Olbia

Just a short walk from Piazza Margherita, the imposing Basilica di San Simplicio is one of the city’s landmarks. Typical of the Pisan-style churches built in Sardinia during the 11th and 12th centuries, the granite church is one of the best preserved Romanesque churches on the island. Most notable features include its historic frescoes, the central triple mullioned window on the church’s façade and the small Spanish-style bell tower. The Festa di San Simplicio is celebrated in May each year with a solemn procession, fireworks, a Palio horse race and Festival of Mussels.

Right in the heart of the city’s historic centre, and built on the remains of an ancient temple, the 18th century granite Chiesa di San Paolo church is another of Olbia’s iconic symbols. It has a tall square-based bell tower but its multicoloured mosaic-tiled dome, added around 1939, is its attention-grabbing feature. 

Leading up from the palm-lined waterfront to the city’s historic centre, Olbia’s main street, Corso Umberto, is lined with boutiques, bars, cafés and traditional restaurants. The street is pedestrianised in the evening and shops remain open till late but be sure to also veer off the main street on to cobbled alleys and into atmospheric squares. Top spots include the town’s market square, Piazza Mercato, or, for leisurely people-watching, Piazza Margherita. 

The city’s archaeological museum sits on its own tiny island on the harbourfront. Designed in the shape of a ship, with portholes and suspended walkways, by the architect Giovanni Maciocco, it’s admittedly not to everybody’s taste.  Inside, the museum traces Olbia’s history, from the battles between Carthaginians and Romans to the growth of maritime industries, with exhibitions ranging from Nuragic artefacts to Roman warships. 

Situated in northeastern Sardinia, the archipelago of La Maddalena is a beautiful area to visit. Made up of 62 islands (most of them truly tiny), and officially titled the National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, this protected paradise is home to stunning landscapes of white sand beaches and turquoise waters.  The main island La Maddalena is connected to the neighbouring island of Caprera by a road bridge known as the Ponte Moneta.  Caprera is the island where Giuseppe Garibaldi made his final home, and his house and tomb in the grounds can be visited.

You reach La Maddalena by taking the ferry from the port of Palau, which is more or less half way between Olbia and Santa Teresa Gallura, approximately 20 miles in each direction. It’s a 20 minute crossing from Palau to the port of Cala Gavetta in La Maddalena and ferries depart every 30-60 minutes throughout the day. You can travel with a car or as a foot passenger. There is a good bus network on the island of Maddalena which delivers visitors to many of the most popular beaches and crosses to the island of Caprera. 

If leaving from Olbia, Palau can be reached by a direct bus leaving Olbia Vecchio Ospedale Civile which takes around 1h 5m. Services depart every three hours, and operate every day. A taxi to Palau would take around 40 mins and cost in the region of €90 at time of writing.

There are organised group boat tours if you only have one free day from Olbia, using local providers such as Ape Romantic Tour  or Escursi.  If leaving from Palau, take a look at Elena Tour Navigazioni.