Olbia, called "Happy City" by the Greeks, is the access point to the island and the economic heart of Gallura. In several corners of the city there are remains of the past. Many finds found during the excavations, including a treasure of almost 900 gold coins, are kept in the Archaeological Museum located near the Molo Brin Parking.
A monument very dear to the inhabitants of Olbia is the Basilica of St. Simplicio, built between the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries: it is the most important building of worship in northeastern Sardinia and the oldest evidence of Christianity on the island. Below it is the Punic-Roman necropolis (later Christian), including 450 tombs.
After walking through the narrow streets of the old town, you will find the Baroque church of San Paolo with its beautiful colorful dome of majolica stones.
The first evidence of man in the city and surrounding areas are dated back to 4000-3500 BC: the Sacred Well of "Sa Testa", the Giants' Tombs on "Monte de s'Aba" and the Nuraghe "riu Mulinu".
From the seventh century BC the territory was inhabited first by the Phoenicians, then by the Greeks.
Under Roman rule, the city became the main centre of the eastern coast of Sardinia.
Olbia during the Roman period had paved roads and thermal baths, of which there are still traces near the town hall.
In 1999, during the excavations for the construction of the tunnel, in the old port, 24 shipwrecks reappeared, partly sunk by a siege of the Vandals (you will find them at the Archaeological Museum).
A few kilometres from Olbia there are many beaches, one more beautiful than the other, in particular the beach of Pittulongu will impress you for the shades of blue, blue and emerald green and for the fine white sand.
The city overlooks a spectacular gulf, which protects the marine area of Tavolara and gives access to the exclusive Costa.