Olbia
The word “Olbia” originates from the Greek language and means “happy”. This perfectly fit the first economic propulsor of Sardinia, nestled between the shining blue and the highest cliffs of Mount Limbara. The isle of Tavolara, facing the Marina, only adds to the overwhelming beauty of the landscape.
The access door to Costa Smeralda is a knot where past and future intertwine harmonically. Just think that in 1999 only have been discovered 24 ancient roman ships’ relics in the harbor, sinked during the vandalic siege of the city. There is no solution of continuity among the Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman and modern phases of Olbia. The importance of the place has only grown in time, with an exponential explosion after that the Romans have paved its roads with marble and studded it with forums and spas. Here relics, necropolis and basilicas emerge spontaneously from the soil as integral parts of the natural habitat.
Buildings fade naturally towards most beaches of the purest and whitest sand, caressed by a wonderful sea of turquoise and blue. Porto Istana, Pittulongu and Porto Rotondo are just some among the most famous names of this coastline paradise, tourist destination of visitors from all over the world.
But even to the more pleasure-loving the city has something to show! The yearly Palio of Stella and the patronal feast of San Simplicio fill the streets with crowds and events, while the restaurants offer - all year long - examples of the sublime local cuisine.
If you love both mussels and wine, you’ll find here your paradise. Having had dinner, you have nothing more to do than a relaxing walk for Corso Umberto, directed to visit the new pedestrian zone. Resulting from a careful process of urban reconstruction, it is a perfect example of the love of Olbia’s citizens for their own town.
Main attractions in Olbia
Basilica of San Simplicio
Located right in the center of the bustling city of Olbia, which boasts a history dating back thousands of years, the Basilica of San Simplicio is a Romanesque church from the 1200s: it strikes for the beauty hidden behind its austere-looking facade.
It was built of granite on the remains of a Carthaginian cemetery, using the structure of an early Christian church. One of its secrets is found on the facade where there is a tile with an illustration of unknown origin. There is depicted a knight with a broadsword fighting with an angel, symbolizing the clash between human ambitions and the peace of eternity.
The best time to visit the basilica is in May where the Feast of St. Simplicio is organized in pleasant weather: in the procession the statue of the saint is carried around the city. A must-see!
Porto Rotondo
Porto Rotondo is a touristic paradise where most precious villas, luxurious hotels and wonderful natural gulf live together in an harmonic environment: a real must for the summer nightlife! Desidered by Count Donà delle Rose, it is a paradigm of symbiosis between human architecture and Mediterranean scrub. Porto Rotondo is also the venue of the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo, among the biggest ones in Italy.
Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo
Olbia storic center
Linked to its marvelous harbor by Corso Umberto, the historical center of Olbia is perfect to start a tour of the city. In the town hall you will get news about cultural events and local history. Wonderful historical monuments will enchant you with their mysterious charm, like the Church of Saint Paul and the Basilica of San Simplicio, the town’s patron. For a break in the green, the very bright Parco Fausto Noce awaits you nearby!
Roman Aqueduct
Built between II and III century AD, Olbia’s aqueduct spans more than 3 km around the city. It is the best preserved in all Sardinia. Here was conducted water from the Cabu Abbas’ wells, granting the use of it to the roman population. In “Sa Rughittula” location you still can find numerous remains of this marvel of the past.Built between II and III century AD, Olbia’s aqueduct spans more than 3 km around the city. It is the best preserved in all Sardinia. Here was conducted water from the Cabu Abbas’ wells, granting the use of it to the roman population. In “Sa Rughittula” location you still can find numerous remains of this marvel of the past.
S.Paolo church
Pozzo Sacro Sa Testa
Here lived the Phoenicians’ gods. The shrine is an ancient granite circle shaped as a door lock, through which you access the underground well. In the hypogean dome (false tholos) have been found several pieces of jewelry, among which a mysterious dagger with a bronze hilt. The building itself probably dates to the XIV-XII century BC.
Golfo Aranci
A sweet seafront of low white beaches gives this gulf its charme. If you love the idea of a quiet promenade this is the place for you.
German photographer Marianne Pfältzer got so in love with this place that she dedicated it several blowups, now on constant display in the place where there was fishermans’ town. Today it is a magic seaside resort.
Emerald Coast
Unforgettable white sand beaches and luxurious hotels coexist in Costa Smeralda thanks to the arabian prince Karim Aga Khan. Wonderful landscapes and crystalline waters make this territory a true paradise on earth.
Being trekking and underwater diving totally possible here, Costa Smeralda’s fame originates mostly from the unrestrained summer nightlife it offers, among the wildest in the world.
Tavolara
You will reach the calcareous Island of Tavolara after 15 km by ferry from Porto San Paolo. Thanks to its vertical walls, to Punta Cannone and its caves, the place is perfect both for trekking and underwater diving.
The King of Tavolara waits for you! Tonino Bertoleoni, today the manager of a restaurant on the isle, is the last heir of the Bertoleoni’s family, which was declared noble two centuries ago by the king Carlo Alberto himself.
Pedres castle
A 1 km climb among caves and olives brings to the inexpugnable “Castel Pedreso”. This was built by the Pisan Viscontis in the XIII century on a granite hill more than 100m high. While the solid mass of the castle still speaks of its ancient power, Villa Petresa nearby, from which it takes the name, went to ruins after the dramatic famines of the XIV century.
Archaeological Museum of Olbia
