The best beaches in Olbia, Costa Smeralda's gate

One of the most well-known cities in Sardinia is undoubtedly Olbia, home to the Costa Smeralda Airport and one of Italy's principal ports. Already rich in terms of history, traditions and tourist attractions, the city has undergone considerable development, especially in recent years, gaining a place in the first rank among the island's most exclusive destinations. Since the founding of the glamorous Costa Smeralda in 1962, Olbia has experienced a considerable increase in tourist flows as well as more and more services available to its visitors.

If your arrival point is this town in the north-east of Sardinia, you will certainly not be disappointed by the possibilities it offers: guided tours of nuragic sites, beautiful beaches postcard-worthy, shopping for all tastes and a dynamic nightlife. So what to see in Olbia, Sardinia, what are the places and beaches you absolutely must mark on the map? We'll tell you in this guide that will take you to discover the thousand facets of the city of Olbia!

If the weather is not the greatest or you simply wish to take a walk in the fresh air after spending the day under the sun at the beach, near the port you will find the heart of the city: Corso Umberto. A long and particularly lively boulevard where shops, bars and restaurants welcome thousands of tourists and locals all year round. This is where we suggest you stop if you want to enjoy a nice aperitif or a dinner of local delicacies.

Not far from here is Olbia's most important church, the basilica of San Simplicio, dedicated to the city's saint martyr patron. It is one of the oldest examples of the Romanesque style in Sardinia, as evidenced by the local granite covering the exterior. Inside, the alleged relics of the saint make it a pilgrimage destination for many devotees. Moreover, every year on 15 May, Olbia comes to life with events and celebrations in honour of the saint.

Walking along the waterfront, it will be impossible not to notice the Maestosa, the imposing Ferris wheel that has become a symbol of the Gallura town since 2019. With its 36-metre height, it offers breathtaking views over the entire gulf and is easily accessible for both adults and children.

We now move away from the city to take you on a discovery of the most important archaeological and natural sites in the area. First of all, the Tomb of the Giants of Mont'e S'Abe, discovered around the 1960s. The archaeological complex was used for collective burials and its peculiarity lies in its realisation in two different phases of Nuragic history. Slightly above rises a monument from the Middle Ages, the Pedres Castle, which can be reached via a one-kilometre climb. It was built as a fortress during the period of the Viscontis, the family that ruled the Giudicato di Gallura around the 13th century, until it was abandoned in the 15th century. Today, all that is left of the castle is a double wall and the 10-metre-high main tower.

In the surrounding area of the city, mother nature has been particularly generous in terms of vegetation and wildlife. At the port of Olbia or at the one in the nearby Golfo Aranci, you can book guided boat tours for dolphin watching. It will certainly be much appreciated by your children! 

Olbia is also the ideal point of departure to visit a special place: the stunning Tavolara island. From Porto San Paolo you have two alternatives, either hire dinghies or take the daily ferry that will take you in a few minutes to discover the islands of Tavolara and Molara, the other jewel of the Sardinian sea.

The best beaches near Olbia need no introduction. In front of your eyes, shades of blue and green of the sea and a white sand that almost looks like icing sugar. But which ones should you choose to plan your next holiday in Sardinia? Take a look below:

• Pittulongu: the Olbia beach by definition, only 8 kilometres from the town. A stretch of fine white sand and crystal clear water with a panoramic view of the magnificent island of Tavolara.
• Porto Taverna: this is also one of the most popular beaches among locals and tourists. It is a jewel of rare beauty, especially recommended if you are travelling with small children and seeking all the comforts of a well-equipped and spacious beach.
• Le Saline: located about 9 kilometres from Olbia, this is a perfect dog-friendly beach if you do not want to give up taking your beloved pets with you on holiday. Moreover, considering the depth of the seabed, it will not be difficult to practice numerous water sports such as windsurfing.
• Cala Moresca: heading towards Golfo Aranci, this beach near Olbia is actually a small cove with golden sand and emerald water. If you travel in high season, however, it could fill up very easily!
• Cala Brandinchi: we are more precisely in the San Teodoro area, about 25 kilometres from Olbia, but we cannot fail to recommend to you one of the absolute queens of the island. Also called “Little Tahiti”, you just have to see it for a moment to understand why. Fine and white grains of sand and a water that slowly turns from transparent to turquoise.
• La Cinta: one of the most famous beaches in Sardinia. Five kilometres of white dunes that look straight out to the turquoise sea. For snorkelling enthusiasts, here it will be like being catapulted inside an aquarium.

To visit Olbia and its surroundings, the ideal solution is to rent a villa and thus enjoy all the comforts you may need for your holiday. Here again, we would like to give you some advice on where to stay in Olbia.

• Villa Berta: a villa for rent in Sardinia near the beach of Murta Maria. White interiors enhanced by modern furnishings and colourful accessories, it can accommodate up to 8 persons. Its special feature is the large outdoor veranda where you can host aperitifs and al fresco dinners.
• Villa Selene Blu: this seaside villa in Sardinia combines the magic of an experience in contact with nature, with the advantages deriving from the proximity to the city of Olbia.
• Villa Sogno Indaco: a villa with a private pool and a slightly retro feel, but with a view of the Tavolara island that is practically timeless. Ideal for groups of up to 12 people.
• Villa Li Cuncheddi: this villa for rent in Sardinia is located in a privileged position, facing the panorama of the Capo Ceraso promontory. The villa features a delightful private pool and spacious interiors in perfect Sardinian style.

If you are still undecided on where to spend your next holiday, Olbia will be the optimal solution to suit all tastes! If booking your villa for rent will be easy, you can contact us by phone (also via Whatsapp or email) to be helped step by step in organising your stay in an exclusive villa.

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