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Picturesque bay with turquoise-blue water in which a few small boats are moored. The bay is surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense green vegetation.
Picturesque bay with turquoise-blue water in which a few small boats are moored. The bay is surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense green vegetation.

Olbia

Published: 04 June 2025, 12:00

Discover the beauty of Sardinia

The Italian Mediterranean island of Sardinia is rightly nicknamed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’: crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water, kilometres of sandy beaches and hidden bays that can only be reached on foot. The only thing missing are the coconut palms. Instead, there are marvellous pine forests, olive groves and the wild macchia – the Mediterranean scrub vegetation typical of Sardinia. Olbia is a small town in the northeast of the island, situated on the Gulf of Olbia. It is not only an important gateway to the Costa Smeralda, a coastline known for its exclusive resorts, but also an ideal starting point for a tour of the island. Sardinia is known for its wild nature, mountainous hinterland, colourful villages, mystical sites and the prehistoric nuraghi - stone towers dating back to the Bronze Age. But before you move on, you should definitely pay a visit to the small harbour town of Olbia and its charming old town.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 60,000
  • Official language: Italian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Olbia and the northern tip of Sardinia

front view of a historic stone church with its entrance door, flanked by trees and a paved square. The sun shines brightly from the left and creates warm light reflections.
Built in the 11th century, the Basilica di San Simplicio is a Romanesque church and is considered one of the most important historical buildings in the centre of Olbia. © Roman Babakin/stock.adobe.com
large, quiet square. In the foreground is a well-tended green area with an old tree. In the background is a classic, light-yellow building.
Piazza Matteotti is one of the central locations in Olbia. Surrounded by charming shops, cafés and restaurants, the square invites you to linger and enjoy. © Emiliano/stock.adobe.com
Mediterranean street with cobblestones. To the left and right are historic buildings with red, yellow, and beige facades. In the foreground on the right are planters, blue and white chairs with tables in front of a restaurant.
Corso Umberto – the central promenade in Olbia's old town. Numerous boutiques, local shops and restaurants are waiting to be explored. © robertharding/stock.adobe.com
long, white sandy beach lined with crystal-clear, turquoise-coloured water. In the background are rolling hills and a village with houses nestled in green vegetation.
It's not far from the town to the beach. Spiaggia Pittulongu is a long sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for families. There are restaurants, bars and water sports. © nextyle/stock.adobe.com
View from above of a coastal town with a harbour, surrounded by turquoise blue sea and wooded hills. In the background, islands or headlands stretch across the water.
A boat trip to the archipelago of La Maddalena is a must. This island paradise is located around 50 kilometres northwest of Olbia and boasts beautiful beaches. © Roman Babakin/stock.adobe.com
aerial view of a bay with turquoise blue, clear water. The beach is covered with fine sand and surrounded by green vegetation and rocks.
Olbia is considered the gateway to the Costa Smeralda: the Emerald Coast is known for Caribbean beaches such as the Spiaggia del Principe and places like Porto Cervo. © Alien/stock.adobe.com
Mediterranean coastal scene with traditional houses whose roofs are made of red tiles. A striking, narrow white tower can be seen in the foreground. The blue sea stretches out in the background.
Porto Cervo is the jewel in the crown of the Costa Smeralda. Crooked arches and round spires characterise the idiosyncratic design of the Stella Maris church. © Harald Tedesco/stock.adobe.com

Sardinia - an island of traditions and wild nature

‘Bona die’ – this is the traditional greeting in Sardinia. In addition to Italian, Sardinian is also spoken on the island in various dialects. This independent language is a central component of Sardinian identity and is still kept alive today, as are traditional folk festivals and processions. Particularly noteworthy are the religious festival of Sant'Efisio in Cagliari and the Carnevale di Oristano.

With an area of around 24,100 square kilometres, Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily. It stretches around 270 kilometres in length and 145 kilometres in width. In between, landscapes such as the Gennargentu National Park and the mountains of Ogliastra unfold, inspiring visitors with their wild nature and unspoilt beauty. The island is also known for its prehistoric nuraghi. These are stone towers from the Bronze Age that represent an important part of Sardinian tradition.

Highlights of the island: coastal towns and dream beaches

picturesque coastal town. Colourful houses nestle against a rocky hill on which a medieval castle is enthroned. In the foreground is a quiet beach and the blue-purple sea in the evening light.
Picturesque fortress town and famous for its basket weaving: Castelsardo is located on the north coast of Sardinia and rises on a hill above the Gulf of Asinara. © romas_ph/stock.adobe.com
archaeological site with an ancient nuraghe, a characteristic tower structure. Surrounded by stone walls and ruins, the site is bathed in warm sunlight.
The nuraghi of Su Nuraxi are located in Barumini, a village in the south of the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site bears witness to the prehistoric Nuragic culture. © Ondrej Bucek/stock.adobe.com
View from above of a small bay with turquoise-coloured water, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense vegetation. People can be seen on the white sandy beach and the surrounding rocks.
Only accessible on foot: Cala Goloritzé is a hidden bay in the Golfo di Orosei National Park, known for its white sand and turquoise waters. © Roberto Romanin/stock.adobe.com
Mediterranean city with colourful buildings and densely packed rooftops in the sunshine. A green park landscape with palm trees stretches out in the foreground. In the background, the city stretches out to green hills.
Off to Cagliari! The capital of Sardinia is located in the south of the island and impresses with its old town, narrow streets and a Roman amphitheatre. © SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com
hilly landscape with a village on a slope consisting of colourful buildings. In the foreground, a stone viaduct runs through lush green vegetation. Mountains rise up in the slightly misty background.
Lanusei is a mountain village in the province of Ogliastra in eastern Sardinia, nestled in the mountain massif of the Gennargentu National Park. © Schönbacher Gerhard/stock.adobe.com

Olbia from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

easyJet

Aeroporto di Olbia-Costa Smeralda (OLB)

Five tips for …

  1. The Roman temple of Antas near Fluminimaggiore
  2. Religious centre from the Bronze Age: the sanctuary of Monte d'Accoddi
  3. Clear water and mystical legends: The spring of Su Gologone
  4. By boat to the sacred cave: the Grotte di Nettuno in Alghero
  5. Stone tower and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Nuraghe Su Nuraxi in Barumini

  1. The Gola di Gorropu, one of the deepest gorges in Europe
  2. Monte Limbara: granite mountains with panoramic views over the Gallura region
  3. The old shepherds' paths to hidden caves in the Supramonte mountains
  4. Coastal hike through the Asinara National Park
  5. The large sand dunes of Piscinas on the Costa Verde

  1. Almost like ravioli: Culurgiones - dumplings with potato filling in tomato sauce
  2. National dish of the Sardinians: Porceddu - traditional suckling pig with herbs
  3. Dish made from durum wheat semolina balls with mussels: Fregula con Arselle
  4. Thin, crispy flatbread with olive oil as a side dish: Pane Carasau
  5. Sweet dessert: Seadas - fried dough filled with pecorino cheese and honey

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