Olbia, Sardinia. IT

Olbia is a town located in northeastern Sardinia (Italy), in the Gallura sub-region. It is the economic centre of this part of the island (commercial centres, food industry) and is very close to the famous Costa Smeralda tourist area. It is an important town in this area and has a busy port and airport. The port is the busiest on the whole island with thousands of visitors arriving every day, particularly in summer.

Attractions in Olbia include the Nuragic complex of Cabu Abbas is particularly interesting, as is the Sacred Well of Sa Testa. Visitors can admire numerous remains from the Roman Era, such as the town's defence wall and the thermal baths. The remains of the Medieval castle of Pedres lie to the west of the town. The castle stands in a strategic position on a granite hill and is visible from all over the surrounding plain. Visitors should not miss the church of San Simplicio, the oldest, most artistic and important religious monument in the Gallura region, and clear testimony to the diffusion of Christianity in Sardinia.

Things to See & Do

* Medieval Castle of Pedres
* Nuragic complex of Cabu Abbas
* Church of San Simplicio
* Defence Wall
* Thermal Baths

General information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language - Italian
Land Area - 376.1 km²
Population - 52,000 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC + one hour
International Country Telephone Code - +39

Port Location - Olbia is a ferry port, so you can easily get in by ferry/cruise ship, from Civitavecchia (Rome's ferry port).

Travel Links - Olbia is the main connection between Sardinia and the Italian peninsula, with an airport (Olbia - Costa Smeralda), a passenger port (Olbia-Isola Bianca), and a railway to Porto Torres and Cagliari. There is an expressway to Nuoro and Cagliari (SS131) and national roads to Sassari (SS199-E840), Tempio Pausania (SS127), and Palau (SS125).