The point of entry to the island and the economic engine of Gallura, the city overlooks a spectacular gulf that protects the Protected Marine Area of Tavolara and offers access to the exclusive Costa Smeralda.
Olbia and its surroundings present a great number of possibilities for excursions by car to visit places of great archaeological and natural interest, along with the seaside, thanks to the beautiful coastal areas.
Amongst the architectural beauties of Olbia, you can visit the Punic-Roman (and later Christian) necropolis, which is comprised of 450 tombs in the necropolis’ museum, located at the foot of altar in the Basilica of San Simplicio, the baroque Church of San Paolo, with the iridescent dome adorned in majolica tiles, the Archaeological Museum, and the islet of Peddone.
Olbia is also surrounded by several sites of dolmens, menhirs and megalithic circles, including the Tomb of Giants of Su Monte de s’Aba, and the sacred well of Sa Testa.
You will be spoilt for choice along the immense coast of Olbia, in choosing between the numerous small bays of turquoise waters: stand-outs are the four splendid bays of Porto Istana, all of which are part of the protected area, and the Lido di Pittulongu, alongside which – in sequence – are the Spiaggia dello Squalo, Spiaggia del Pellicano, Spiaggia di Mare e Rocce and the Spiaggia Bados (bordering the Aranci Gulf). To the north extends another long stretch of coastline where you can find white sand and crystal-clear seas at the Porto Rotondo, Marina di Cugnana and Portisco, and especially the Sa Rena Bianca. To the south, in the direction of San Teodoro, are the beaches of ochre sand: Lido del Sole, Le Saline, Bunthe, Li Cuncheddi and Punta Corallina.
