Olbia
and its Surroundings

Visiting Olbia and the Costa Smeralda

Linguistic and literary evidence support those who theorize about the Greek foundation of Olbia, but beyond the discussions, the Greek root of its name (ólbios, “happy, fortunate, prosperous”) fits very well with its location, which is in the center of the wide bay from Capo Figari a Capo Ceraso.

The natural harbor protects the city from the wind. Perfect for sailing, fishing and salt extraction, Olbia has historically played a strategic role as a gateway to the territory and has been a dynamic production center. Even today, with the International Airport, the city port, and the port of Golfo Aranci close by, Olbia is still the North-Eastern gateway of Sardinia.

Olbia’s gulf has a splendid natural cove that includes Golfo Aranci and is home to white sandy beaches and small islets which reflect in a turquoise sea.A few minutes driving through splendid panoramic roads will take you to the beautiful beaches and renowned villages of the Costa Smeralda such as Porto Rotondo and Portisco, which are included in the same territory of Olbia.

Traveling south you can find splendid coastal locations such as the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara and Punta Coda Cavallo, a spectacular coast from which lies the imposing island of Tavolara and other smaller islands. Another obligatory stop are the long white beaches of San Teodoro and Budoni.

Tourism has transformed Olbia into a city with a high socio-economic and cultural growth, around which the entire production system of North-Eastern Sardinia revolves. Olbia is today a vibrant and dynamic city that welcomes its visitors with quality infrastructures and services and with an innate hospitality.

Costa Smeralda’s cultural route – Sardinia beyond the sea
Those who come to the Costa Smeralda come for their wonderful sea, but once here it is inevitable to fall in love with the whole territory.
The Gallura is in fact a granite filled chest containing treasures of great historical and archaeological interest; and it is in fact Olbia’s territory the one that encloses this ancient land and its fascinating secrets.
We recommend our guests a cultural itinerary of the Costa Smeralda where they can discover the Olbia’s surroundings area.

The Sacred Well of Sa Testa and the tomb of the giant of Su Monte ‘e S’Ape
The sacred well of Sa Testa and the tomb of the giant of Su Monte ‘e S’Ape, together with the nuraga of Riu Molinu or Cabu Abbas, are the most significant monuments of the nuragic age from Olbia’s territory.
The sacred well of Sa Testa is one of the best known in archaeological literature and one of the best-preserved sites. It is located on the outskirts of the city, in a small depression, a short distance from the sea. Accidentally discovered in last century’s thirties by some shepherds, it was completely restored in 1969.
The most important peculiarity of Sa Testa is the fact that the main body is preceded by a large circular courtyard, which most probably was destined for ceremonial use.
With its 28,30 meters long, the tomb of Su Monte ‘e S’Ape is one of the largest islands, and, thanks to the presence of a stele, it is considered as one of the oldest tombs of the giants.

Sa Paulazza Castle
The Byzantine Sa Paulazza Castle, also called Mont’a Telti, is located on a hill, as its name implies, on the road that once connected Olbia with Cagliari. A large structure with thick well preserved walls from which battlements are crowned and connected by rocky outcrops. The angular towers and guard posts clearly follow the military Byzantine rules of the time.

Basilica of San Simplicio
Olbia’s 12^th century Basilica of San Simplicio was built in two separate periods. The church was almost entirely built out of granite, structured with three naves closing by an apse on its northwest side. The central nave is fortified with wooden trusses, while the side aisles are supported by granite canyon vaults. Analyzing the structure, you can appreciate the Tuscan workmanship.
The apse holds two Romanesque frescos from the second half of the 12^th century where there is a representation of San Victor and San Simplicio, the patron of Olbia, to which the church is dedicated and a religious feast is celebrated each year in May.
Thousands of people fill the streets of the historic center of Olbia to celebrate and commemorate the martyrdom of San Simplicio, c.a. 304 A.D., presumably during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian.

Archeological Museum
The museum illustrates the history of the historical center of Olbia and its surroundings, from the prehistory to the 19th century, focusing on the Phoenician, Greek, Punic and Roman civilizations that transformed the city and its port.
One of the most interesting expositions is the Roman and Medieval remains that were found during the excavations of the old port, where today stands the maritime walk of the historical center.
The museum, wanting to honor Olbia’s history used Greek characters in capital letters as its name and logo.
Olbia is the only city in Sardinia that was inhabited by the Greeks, between 630 and 520 B.C. approximately. In fact, because of the great opportunities that the city offered the Greeks named the city Olbia, which can be translated to ‘happy city’. The museum, wanting to honor Olbia’s history used Greek characters in capital letters as its name and logo.
Admission to the museum is free, it is opened seasonally.