Cheap Flights To Olbia

Olbia in Northern Sardinia is a wonderful choice for those who prefer an authentic city break as opposed to a holiday resort. The Italian island of Sardinia boasts its own unique identity and this town in particular is the perfect location to experience it. The historic centre plays hosts to laid-back palazzos, where locals drink espresso by day and regional wine by night. The town's new Archaeological Museum charts the local story from the Bronze Age onwards, while many Neolithic sites can be easily accessed from the city. The famous Costa Smerald, a beautiful coastal region, starts in the city and extends around the northern tip of the island. Top events here include Carnaval and the celebration of the patron saint, San Simplico.

Things To Do

From the charming historic centre to the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast and the impressive Bronze Age sites, Olbia is a wonderful place to understand real Sardinia but also offers access to top attractions.

• Bronze Age Sardinia
  The whole island is filled with hundreds of Nuraghi sites dating from a civilisation that habituated the island from the Bronze to Iron ages. the easiest to reach from the city are the Cabu Abbas tomb and the Sa Testa well although for those willing to drive for half an hour, the ones near Arzachena such as Giant's Tombs at Coddu Vecchio and Nuraghe le Prisgiona are also fascinating.

• City History
  The city itself was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C. and has, during its lifespan, been an important port for the Romans and the Medieval Giudicato of the Gallura era. There are two ways to experience the town's history. One way is walking around and taking in the plethora of buildings which date largely from the medieval era such as the San Simplicio Cathedral and the church of St Paul the Apostle. The other way is to head to the new National Archaeological Museum between the port and the historic centre.

• The Emerald Coast
  Known locally as the Costa Smeralda, this beautiful run of beaches starts at Olbia and continues round the whole northeastern corner of the island. Characterised by emerald green waters, inlets, coves, caves and stunning sandy beaches, this area has been compared favourably with the Italian Rivera

Calendar Of Events

Events in Olbia and beyond often have religious underpinnings but are nonetheless colourful and fun family affairs.

• Carnaval: The Mardi Gras period is celebrated all around the island in different ways during Shrove Week. In Olbia, families can enjoy various entertainment events, food stalls, dancing and parades which go on all week.

• Easter: Easter in Sardinia is huge -- in fact by comparison the locals call Christmas 'Little Easter'. Families come together to celebrate but in the days running up to the weekend, there are plenty of parades.

• Fiesta di San Simplicio: Paying homage to the local patron saint, San Simplico, this Olbia-based equestrian competition and celebration lasts two whole weeks (the first two weeks of May).