Making the most of Olbia Sardinia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The eight-quay port of Isola Bianca can unload large numbers of ferry passengers each day. Its new cruise terminal contains a spacious waiting room, restaurant, bar, shops and free WiFi. Passengers use this building only when returning to the ship because they must pass through security before boarding.
Cruise vessels berth at Isola Bianca Pier. A free accessible shuttle departs every 10 minutes for the town centre, less than 2 km away, and the ride takes 10 minutes.
Approaching by sea reveals Olbia amid inspiring hills and the commanding, majestic presence of Tavolara island, now at the centre of the protected marine area bearing the same name. The old Roman name “Hermaea” honoured the god of commerce and sailors. In the middle of the magnificent gulf, characterised by its typical mussel cultivation and tens of pleasure-boat shipyards, stands the working modern maritime station at Isola Bianca.
Save a printable map to use ashore.
Olbia is the entrance to the Emerald Coast, among Europe's most extravagant resorts. This small Sardinian town has only a handful of tourist shops, bars and restaurants. Phoenician and Roman tombs leave their traces, while the Pisan Romanesque Church of San Simplicio merits a visit. Outside Olbia, Porto Cervo lies in the Costa Smeralda, a recognised playground of the wealthy and famous. Sardinia is an earthly paradise for fine-food enthusiasts, offering fragrant bread straight from the oven, delicious skewered meat cooked over an open pit and spectacularly fresh…
Explore the Beaches nearby.
Getting around
Olbia presents numerous ways to travel. It is compact enough for walking or cycling and has an excellent public bus network both within and beyond the city.
Where the shuttle drops passengers, the following options are available:
Try the PittuLongu beach shuttle, about a 15-minute bus journey costing 5 Euro and running every 30 minutes or so. The excellent beach has very clean, calm water. Bring towels from the ship because sunbeds are very expensive.
Across the street beside city hall and tourist information, a “Trenino tourist train” tours the town for 5 euro.
Alternatively, take a walk around the compact little town.
Remember that most shops close between 1pm and 4pm.
Nearby places
Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda appeal to lovers of sophisticated living, cosmopolitan tourism and elite company, with sensational yachts and breathtaking villas overlooking inspiring harbours and natural bays. Porto Cervo is the principal centre and meeting place of the internationally celebrated Costa Smeralda, among the world's most prestigious visitor destinations. It is in Gallura on Sardinia's north-east coast and was created by Prince Karim Aga Khan at the end of the 1950s. Because public transport runs at inconvenient times for most cruises, an organised cruise tour is recommended.
The surrounding area is rich in Neolithic ruins and important nuragic sites, including Cabu Abbas and the Holy Well of Sa Testa.
About 10 kilometres from Olbia, follow state road 125 towards Siniscola for the beaches of Lido del Sole, Le Saline, Murta Maria, Li Cuncheddi and Porto Istana. In the other direction towards Golfo Aranci are the attractive beaches of la Playa, Pellicano and Bados.
Food and shopping
Anyone walking around should note that shops close for a midday siesta.
Look for wood carvings, honey, beautiful lace and carpets.
Central streets such as Corso Umberto have clothing and footwear shops stocking the best-known brands, elegant jewellery and original craft outlets, alongside famous restaurants, traditional hotels and trattorias. The selection continues onto via Regina Elena with numerous businesses and crafts. In Piazza Regina Margherita, bars, locales and cafés serve cocktails with music that is sometimes live. Finally, Viale A. Moro covers every conceivable choice for clothing, furniture, DIY and supermarkets—virtually anything you might want.
Restaurants by the sea and in town serve a simple Sardinian combination of fresh fish, local Vernaccia wine and pane carasau, the island's distinctive wafer-thin bread. It was first made for shepherds going into the hills who needed food that stayed fresh for days.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
The languages are Sardu, or Sardinian, and Italian.
The terminal building provides free WiFi.
The emergency number is 112.
Opening Hours and
Most Italian shops and businesses trade Monday to Saturday from around 8am to 1pm and again from about 4pm to 7pm. Many close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, while southern opening and closing times may be an hour later. In the north, some firms keep a 9am-5pm schedule for international business. Traditionally, only bars and restaurants open on Sunday, although most towns have a pasticceria trading in the morning, and Sunday opening is becoming more common in large cities and tourist areas.