Olbia is a proper port town, with a sparkling harbour that connects it with many other ports on Sardinia and beyond. But it would be a shame to just pass through, Olbia is historic and beautiful, with an elegant, palm tree-lined waterfront, a wonderfully rambling historic centre, and numerous idyllic piazzas lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. Some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Olbia are in the historic centre, graceful villas and palazzos converted into B&Bs or traditional hotels. Olbia is also the gateway to the North East Coast's show-stopping, pearly-white beaches, and we've found some charming hotels just outside town, along the coast, right up against Sardinia’s most idyllic beaches, or in the lush, rural hinterland.

It was the Aga Khan who created the Costa Smeralda, by spending millions building luxurious hotels and resorts along the gorgeous stretch of coast. And it still has a reputation for being expensive, but our Gurus advise you to overlook that reputation, because there are plenty of great value options in Olbia, and accommodation that’s perfectly suited to a family beach break, as well as a perfect honeymoon. Olbia is also a good place to stay for access to the Supramonte Mountains and their spectacular walking trails, and it overlooks the gulf where the Tavolara and Molara Islands nestle.

Before the Aga Khan, Olbia was a picturesque fishing port surrounded by hills and the delicious scent of wild herbs. Walking around the old town you can still get a sense of that, especially along the Corse Umberto. The Town Hall, numerous churches, and Archaeological Museum are all worth seeing for yourself — Sardinia has numerous archaeological sites, and there’s a really excellent collection of items in Olbia’s museum. Arguably the coastline around Olbia is prettier than the town itself. The fertile hinterland is what made this area so attractive to the Phoenicians, then Romans, then Carthaginians.

As you can imagine, this is an incredibly busy destination during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee your room in one of the best places to stay in Olbia in July or August, do your homework and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Olbia

For a Special Occasion

• The Cala Cuncheddi is a large and elegant hotel, just up the hill from the beach, overlooking it from the large windows and private balconies of many of the 79 rooms and suites, and from the beautiful infinity pool and pool bar. The decor in the rooms is stylish, yet unfussy, in a colour palette of calm neutrals. Both the poolside restaurant and the beachside restaurant specialise in Sardinian cuisine, and both offer a stylish, yet relaxed atmosphere. The Cala also has a spa, with a hydromassage pool.

For a Rural Escape

• The Albero Capovolto is a relaxed B&B in Olbia’s picturesque rural hinterland. It has just five guest rooms, plus some lovely indoor and outdoor communal areas. There’s also a very nice pool. We like the fantastically traditional feeling decor: exposed stone, exposed beams and tiled floors, and the pretty bougainvillea adding colour to the neutral palette. Dinner is on request (it’s a car journey to other local restaurants), and it's about 20 minutes to a number of beautiful beaches. Great for romantics, and groups who can take over the whole property.

For a Beach Break

• The Hotel Sporting is idyllically located beside its own stretch of white sandy beach, bookended with rocky coves, but it’s also just moments from Porto Rondo. Its 47 rooms, suites and villas start from a very affordable price point. All are simple, light and airy, and the best are also spacious, with their own private balconies and incredible sea views. This is a great hotel if you’re looking for facilities; you can expect tennis courts, a gym and spa, easy access to a golf club, and all sorts of watersports on site.

For Families

• Ollastu is an expansive resort complex in a beautiful, rural setting, just to the south of Olbia, with its own private beach and wonderful sea views. The 54 rooms, suites and apartments are designed to be reminiscent of Sardinian shepherds’ huts, set amongst idyllic natural surrounds and landscaped gardens. Our Gurus recommend Ollastu for families, and couples: there’s plenty of family-centric activity on offer, but the way the hotel is spaced out, and the two restaurants, means it’s easy to avoid any noise or activity. Plus there’s a private beach, and access to horse riding, golf and sailing facilities.

For Great Value

• The Hotel Panorama is right in the centre of town, with wonderful views of the sea, and plenty of ferry port action, from the roof top bar and lounge deck. Its 80 rooms and suites are simply and traditionally decorated, with all the mod cons. The family suites sleep four, and can be divided up into two private spaces, or left open plan. There’s no restaurant, but they offer breakfast, and there are some lovely places to eat and drink within easy walking distance.

For an Apartment or Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Olbia Airport is about four kilometres from the centre of town on the Costa Smeralda (about five minutes in the car, or nine minutes on the bus). Olbia also has a ship and ferry terminal just a short bus or taxi ride from the centre of town. Sardinia has two other airports: Alghero Airport and Cagliari Airport, which might be useful to know if you can’t find a direct flight from your local airport.
• If you want to hire a car — which we highly advise if you want to explore further afield — we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Sardinia’s Mediterranean climate means long, warm summers and short, mild winters, with most of the rain sandwiched between. It is known for being windy, and in some regions humid. In fact, for a small island, Sardinia has a number of microclimates. But generally speaking most of Sardinia is a pleasant destination almost year round. From the start of spring it starts to get pretty sunny, though of course summer is the most popular time to visit, when temperatures are in the mid-twenties. The temperature averages 18°C in October, so if you prefer a quieter holiday then early autumn is a good time to visit.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Sardinia
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.