Olbia: Archaeology, History and Beaches
Accommodation in Olbia
Olbia reveals itself through a unique combination of port and urban history, religious buildings, ancient sites and beaches. The Museo archeologico di Olbia, the Basilica di San Simplicio and the Nuraghe Riu Mulinu each focus on different aspects. There are also several beaches in the surrounding area, as well as a network of paths with varying levels of difficulty.
File:Zona Industriale - Banchina Isola Bianca, Olbia, Italy - August 15, 2020 01.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Port, Urban History and Religious Buildings
The Museo archeologico di Olbia is located on the small island of Peddone opposite the old port and is therefore in the immediate vicinity of Olbia. The exhibition is dedicated to the history of the port and the city. A particular focus is placed on the Phoenician, Greek, Punic and Roman periods. The museum also displays the wreck of a small medieval boat. It is considered the only boat of this kind currently on public display in Italy.
The Basilica di San Simplicio is the oldest religious monument in northeastern Sardinia. The Tempio Necropoli San Simplicio excavation uncovered around 450 Roman-era graves, dating from 200 BC to AD 300. Tempio Necropoli San Simplicio also documents a sequence of extra-urban cult and necropolis phases encompassing the first 2,000 years of Olbia’s history, from the Phoenicians to the Middle Ages.
Castles and Ancient Sites in the Surrounding Area
Castello di Pedres o Pedreso is a castle in the immediate vicinity of Olbia. Holy Well Sa Testa, an ancient site, is also located nearby. Su Monte de S'Ape is another ancient site in the area around Olbia. These places complement the Museo archeologico di Olbia and the Basilica with sites directly connected to the region’s long history.
Nuraghe Riu Mulinu and the View over the Gulf
At Nuraghe Riu Mulinu, a wall approximately 220 metres long encloses the rocky spur on which the cylindrical tower was built. The walls were up to 5 metres thick. From Nuraghe Riu Mulinu, the view extends across the entire Gulf of Olbia to Tavolara and over the city. For you, this site therefore combines architectural evidence with broad views of the landscape around Olbia.
Beaches and Paths
The beaches in the area around Olbia include Spiaggia Le Saline, Spiaggia di Pittulongu, Spiaggia di Bados and Spiaggia di Murta Maria. Olbia’s network of paths offers routes with varying levels of difficulty. Some paths in this network are accessible by public transport, allowing you to choose between different types of excursions when planning your trip.
A Festival in May
The Festa di San Simplicio is celebrated in Olbia in mid-May. The procession includes a parade in traditional dress. If you would like to incorporate culture and local festival traditions into your trip, this event provides a clear seasonal reference for your planning.
Other Places in Sardinia
For further orientation, you can also compare Luogosanto, Budoni, La Marinedda, Porto Istana, Capannaccia, Sant Antonio Di Gallura and Rena Majore with one another.
More About the Destination
Relevant information for planning your trip:
Back to the higher-level travel overview: Olbia-Tempio.
