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Olbia

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About Olbia

Olbia is a proper port town, with a sparkling harbour that connects it with many other ports on Sardinia and beyond. But it would be a shame to just pass through, Olbia is historic and beautiful, with an elegant, palm tree-lined waterfront, a wonderfully rambling historic centre, and numerous idyllic piazzas lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. Some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Olbia are in the historic centre, graceful villas and palazzos converted into B&Bs or traditional hotels. Olbia is also the gateway to the North East Coast's show-stopping, pearly-white beaches, and we've found some charming hotels just outside town, along the coast, right up against Sardinia’s most idyllic beaches, or in the lush, rural hinterland.

It was the Aga Khan who created the Costa Smeralda, by spending millions building luxurious hotels and resorts along the gorgeous stretch of coast. And it still has a reputation for being expensive, but our Gurus advise you to overlook that reputation, because there are plenty of great value options in Olbia, and accommodation that’s perfectly suited to a family beach break, as well as a perfect honeymoon. Olbia is also a good place to stay for access to the Supramonte Mountains and their spectacular walking trails, and it overlooks the gulf where the Tavolara and Molara Islands nestle.

Before the Aga Khan, Olbia was a picturesque fishing port surrounded by hills and the delicious scent of wild herbs. Walking around the old town you can still get a sense of that, especially along the Corse Umberto. The Town Hall, numerous churches, and Archaeological Museum are all worth seeing for yourself — Sardinia has numerous archaeological sites, and there’s a really excellent collection of items in Olbia’s museum. Arguably the coastline around Olbia is prettier than the town itself. The fertile hinterland is what made this area so attractive to the Phoenicians, then Romans, then Carthaginians.

As you can imagine, this is an incredibly busy destination during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee your room in one of the best places to stay in Olbia in July or August, do your homework and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Olbia

For a Special Occasion

  • The Cala Cuncheddi is a large and elegant hotel, just up the hill from the beach, overlooking it from the large windows and private balconies of many of the 79 rooms and suites, and from the beautiful infinity pool and pool bar. The decor in the rooms is stylish, yet unfussy, in a colour palette of calm neutrals. Both the poolside restaurant and the beachside restaurant specialise in Sardinian cuisine, and both offer a stylish, yet relaxed atmosphere. The Cala also has a spa, with a hydromassage pool.

For a Rural Escape

  • The Albero Capovolto is a relaxed B&B in Olbia’s picturesque rural hinterland. It has just five guest rooms, plus some lovely indoor and outdoor communal areas. There’s also a very nice pool. We like the fantastically traditional feeling decor: exposed stone, exposed beams and tiled floors, and the pretty bougainvillea adding colour to the neutral palette. Dinner is on request (it’s a car journey to other local restaurants), and it's about 20 minutes to a number of beautiful beaches. Great for romantics, and groups who can take over the whole property.

For a Beach Break

  • The Hotel Sporting is idyllically located beside its own stretch of white sandy beach, bookended with rocky coves, but it’s also just moments from Porto Rondo. Its 47 rooms, suites and villas start from a very affordable price point. All are simple, light and airy, and the best are also spacious, with their own private balconies and incredible sea views. This is a great hotel if you’re looking for facilities; you can expect tennis courts, a gym and spa, easy access to a golf club, and all sorts of watersports on site.

For Families

  • Ollastu is an expansive resort complex in a beautiful, rural setting, just to the south of Olbia, with its own private beach and wonderful sea views. The 54 rooms, suites and apartments are designed to be reminiscent of Sardinian shepherds’ huts, set amongst idyllic natural surrounds and landscaped gardens. Our Gurus recommend Ollastu for families, and couples: there’s plenty of family-centric activity on offer, but the way the hotel is spaced out, and the two restaurants, means it’s easy to avoid any noise or activity. Plus there’s a private beach, and access to horse riding, golf and sailing facilities.

For Great Value

  • The Hotel Panorama is right in the centre of town, with wonderful views of the sea, and plenty of ferry port action, from the roof top bar and lounge deck. Its 80 rooms and suites are simply and traditionally decorated, with all the mod cons. The family suites sleep four, and can be divided up into two private spaces, or left open plan. There’s no restaurant, but they offer breakfast, and there are some lovely places to eat and drink within easy walking distance.

For an Apartment or Villa

  • If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Olbia Airport is about four kilometres from the centre of town on the Costa Smeralda (about five minutes in the car, or nine minutes on the bus). Olbia also has a ship and ferry terminal just a short bus or taxi ride from the centre of town. Sardinia has two other airports: Alghero Airport and Cagliari Airport, which might be useful to know if you can’t find a direct flight from your local airport.
  • If you want to hire a car — which we highly advise if you want to explore further afield — we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Sardinia’s Mediterranean climate means long, warm summers and short, mild winters, with most of the rain sandwiched between. It is known for being windy, and in some regions humid. In fact, for a small island, Sardinia has a number of microclimates. But generally speaking most of Sardinia is a pleasant destination almost year round. From the start of spring it starts to get pretty sunny, though of course summer is the most popular time to visit, when temperatures are in the mid-twenties. The temperature averages 18°C in October, so if you prefer a quieter holiday then early autumn is a good time to visit.

Still not sure where to stay?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Olbia

Best Hotels in Olbia

  • Hotel Panorama Olbia, Sardinia 80 rooms from £65

    Families  -  Family suites sleep up to four and the rooms can either be divided into two separate spaces or kept open-plan
    Beach nearby  -  Close to some of the most beautiful coves and beaches on the North East coast
    Local exploring  -  Perfectly positioned just minutes from the city centre and the Poetto beach
    Sights nearby  -  Take a tour of the city to visit the castle, the Roman Amphitheater (from the 2nd century) and the Basilica of San Saturnino
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    A large centrally located hotel with good facilities and great value for money. Lovely views from the roof top bar and lounge deck, modern rooms and suites, gym, conference facilities and breakfast room. Very family friendly. See More

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  • Hotel Sporting Olbia (Porto Rotondo) 47 rooms from £85

    Value chic  -  With doubles starting from £85 this property offers incredible value for such luxury
    Beach Life  -  With its own private beach and just walking distance from Porto Rotondo
    Private Hot Tub  -  Book the suite for your private terrace with outdoor hot tub
    Sailing  -  Head out on a sunset cruise embarking from Porto Rotondo.
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    With its own private beach area and just moments from Porto Rotondo harbour guests can experience the best of both worlds. Light airy rooms with vaulted ceilings enjoy private balconies and sea views. There is a gourmet restaurant, tennis court, swimming pool and gym. The ultimate seaside stay! See More

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  • Albero Capovolto Olbia 5 rooms from £100

    Honeymoons  -  Beautifully decorated rooms, romantic hideaway atmosphere and white sandy beaches close by. Wonderful for romantics.
    Wine tasting  -  Set right on the Vermentino Wine Route, a great spot for wine connoisseurs
    Beach nearby  -  Lots of picturesque beaches within a 20min drive
    Local markets  -  In charming nearby town of San Pantaleo
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A quiet B&B in a peaceful garden with new swimming pool. Very relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating areas and cool indoor lounge. Bedrooms have air conditioning and all have en suite bathroom. An ideal getaway for a group or those looking to do their own thing. Plenty of beautiful beaches nearby. See More

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  • Ollastu Olbia 54 rooms from £121

    Beach Life  -  The Costa Corallina and of the Marine Park of Tavolara and Molara have a selection of beautiful white sand beaches
    Active Holiday  -  Explore Tavolara and the islands of the marine park by boat, bike or foot
    Traditional  -  Elegant interiors feature terracotta tiled floors and beamed ceilings
    Diving  -  guided visits to the protected area of Tavolara and Molara (sea park in front of the hotel) can be arranged
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    An expansive complex with wonderful views and private beach. Set in enchanting natural scenery with two dining rooms, an indoor and outdoor bar, landscaped garden and swimming pool. Plenty of activities for the kids and relaxing areas for adults. An ideal family resort. See More

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  • Cala Cuncheddi Olbia 79 rooms from £200

    Spa breaks  -  The Soha Medi-Spa uses herbs from the surrounding landscape to soothe away any aches and pains
    Local exploring  -  Perfectly placed as a jump off point to explore the surrounding islands by boat
    Contemporary  -  Chic modern interiors let the landscape do the talking!
    Beach nearby  -  Just steps from a beautiful stretch of beach
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    An elegant hotel on the edge of the beach with tranquil swimming pool, extensive spa and gym facility. Rooms are simple but stylish, decorated in calming neutral tones, many with a balcony overlooking the Med. The restaurants serve exciting Italian dishes. Perfect for beachside relaxation. See More

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