civitavecchia, Livorno and Gênova to the port of Olbia, in the Isola Bianca.

How many days

Half a day is enough for Olbia's center. Allow two or three more days for the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo and a boat trip around the Arquipélago de La Maddalena.

When to go

From May to October for the beach and for boat excursions in La Maddalena, which usually operate in that period. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months on the Costa Smeralda. In mid‑May, the feast of San Simplicio, the city's patron, features a procession and a traditional costume parade.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For Olbia's center, no. For the Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo and Palau, a car is very useful because the beaches are spread out and buses have limited schedules outside summer. In La Maddalena you can cross with your car on the ferry.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Olbia

Morning
San Simplicio and center
Visit the Basilica di San Simplicio, built of granite, and walk along Corso Umberto, the main street, to the church of San Paolo, with a colorful ceramic dome.
Afternoon
Museo Archeologico
After lunch, head to the islet of Peddone for the Museo Archeologico, which displays the remains of Roman ships found in the old harbor.
Late afternoon
Porto Cervo
Drive to Porto Cervo, about 40 minutes to the north, and stroll around the piazzetta, the church of Stella Maris and the marina.
Evening
Dinner in Olbia
Return to dine in Olbia from around 19:30–20:00. The gulf mussels and the Vermentino di Gallura wine are local specialties.

2 days in Olbia

Day 1

Morning
Olbia center
Start at the Basilica di San Simplicio and walk along Corso Umberto to the old harbor.
Afternoon
Museum and beach
Visit the Museo Archeologico and spend the rest of the afternoon at a gulf beach, such as Pittulongu, north of the town.
Late afternoon
Porto Cervo
Follow the coast to Porto Cervo to walk around the marina and see the church of Stella Maris.
Evening
Dinner on the coast
Dine in Porto Cervo or Baja Sardinia, or return to Olbia, where prices are usually lower.

Day 2

Morning
Ferry to La Maddalena
Leave early for Palau, about 45 minutes by car, and cross by ferry to La Maddalena in about 20 minutes.
Afternoon
Caprera and beaches
Cross the bridge to Caprera, where Garibaldi lived, and choose a beach in the archipelago. In season you can take a boat tour of the smaller islands.
Late afternoon
Center of La Maddalena
Walk through the center of La Maddalena, around the Piazza Garibaldi, before taking the ferry back to Palau.
Evening
Return to Olbia
Dine in Palau or return to Olbia. Check the schedule of the last ferry.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Olbia airport to the center?

By city bus or taxi, in about 10 minutes. The airport is roughly 4 km from the center.

Is Olbia a good base for the Costa Smeralda?

Yes, especially for those looking for lower prices. Porto Cervo is about 30 km away, and the coastal beaches are less than an hour's drive.

How to reach the Arquipélago de La Maddalena?

By car or bus to Palau, about 40 km from Olbia, and then by ferry to the island of La Maddalena, which operates year‑round. Boat tours of the smaller islands depart from Palau and La Maddalena and typically run from April or May through October.

Can you reach Olbia by ferry from Rome?

Yes. Ferries depart from Civitavecchia, the port closest to Rome, and the crossing takes 5 to 7 hours depending on the vessel. There are also sailings from Livorno and Gênova.

How many days to stay in Olbia?

One day for the town and Porto Cervo and another one or two for La Maddalena and the beaches. For more beach time, consider staying on the coast or in Palau.

Back to Olbia