Flight to Olbia - Sardinia (OLB)

Flying to Olbia - Sardinia: tips and information for your trip

This small town in Northern Sardinia is slightly off the tourist trail, but this little paradise on the Tyrrhenian Sea is well worth a visit.

Named “Olbia” by the Greeks, which translates as “Happy”, this city has had successive occupations over the centuries and retains many of their traces. The city boasts a number of archaeological sites and historical monuments, but in addition to its historical and architectural heritage, you’ll be charmed by its crystal-clear water, wild nature and white sand.

What to do in Olbia?

1. Go visit the Roman baths.
   
   
2. The National Archaeology Museum: it houses an exhibition of the architectural remains of the city of Olbia. What’s more, entrance is free.
   
   
3. The Giant’s Tomb under the medieval castle of Pedres. Not far from this medieval fortress is the archaeological site of the giants’ grave of Su Mont’e s’Abe, which dates from civilizations that lived in Sardinia in the Bronze Age.
   
   
4. The church of San Paolo Apostolo, this church dating from the 15th century is worth a visit for its impressive architecture.
   
   
5. San Simplicio Basilica: built in the 11th century, it was dedicated to the bishop and patron of Olbia, the martyr San Simplicio. This Romanesque structure is one of the oldest monuments in Sardinia.
   
   
6. Go to the beach, the nearest are Pittulongu, Bados, Marinella, Le Saline and Rena Bianca.
   
   
7. Diving in Porto Istana. This small cove is a stone’s throw from Olbia.
   
   
8. Go whale and dolphin watching in their natural habitat at Marina Dell’Orso.
   
   
9. Maddalena Archipelago National Park: its wind-sculpted granite rocks, crystalline waters and idyllic beaches have already attracted thousands of tourists.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flies to and from Olbia – Costa Smeralda Airport. Olbia city centre is 5 km away from the airport and you can take bus 2 or 10 to get to the city. There are buses every 15 minutes and the ride takes 15 minutes.  
  
• Currency: Euro. It is a good idea to have some cash on you in Olbia, especially when paying in smaller cafés and restaurants.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: : +39. Wi-Fi is available at all major hotels and restaurants.
• Electric sockets: Sockets in Italy use type C and F European dual-pronged plug sockets or Italian ones (in which case you’ll need an adapter), with most having a voltage of 220–240 V.
• Travel Information: When visiting Olbia, all travellers should make sure they have a passport which is valid for the duration of their trip. Passengers travelling from outside of the EU should check visa requirements.

Dos and Don’ts in Olbia

• Be sure to choose appropriate attire when visiting religious buildings – you will not be allowed to go in if you wear shorts or skirts above the knee or if your shoulders and torso are uncovered.
  
  
• It can be very hot and sunny in Olbia, especially in summer. Remember to always bring a bottle of water and sunscreen.
  
  
• Do not imitate the Italian accent to pronounce “pizza”, “pasta” and “cappuccino” as if you were in a mafia movie. Italians are proud of their beautiful language and not everyone speaks like in The Godfather. Also avoid expressing yourself with your hands. This is an art form that only Italians have mastered.
  
  
• Long spaghetti type pasta should not be eaten with a spoon; the majority of restaurants will only serve them with a fork.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

• Good morning: Buongiorno (Ciao is very common but more colloquial)
• Goodnight: Buonasera / Buonanotte
• Yes/No: Sì / no
• How are you? : Come sta?
• I am good: Tutto bene
• My name is…: Mi chiamo...
• Do you speak English? : Parla inglese?
• I understand/I don’t understand: Capisco / Non capisco
• Goodbye: Arrivederci
• Excuse me/sorry: Scusi / mi scusi
• Thank you/thank you so much: Grazie / grazie mille
• You’re welcome: Prego
• Please: Per favore
• How much is it? : Quanto costa?
• The bill please: Il conto per favore

Cultural events

• On the 15th of August, “Ferragosto” is celebrated in Sardinia’s main cities. Everyone spends the day with family, friends before partying the night away. Fireworks, music, dancing and singing are on the programme until the early hours of the morning.
  
  
• San Simplicio Festival: they celebrate the patron saint of the city every year, on the 15th of May. The mussels festival is also held on that day.
  
  
• On the 24th of June, to celebrate the arrival of summer, they make a huge bonfire and party all night long.
  
  
• The annual celebration of the Sardinian people takes place on the 28th of April.
  
  
• The Mamoiada Carnival: in January, the Mamuthones put on their traditional black masks, their goat skins, their instruments and parade on the street. But this is not the only carnival, as from late February to early March, a number of carnivals take place in Sardinia.

When to go to Olbia?

The weather conditions in Olbia are very pleasant. Warm temperatures in winter, long sunny days in summer and the rest of the year, a pleasant warmth. And all that, with a relatively dry climate. There are no seasons to avoid, but avoid going in summer if you don’t like the heat.

What to eat in Olbia?

• Malloreddus or Sardinian gnochettis are pasta in the shape of small shells. They are traditionally eaten with tomato sauce, Sardinian sausage, and pecorino cheese.
  
  
• Culurgiones: fresh pasta filled with potatoes and pecorino. But there are several variants.
  
  
• Pecorino is cheese made from sheep’s milk. Made in Sardinia, it’s the cheese they put in most of their dishes.
  
  
• The pane carasau or “carta musica” is a typical Sardinian bread. This very fine and crunchy bread is usually eaten as an aperitif.
  
  
• The focaccia or white pizza is simply cooked pizza dough that can be eaten as an aperitif with various accompaniments such as charcuterie, cheese, etc.
  
  
• Sardinian charcuterie: coppa, pancetta, cured ham, salsiccia, etc.
  
  
• The seadas al miele: you will find this dessert in all the restaurants, because it is the typical Sardinian delicacy. It’s a fried pastry, filled with ricotta and drizzled with honey.
  
  
• Meat on a spit is eaten all over Sardinia. The animal, usually pork, is cooked slowly for 3 hours to bring out all the flavours.
  
  
• Limoncello is the ideal nightcap. This lemon liqueur is the best way to finish a good Sardinian meal.
  
  
• Gallura soup: this soup is made with durum wheat bread and then cooled with meat broth.
  
  
• Sardinian wines: Sardinia has a climate and soil that are very favourable for wine production.