Free walking tours in Olbia and what to see

Must-sees

Olbia is the main gateway to north-east Sardinia, with a port and an airport, and many travellers just pass through on their way to the coast. It deserves a stop. In the centre, the basilica of San Simplicio is a granite Romanesque church that was once a cathedral, next to a Punic and Roman necropolis. The church of San Paolo, with its colourful dome, and Corso Umberto, with shops and cafés, complete the walk. The Archaeological Museum, on the islet of Peddone facing the port, traces the city's history.

The surroundings hold nuraghic remains: the sacred well of Sa Testa, with its stairway down to the water, and the giants' tomb of Su Mont'e s'Abe. For the sea, Pittulongu, Bados and Le Saline are nearby beaches of pale sand, and to the south lies the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, with the island's silhouette as a backdrop. The Costa Smeralda begins a short way to the north.

Free tours and guided visits

Olbia does not have a regular free walking tour. What is mostly on offer are activities at sea: dolphin-watching trips by the island of Figarolo, snorkelling in the Tavolara marine area, paddle-boarding and day cruises around the La Maddalena archipelago. On land there is an archaeological tour of the area's sites and winery visits with tastings of Gallura wines.

How long to spend

The centre can be seen in half a day, and with a whole day you add the nuraghic sites and an afternoon on the beach. Most people use Olbia as a base for three or four days to combine Tavolara, La Maddalena and the Costa Smeralda. If you arrive by ferry or plane at night, staying here before moving on is very practical.

Where to stay

The historic centre is convenient for getting around on foot and for those arriving by ferry or plane: there are hotels and guesthouses near the Corso. For the beach, Pittulongu is a few minutes to the north, and Porto Rotondo offers a more exclusive atmosphere by the marina. To the south, San Teodoro has lots of apartments and a holiday feel in summer.