When in Rome, do like the Romans… take a break in Olbia, a coastal city located in the region of Sardinia, located in the northeast of the country facing the Gulf of Olbia, hailed as the Italian Emerald Coast for its turquoise waters they resemble those you can find in the Caribbean Sea.
However, whether you are arriving from the Italian city of Rome or from anywhere else in the world, the Olbia Costa Smeralda International Airport directly connects Olbia with the main European and Asian cities, in addition to the excellent schedule of local flights that connect the city with Rome, Naples, Bologna, Florence, Turin, Milan, Venice, Trieste, Verona, Catania, Bari, Bergamo and Cagliari.
Olbia is separated from the Italian mainland by a mile-long causeway that connects the coastal city to the peninsula by road or train, which is also one of the city’s main attractions. Olbia’s railway station dates from the 11th century and is located next to the picturesque Church of San Simplicio, patron saint of the city, which houses a collection of ancient Roman inscriptions and an ancient sarcophagus.
Due to the jagged shape of the Gulf of Olbia, the panorama that can be seen from the different marinas is simply spectacular, seeing the crystal clear waters and the many Mediterranean cruise ships and yachts that arrive at its docks. Of course, swimming, sunbathing and practicing your favorite water sport can make your stay in this place more pleasant.
When it comes to Olbia attractions beyond the seafront, consider a guided tour visiting the historic city center, the ruins of the Roman thermal baths, and the ancient defense wall of Olbia that protects the city against attacks by the invaders. Very close to these places is the Church of San Paolo and the panoramic road to Golfo Aranci, with the Pozzo Sacro di Sa Testa, a Holy Well in the middle of the road.
In Olbia, as in a large number of Italian cities, you will not only find ruins of the Roman civilization, but architectural treasures belonging to the Middle Ages such as the remains of the Giant’s Tomb and the medieval city of Pedres. Taking the road towards Mount Dellncappiddatu there is also a trace of the Neolithic necropolis of Li Muriand from which you can see a majestic panorama of the Gulf of Olbia.
Strolling through the streets of the city it is easy to fall in love with the local gastronomy at Ristorante Gallura, famous throughout Olbia, although there are also a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars in Piazza Regina Margherita, a place where you can enjoy the artists street while having a snack.
Dare to take an excursion to the nearest port of Naples and Civitavecchia, in the province of Rome. There are ferries that run from Olbia to these ports, although it is easier to book a flight. Traveling by plane, train or ferry is the best option due to poor road conditions for traveling by car or bus.