Olbia
Gateway to the Costa Smeralda, with ancient Nuragic sites and a surprisingly charming old town.
About Olbia
Olbia is far more than just an airport and ferry terminal for the Costa Smeralda. This ancient city—founded by the Phoenicians and later a major Roman port—has a compact, increasingly attractive old town with the early Christian San Simplicio basilica, one of Sardinia's most important Romanesque churches. The harbour area has been revitalised with restaurants and bars, and the surrounding coastline beyond the mega-yacht marinas offers accessible beaches and excellent sailing. The real surprises are archaeological: the Nuraghe Riu Mulinu right in the city, and dozens more in the surrounding hills. Olbia is also the gateway to the wild, undeveloped Gallura interior—granite tafoni formations, cork oak forests, and authentic agriturismo.
Best Time to Visit
May to October. June and September avoid the August crush on the Costa Smeralda. Spring is ideal for archaeological sites and the inland Gallura countryside.
Local Tips
- Skip the Costa Smeralda prices.
Beautiful beaches don't have to cost a fortune. A local knows the free beaches near Olbia—Porto Istana, Pittulongu, Le Saline—that rival the Costa Smeralda without the celebrity price tags.
- Explore Nuragic sites.
The Gallura countryside is dotted with mysterious Bronze Age nuraghi. A local can guide you to the most impressive sites, including the Giant's Tomb of Sa Testa and the sacred well temple near Olbia.
- Eat at a Gallura agriturismo.
The farmhouses in the hills behind Olbia serve some of Sardinia's most authentic food—porceddu, zuppa gallurese, and seadas. A local knows which ones are the real deal versus tourist imitations.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Silvia
Ravenna, Ferrara +8
I’m an Italian travel consultant, licensed tour guide, and passionate traveler with over 20 years of experience helping visitors discover the real Italy. I was born and raised in Ravenna, the extraordinary city of mosaics, where I work as a licensed tour guide. My background in Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ravenna deepened my love for mosaics and history, and I enjoy sharing this passion with travelers who want to experience Italy beyond the surface. I’m also a certified environmental hiking guide and tour leader, and I love combining culture, nature, and authentic local life. When I travel, or design experiences for others, I’m always looking for inspiring museums, beautiful landscapes, great food, and memorable wines. In recent years I’ve also started hosting cooking classes in my home, where guests learn traditional Italian recipes and enjoy genuine Italian hospitality. While Ravenna and Emilia-Romagna are my home base, I also offer travel expertise for Sardinia, especially the province of Oristano, an area I know and love for its wild coastline, traditions, and authentic culture.
Andrea
Latina, Rome +13
I'm Andrea, I have visited over 50 countries around the world. I speak English and Spanish, and traveling has always been my way of truly understanding how places work, not just seeing them. Despite this, Italy remains the place I'm most attached to. I've always lived and worked there, and over the years I've traveled extensively throughout the country: not as a tourist, but by immersing myself in local dynamics, getting to know the people, businesses, and regions firsthand. This is precisely what makes the difference. I've built a solid network of local contacts throughout Italy: entrepreneurs, professionals, and reliable operators, people I've worked with or know directly. These aren't generic suggestions, but real connections. I love Italy because it's incredibly diverse: each area has its own identity, rules, and opportunities. It's a country that can offer so much, but only if you know how to navigate it. I've invested years learning this firsthand, and today I can guide people in a practical, direct, and effective way. In short: I don't just offer advice, but access to a proven local network and concrete knowledge of the area!
Walter
Cagliari, Olbia +3
Hi! My name is Walter, I live in Cagliari, the capital of beautiful Sardinia. My family has Sardinian roots going back many generations, and like many locals, I feel deeply connected to my homeland. As a native Sardinian, I know the island inside and out — its places, traditions, customs, food, wine, and everyday way of life. Over the past 20 years, more visitors have discovered the historical, architectural, and natural beauty of Cagliari, and I’d be happy to help you experience it in an authentic and complete way. I have a degree in Political Science and International Relations, specialising in Social Innovation and Communication, and I’ve worked as a tour leader in Cagliari for the past four years. Before that, I spent 15 years in retail promoting Sardinia’s excellent food and wine, so I can also guide you through the best traditional dishes and drinks. I’m an eclectic person who loves travel, sport, good food, nature, and connecting with people. Contact me if you’d like help planning your trip to Sardinia — I’d be happy to share my local knowledge with you.