What to see in Olbia’s historic center
The Charm of the Historic Center of Olbia
The historic center of Olbia is the authentic heart of the city and represents a must-see stop for those visiting northern Sardinia. Often considered simply the gateway to the Costa Smeralda, Olbia is actually a city rich in history, culture and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Walking through the streets of the center means immersing yourself in a setting made of lively squares, historic buildings, local shops and restaurants where you can taste Sardinian cuisine. The historic center is compact and easy to visit on foot, perfect for a relaxing walk between history and traditions.
Among ancient monuments, charming views and welcoming places, the center of Olbia manages to captivate anyone who visits it.
Corso Umberto: the main street of the city
The ideal starting point to discover the historic center is Corso Umberto I, the main street of Olbia.
This elegant pedestrian street is the beating heart of city life and connects the port with the historic center. Along the street you will find:
- boutiques and craft shops
- bars and gelato shops
- traditional restaurants
- pastel-colored historic buildings
In the evening Corso Umberto becomes even more charming: the lights of the venues, the music and the lively atmosphere transform it into one of the most pleasant places for a walk.
Here you can stop for an aperitif, enjoy an artisan gelato or simply watch city life flow slowly.
Olbia’s historic center at sunset, with shops, restaurants and local life along the main streets
The Basilica of San Simplicio
The Basilica of San Simplicio in Olbia, featuring Romanesque-style exteriors and evocative stone interiors
Inside the Basilica you can find:
- ancient relics (including remains attributed to the patron saint and liturgical objects)
- archaeological remains (evidence from the Roman and medieval periods discovered in the area)
- a perfectly preserved Romanesque structure
Below the basilica, in the underground parking area, lies the Necropolis of San Simplicio, an important archaeological site that reflects the evolution of the city of Olbia over the centuries.
Inside the Necropolis you can find:
- around 450 Roman-era tombs
(dating from 200 BC to 300 AD)
remains of the ancient necropolis (linked to the city’s extra-urban cult areas) - archaeological stratifications (telling over 2,000 years of history, from the Phoenicians to the Middle Ages)
- a site integrated with the modern city
(built above the ancient settlement and its necropolis)
One of the most important monuments to visit in Olbia is undoubtedly the Basilica of San Simplicio, a historical and religious symbol of the city and a key landmark for those who wish to discover the oldest origins of the area.
This fascinating Romanesque granite church, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is dedicated to the patron saint of Olbia. Its simple and essential architecture, typical of Sardinian Romanesque style, conveys a sense of authenticity and spirituality that immediately captivates visitors.
Every year, the basilica becomes the heart of the Feast of San Simplicio, celebrated on May 15th, one of the most important religious and traditional events in Gallura, during which the city comes alive with celebrations, processions, and moments of strong local identity.
Located just a few minutes from the historic center, the Basilica of San Simplicio represents an unmissable stop for those visiting Olbia and wishing to experience its history, culture, and traditions up close.
Useful information for your visit:
- entrance: during the season, an entrance ticket of approximately €4 is required, purchasable directly on site
- opening hours: subject to change depending on religious services and the parish’s schedule
- generally open: morning and afternoon, except during services
📍 Discover Olbia with our tours
Experience the historic center and its wonders with our guided experiences.
The Archaeological Museum of Olbia
Overlooking the sea, the Archaeological Museum of Olbia is one of the most interesting places to discover the city’s past.
The museum tells the history of Olbia through artifacts from different periods:
- Nuragic period
- Phoenician era
- Roman domination
- Medieval period
One of the most fascinating highlights of the exhibition is the remains of Roman ships found in the port of Olbia, a testimony to the city’s commercial importance already in ancient times.
The museum’s location, on a small island connected to the center, also offers a beautiful view of the tourist port.
Opening hours:
🕒 Tuesday – Sunday: 08:00 – 13:00 / 16:00 – 19:00
❌ Monday: closed
🎟️ Admission: free
Piazza Matteotti and the Town Hall
Another symbolic place in the historic center is Piazza Matteotti, one of the most elegant squares in the city.
Here you will find the Town Hall of Olbia, a historic neoclassical building characterized by a pastel-colored façade often photographed by visitors.
The square is often lively with events, markets, and local activities. It is also a great spot to sit at one of the outdoor cafés and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
Relitti di navi romane all’interno del Museo Archeologico di Olbia
WHERE TO EAT IN OLBIA’S HISTORIC CENTER
In the historic center you will find numerous restaurants and trattorias where you can taste typical dishes such as:
- malloreddus alla campidanese (small Sardinian semolina gnocchi with sausage and tomato sauce)
- zuppa gallurese (traditional baked dish with layers of bread, cheese and meat broth)
- porceddu arrosto (slow-roasted suckling pig with crispy skin and tender meat)
- seadas with honey (fried pastry filled with fresh cheese, served with honey)
Visiting Olbia’s historic center also means discovering Sardinian gastronomy.
In the center you will find numerous restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, and gelaterias where you can taste typical dishes and experience the authentic atmosphere of the city, both at lunch and dinner.
You can choose traditional venues, perfect for discovering Sardinian cuisine, or stop for an aperitif or an ice cream while strolling through the streets of the historic center.
Many places also offer excellent Sardinian wines such as Vermentino di Gallura and Cannonau, perfect to accompany a typical dinner.
Eating in the historic center is one of the best ways to truly experience the atmosphere of the city.
A walk between history and the sea
What makes Olbia’s historic center special is its ability to combine ancient history with a maritime atmosphere. In just a few minutes, you can move from historic churches to shopping streets and all the way to the tourist port.
This combination makes Olbia a pleasant city to explore at a relaxed pace. Just a few hours are enough to visit the main highlights, but visitors often end up staying longer than expected.
Between a walk along the main street, visits to historical monuments, and a dinner in one of the typical restaurants, Olbia’s historic center can surprise even those who are just passing through.
The Church of San Paolo and its dome
Among the most iconic landmarks in the historic center stands the Church of San Paolo Apostolo, easily recognizable for its spectacular colorful dome, decorated with vibrant majolica tiles that make it unique in the architectural landscape of Sardinia.
Located just a few steps from Corso Umberto, the church is one of the main points of reference for visitors. Its central position makes it perfect to include during a walk through shops, restaurants, and historic streets.
The interior, more understated compared to the exterior, preserves a quiet and evocative atmosphere, while outside the dome immediately catches the eye, becoming one of the most photographed subjects in the city.
The Church of San Paolo is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the connection between history, tradition, and local identity, and it is an unmissable stop for those who want to discover the true heart of Olbia.
Why visit Olbia’s historic center
Many tourists arrive in Olbia and then head straight to the Costa Smeralda, but spending time in the city is always a rewarding choice.
The historic center offers:
- historical monuments
- authentic atmosphere
- excellent restaurants
- local shops
- sea views
It is the ideal place to start a journey in northern Sardinia and to discover the most authentic side of the city.
If you are planning a holiday in Sardinia, a walk through Olbia’s historic center is undoubtedly an experience not to be missed.
The Church of San Paolo Apostolo in Olbia, with its iconic colorful majolica dome
📍 Discover Olbia with our tours
Experience the historic center and its wonders with our guided experiences.
