When in Rome, do as the Romans do… take a break to Olbia, a coastal town located in the region of Sardinia, situated in the North-east of the country facing the Gulf of Olbia, acclaimed as the Italian Emerald Coast for its turquoise waters resembling those that you can find in the Caribbean Sea.
However, whether you arrive from the Italian city of Rome or from anywhere else around the world, the international Aeroporto Olbia Costa Smeralda connects directly this Olbia with the major European and Asian cities, besides the excellent local flights timetable connecting the city with Rome, Naples, Bologna, Florence, Turin, Milan, Venice, Trieste, Verona, Catania, Bari, Bergamo, and Cagliari.
Olbia is separated from Italy’s mainland by a one-mile causeway that connects the coastal city with the peninsula by road or train, which is also one of the main attraction of the city. Olbia¡s railroad station dates from the 11th century and is situated nearby the picturesque Church of San Simplicio, patron saint of the city, place at which is housed a collection of ancient Roman inscriptions and a millenary sarcophagus.
Due to the indented shape of the Gulf of Olbia, the panorama that you can appreciate from the different Marinas is simply outstanding watching the crystal clear waters and the many Mediterranean cruise ships and yachts arriving to its docks. Of course, swimming, sunbathing and the practice of your favorite water sport can make more enjoyable your stay at this place.
When it comes to Olbia attractions beyond the sea shore, consider a guided tour visiting the city’s historic downtown, the ruins of the Roman thermal baths and the former Olbia¡s defense wall that protect the city against invaders attacks. Very close to these places you will find the Church of St. Paolo and the panoramic road to the Gulf Aranci, with the Pozzo Sacro di Sa Testa, a Holy well in the halfway.
In Olbia, just like in a large number of Italian cities, you will not only find ruins of the Roman civilization, but architectonic treasures belonging to the Middle Ages such as the remaining vestiges of the Grave of Gigante and the Medieval town of Pedres. Taking the road towards Monte Delllncappiddatu there is also a trace of the Neolithic necropolis of Li Muriand’s from which you can see a majestic panorama of the Gulf of Olbia.
Walking down the streets of the city is easy fall in love with local gastronomy at the Ristorante Gallura, famous in all Olbia, although there are also a large number of restaurants, coffee houses and bars at Piazza Regina Margherita, place at which you can enjoy the street performers while taking refreshment.
Dare to take a daytrip to the nearest port of Naples and Civitavecchia, in the province of Rome. There are ferries departing from Olbia to those ports, although it is easier book a flight. Travel by air, train or boat ferry is your best options because of the poor road conditions to travel by car or bus.
