Travel guide

Olbia
Olbia (45,366 inhabitants) is the main town of the newborn province of
Gallura. Featuring an efficient seaport and airport, it is located inside an inlet
sheltered from the sea winds. Tradition attributes its foundation either to the
mythical Iolaus or to the Greek Phocaean settlers of Marseille, although it was
more likely founded by the Punics between the VI and IV century B.C.E.
During the Roman period it was an important linking point with Ostia. After a
On the left:
The “Li Lolghi”
giants’ tombs
in Arzachena
On the right:
Costa Smeralda:
aerial view
of a beach
period of decline, towards the year 1000 Olbia experienced a rebirth as
capital of the Judicate of Gallura, under the name of Civita or Terranova. It is
believed that the medieval village was located in the vicinity of the Romanesque
church of San Simplicio (XII century), the most important monument in
town, made of blocks of granite. In modern age, the town experienced a
history of alternating development always tied to the fate of its seaport. In
1939, the town regained its former name of Greek origin. Since then, its
development has been tightly linked to the tourist industry, which has been
growing since the 1970s on the coast of Costa Smeralda. The Gallura is a
land rich in archaeological and historical remnants. Nuraghi and giants’ tombs
are numerous here, amongst which those in the area of Arzachena. Of
special naturalistic relevance is the archipelago of La Maddalena, site of the
namesake National Park and comprising four main islands (La Maddalena,
Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi) along with other lesser ones, amongst which
the renowned Budelli with its pink beach. Worth visiting is also the
Compendio Garibaldino di Caprera (Garibaldi’s Museum), with the dwelling
and personal belongings of the last years of life of the General.
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