Olbia

Olbia, Italy

Olbia is the gateway to the pearly white beaches of Sardinia's northeast coast and the sparkling Costa Smeralda. This is where jet-setters, film stars and the ‘glitterati’ arrive to indulge in 'la dolce vita' Sardinian-style. With a Greek name meaning ‘happy’, Olbia used to be a little fishing village but has now grown to become Sardinia’s busiest ferry port, complete with an international airport and tons of tourist amenities. The countryside is cloaked in aromatic wild herbs, the macchia, and the surrounding sea glows in every hue of electric blue, in a little known and exclusive place waiting to be discovered.

Population:

Olbia: 60,000
Olbia-Tempio Province: 160,300

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 113
Police (Carabinieri): 112
Fire Brigade (Vigili del fuoco): 115
Ambulance (Ambulanza): 118

Opening Hours:

Shops are usually open 9am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Larger shops are normally open continuously throughout the day. Shops are open on Sundays at their own discretion.

Newspapers:

L’Unione Sarda (www.unionesarda.it)
La Nuova Sardegna (www.lanuovasardegna.it)

The City

In the area known as Gallura, the Gulf of Olbia is spectacularly backed by an amphitheatre of granite mountains and extraordinary wind-sculpted rock formations. To the south of the city rises the knife-edge of Tavolara Island, towering over the bay. To the north is the glamorous Costa Smeralda and other resorts, all lapped by the same limpid turquoise seas. Inland awaits a different world, going back into the mists of time. The area around Arzachena is honeycombed with prehistoric sites, all reminders that this is one of Europe’s oldest islands. Olbia and its surrounding areas offer a staggering diversity of sights and attractions, as well as dining, shopping and truly unique vistas and experiences.

Do & See

The cobbled lanes running off the central Piazza Regina Margherita in the old part of town, around the Corso Umberto I, are full of good restaurants and pretty piazzas to linger in over a drink. Basilica di San Simplicio is the main attraction in the old town of Olbia, along with some interesting museums. After admiring the city's best sights, be sure to take some excursions to nearby destinations along the beautiful Costa Smeralda and take in the sun at the breathtaking beaches.

Dining

Sardinians love roasting meat with aromatic herbs, and most menus will likely feature some variety. Seafood is also ubiquitous, from lobster to squid and sea bass. Try some bottarga, a local speciality made with tuna or mullet roe, known as ‘Sardinian caviar’ and especially delicious with spaghetti. Be sure to try some local specialities and home cooking at trattorias and small cafes for a real Sardinian dining experience.

Cafes

Thin, crispy bread and pecorino cheese are two Sardinian specialities that should be in everyone's itinerary. Sardinian wines are also excellent, as well as 'mirto', a potent liqueur made of wild myrtle. Like every other place in Italy, Olbia and its surroundings are packed with 'gelaterie', where you can taste the lovely Italian ice cream.