Sardinia offers enchanting landscapes and places. The Emerald Coast is known for its crystal-clear sea and the surrounding nature. Olbia, also known as "the happy city", offers its guest the right mix of relaxation and culture. You can alternate sea days and culture trips, visiting the main attractions of the area.

In this article, you will find a guide on what to visit in Olbia, from its historical center to the most spectacular places near it.

The archaeological Museum

As history is a big part of Sardinian culture, the Archaeological Museum of Olbia is close to the city center and it is among the most important museums dedicated to ancient ships. In fact, you will find here the only example of Roman masts, which date back to the Roman Empire. Not only, but you will also find artifacts from different historical periods, such as the Phoenician, Punic, and Greek ones.

Holy Pit Sa Testa

The Holy Pit Sa Testa is a fascinating ruin belonging to the Nuragic era, one of the main civilizations that lived in Sardinia in the past. It belongs to the tradition of geometrical holy buildings: from a big stair, you can access the chamber, where there is the source of water.

The Phoenician Walls

Olbia is a city with a very ancient history, as you can have noticed from the many findings above listed. In the historical center, there are the old Phoenician Walls of the city, precisely near Via Acquedotto.

Roman cistern and Roman Aqueduct

In Olbia, there is also a Roman Aqueduct, dating back to the first centuries A.D. of Imperial Rome. It's the best-kept aqueduct in Sardinia and it was used to bring water from Mount Cabu Abbas to the baths.

Near the aqueduct, you can also visit the Cistern of Sa Rughittula, which was destined to keep the water for a villa.

Nuraghe Riu Mulinu

On Mount Cabu Abbas, there is Nuraghe Riu Mulino, an important finding for both its position and its architecture. As it is located on the mountain, from the Nuraghe you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole Gulf of Olbia. Historians still have to understand its function, probably it was a place of worship.

Tomb of the Giants of Mont'e S'abe

The Tomb of the Giants is an old tomb of Nuragic times, which has the typical shape of this building. It is located in a beautiful location, on the Mount s'Abe, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view.

Castle of Pedres

The Castle of Pedres is on a highland in the Olbia peninsula. It has a big wall, a tower, and a big body, where probably there were rooms. Pedres is a medieval castle and it was used by the Visconti family.

Church of San Paolo

Another attraction, the Church of San Paolo is very particular, and you can find it in the city center. It is in Baroque Style and it dates back to 1700. Its peculiarity stands in its wonderful dome, which is covered with colorful majolicas.

The beaches

Among the most beautiful attractions in Olbia, there are obviously the beaches, as it is located on the Emerald Coast, with its crystal-clear water and Caraibic atmosphere. The beaches of Tavolara, Olbia, and Golfo degli Aranci are easy to reach, and you will spend awesome summer days.

October 12th, 2022