Known for its unrivalled gastronomy, cultural heritage, beaches and natural beauty, Olbia is the point of entry for many travellers who come to discover north-east Sardinia. Whether you’re looking for sunshine and turquoise waters or hiking and unmissable landscapes, Olbia is the perfect destination for you Olbia is the perfect destination for combining adventure and relaxation. You’ll also appreciate the friendly, festive atmosphere in the town center, particularly in Piazza Matteotti.
But to make sure your stay lives up to your expectations, it’s vital to know where to stay in Olbia, how long you’d like to spend there and what your budget will be.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ll share with you all the tips and information you need to know to find the best place to stay in Olbia.
Main information
Before going into the description of the districts to target when selecting accommodation in Olbia, here are the essentials to know about tourism.
Our favorite places to stay
First of all, if you’re in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Olbia:
- $$ this hotel, located just a few kilometers from the port
- $$$ this upscale establishment is in the heart of the historic center. It’s one of the best places to stay in Olbia, with all the charm of the past. Budget permitting, of course.
Map of different areas to stay in Olbia
We now share with you the map on which you can find all our recommendations of hotels or apartments where to stay in Olbia. This map will also enable you to locate the different geographical areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following color code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Olbia accommodation essentials
Here’s some information to help you get to know the town a little better:
Where to stay in and around Olbia
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Olbia.
CENTRO STORICO: STAY IN AN AUTHENTIC ATMOSPHERE
One of the most popular areas for travelers, Centro Storico is located in the northern part of Olbia. Renowned for its historic monuments, churches, small local stores and colorful architecture, Olbia has everything to offer for a memorable stay.
Staying in the Centro storico means choosing to stay close to a number of landmarks, such as Piazza Regina Margherita or Piazza Matteotti: the ideal place to enjoy a coffee. You'll have no trouble reaching the Museo Archeologico or the Basilica di San Simplicio, one of Olbia's most important monuments. Staying in this district means you're just a few minutes from the famous Corso Umberto street, which will quickly take you to the seafront.
You couldn't ask for a better location. The Centro Storico is the heart of Olbia. The city's port is less than two kilometers away, and the walk is well worth it. Olbia-Costa Smeralda airport is a three-kilometer drive away. You can then rent a car on arrival, or take public transport: local buses, cabs or shuttles. It's also possible to arrive in Olbia by train, directly from Milan.
Staying in the city center also means enjoying its many bars and restaurants. Seafood, spaghetti or cheese board, there's something for everyone. Sas Tapas, l'Essenza Bistrot and l'Officina del Gusto are just some of the places you should try during your stay in Olbia.
When it comes to where to stay in this area, most of the accommodations are rather expensive, but offer all the services of a top-of-the-range hotel.
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This 4-star establishment is right in the heart of the historic center. It has a gym open to all and an outdoor swimming pool.
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Conveniently located, this hotel offers rooms, all equipped with coffee machine, private bathroom and TV.
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Here you can enjoy a delicious continental or Italian buffet breakfast every morning. Spacious rooms.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREA NORTH OF OLBIA
Located to the north of the Centro Storico, it is home to most of the city's schools and shops. It offers easy access to the historic center. Most travelers who choose to stay in this area are looking for a quieter place to stay, close to the center, at an affordable price.
There aren't many highlights to visit in this district, but you can still take the bus to the old town and discover all the emblematic sites. You can also go for a walk in the Parco Fausto Noce: a large green space, as pleasant for children as it is for adults.
The Centro Storico is two kilometers away by car, and about twenty minutes on foot. Olbia airport is a fifteen-minute drive away. It's the ideal option if you're looking for reasonably-priced accommodation close to tourist attractions.
As far as bars and restaurants are concerned, there are inevitably more in the city center, but you'll still find plenty to please you in this area. Pizzeria I Portici or Vesuvio serve breathtaking Italian specialties.
When it comes to where to stay, there's something for everyone. Most of them are guest houses or apartments.
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Located north of Olbia, less than 5 km from the port, this accommodation offers a garden, spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi.
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This Michelin-starred accommodation features a poolside restaurant and offers a buffet breakfast every morning.
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This Sardinian-style establishment is just a 5-minute drive from the port and historic center of Olbia.
STAY IN PORTO ISTANA, SOUTH-EAST OF OLBIA
Olbia is a small town in which only the historic center and the rather residential northern quarter are frequented by travelers. Once you've visited the landmark monuments and strolled along the harbour, there's not much else to visit. That's why most travellers choose to head further south of Olbia, towards the coast, to Porto Istana.
This area is renowned for its long sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Water sports enthusiasts love to stay there. What's more, travelers and locals alike love the panoramic view of the island of Tavolara, just opposite the town.
The center of Olbia can be reached in 20 minutes by car. The airport is ten kilometers from Porto Istana. Public transport is a little more limited in this area. We recommend renting a car to get around as you please: public parking is available at the entrance to the town.
Travelers tend to eat at the small kiosks along the beach. GEKO offers seafood specialties in a tropical setting.
As for where to stay in Porto Istana, it's mainly bed & breakfasts, apartments and guesthouses: most of them are rather expensive.
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This accommodation features a terrace and air conditioning. With free private parking, it is 250 metres from Porto Istana beach.
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All apartments are spacious, bright and feature tiled floors and Sardinian furnishings. Each is equipped with a kitchenette.
SEASIDE ACCOMMODATION IN PITTULONGU
Located less than 10 km north of Olbia, Pittulongu is a favorite among travelers who want to visit Olbia while staying close to the beaches. It offers spectacular scenery and is home to numerous water sports schools. Are you a history buff with a passion for windsurfing? Then Pittulongu is the destination for you.
Beyond its white sandy beaches, Pittulongu is only ten minutes from Olbia. It's the ideal option if you want to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach, while devoting a day to discovering all the town's secrets. You can also enjoy delicious seafood along the harbour.
As with Porto Istana, it's a good idea to have a car on site, so you're free to move around easily. You're sure to come across a number of beach bars offering local gastronomic specialities. Lo Squalo and the bar Bolla Ristorante a Mare Rocce are recommended by travelers.
Hotels and other accommodation are a little rarer than in previous areas. Prices are rather high, but most of them offer magnificent ocean views.
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Free private parking is available. The coast and its beaches can be reached in just a few minutes on foot.
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This hotel offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi throughout, a shared garden and a large terrace.
STAY IN THE INLAND VILLAGE OF SAN PANTALEO
This village lies inland to the north of Olbia. It's a very popular destination for its medieval architecture. Its stone houses, art galleries, small cafés and large local markets have charmed many. San Pantaleo is also renowned for the magnificent mountain scenery that surrounds it, and is often visited by nature lovers.
Just 20 km from Olbia, this village is home to numerous art galleries where you can purchase works of art. Tourists will also appreciate its many hiking trails. In short, it's the ideal option for all lovers of excursions and natural landscapes who wish to visit Olbia for a day.
Although there are cabs and a few bus routes, it's best to have a car on site. Parking is easy to find, either in the narrow streets of San Pantaleo or at your chosen accommodation.
L'M Ristorante is one of the restaurants most highly rated by travelers. When it comes to where to stay in San Pantaleo, accommodation is in short supply. That's why, if you want to stay in this village, it's important to book your accommodation in advance.
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All rooms are air-conditioned and include a desk, minibar, terrace and private bathroom.
Summary
In conclusion, there are many places to stay in Olbia. All these areas offer a wide range of experiences and each caters for different interests. Beach, town center or inland village, there’s something for everyone. But the most important thing to remember is that, before planning your stay, it’s essential to choose where to stay in Olbia for a vacation that lives up to your expectations.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of all the places to stay in and around Olbia, even if, for history lovers, the Centro Storico remains the most popular area for travellers