🌤️ Things to Do in Olbia and Surroundings — In Centro da Viola

Rain or shine, Olbia and its surroundings always have something to offer. Here's a selection of our favourite spots, organised by area, with a few personal tips to help you make the most of them.

📍 In Olbia town

A walk along the seafront to Isola Bianca LINK

One of our favourite walks in Olbia. We love doing it early in the morning, while the city is still waking up, or in the evening at sunset, when the light turns golden over the gulf and the boats look almost painted. The path follows the coast all the way to Isola Bianca, with views over the gulf and the boats. Along the way, a stop at Piazza Cossiga is a must — the perfect spot for an aperitivo, maybe just as the sun disappears over the horizon. 

Basilica di San Simplicio LINK

One of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Sardinia, remarkably well preserved. Built in the 11th century from local granite, it has a timeless charm. Every time we step inside, we're struck by the coolness of the interior — a quiet refuge from the summer heat — and by the thought that this building has remained almost unchanged for so many centuries. Free entry, open daily from 7:00 AM. 

Olbia Archaeological Museum LINK

A deep dive into the ancient history of the city, from its Phoenician origins to the Vandal invasion. The highlight is the remarkable reconstruction of ancient boats recovered from the gulf. Walking through the rooms, we like to imagine what that area must have looked like when, where the museum now stands, there was once a busy port with Roman ships coming and going — and today you can see up close the remains of those very vessels. Free entry, free audio guide available in English. 

📍 San Pantaleo LINK

About 25 minutes from Olbia, this tiny village will stop you in your tracks. White-washed houses nestled among enormous granite monoliths, a charming weekly market, and an atmosphere completely removed from the tourist trail. Whether you go to browse the market stalls or simply to wander through its delightful little streets, San Pantaleo will win you over — we guarantee it. 

📍 Golfo Aranci LINK

The train from Olbia 

One of Sardinia's most scenic and underrated journeys. We've taken it ourselves, and it felt like stepping into a journey from another time: you set off from Olbia and cross the wild landscape of Gallura, through hidden coves and granite hills. The essence of this trip is simply to let go and enjoy the moment, slowly taking in the scent of the Mediterranean scrub and the coastline, until you arrive in the charming seaside town of Golfo Aranci.

Once there, we recommend a walk along the seafront and a swim at one of the village's beaches. But if you have time, push on to Cala Moresca LINK: a magical spot, naturally sheltered by the island of Figarolo, which for centuries served as a safe harbour for merchant ships. Along the path that climbs up to the old barracks at the top of Capo Figari, the view opens onto an incredible panorama — on clear days you can see Corsica, as well as the entire Gallura coastline and the Sardinian hinterland. It was actually from the top of Capo Figari that Guglielmo Marconi carried out some of his earliest radio transmission experiments, taking advantage of the headland's strategic position. Along the way you'll come across small hidden bays and a tiny cemetery, known as the "English cemetery," where the sailors of a ship wrecked in an 19th-century storm were laid to rest. A place steeped in history, suspended between sea and silence.

A boat excursion from Golfo Aranci

If you'd like to continue your journey by sea from Golfo Aranci, we recommend Oltremare Escursioni, which departs right from the village's small harbour. Gianni and Giuly will take you to discover the Tavolara marine protected area, with stops at the natural pools of Molara and the crystal-clear waters of Cala Girgolu — with a bit of luck, you might spot dolphins along the way. If you prefer something more intimate, there's also a sunset aperitivo near the island of Figarolo or at the lovely Cala Moresca, the same spot described above. oltremareescursioni.it

Kayaking among the dolphins, from Cala Moresca

For a more immersive, nature-focused experience, we recommend Kayaking Moresca: guided kayak tours departing from Spiaggia dei Baracconi, just steps from Cala Moresca, exploring the island of Figarolo and Capo Figari. The waters along this stretch of coast are a favourite of local dolphins, who often approach the kayaks out of curiosity — an encounter you won't easily forget. You can choose the time of day that suits you best: sunrise, with a revitalising breakfast, or sunset, with an aperitivo on board. For those who prefer exploring independently, kayak and SUP rentals are also available to discover hidden coves at your own pace. kayakingmoresca.it

📍 Costa Smeralda (Porto Rotondo / Porto Cervo)

An aperigozzo between Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo

If you'd like to experience the coast from a different perspective, we recommend the Aperigozzo experience: a tour aboard an authentic gozzo boat departing from Cugnana, sailing among the most exclusive bays between Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo — Rena Bianca, Liscia Ruja, Capriccioli, Petra Ruja. With swimming and snorkelling stops in crystal-clear waters, and an onboard aperitivo of cured meats, cheeses, pane carasau and a glass of wine, gently rocked by the sea while the skipper shares stories and curiosities about this stretch of coast. Small groups (maximum 7 guests), 4-hour duration, departing in the morning or late afternoon. Ask for Fabrizio, the skipper, and tell him you're guests of In Centro da Viola, sent by Manuela — a relaxed, authentic way to discover the Costa Smeralda away from the crowds. aperigozzo.it

📍 La Maddalena Archipelago (a full-day excursion)

Dinghy rental with Nautica Sagiel

If you have a full day to spare, it's well worth heading to Palau to explore the La Maddalena archipelago. When we want to go island-hopping around the archipelago's coves, we hire a dinghy from Michele, at Nautica Sagiel, in the marina of Palau: we love the quality and care put into maintaining the boats, the warm welcome, and the precision with which they explain every step before handing the boat over. Among our favourite spots are Spiaggia del Cavaliere and Cala Coticcio, but the archipelago offers stunning views practically everywhere — La Maddalena, Spargi, Santa Maria, and the famous Piscina di Budelli with its turquoise waters and white sand. If you don't have a boating licence, the 40hp models can still be driven without one; alternatively, a skippered excursion with lunch and drinks included is also available.

📌 We recommend booking a few days in advance — it's a very popular spot in high season — and mentioning that Manuela from In Centro da Viola sent you!

nauticasagiel.it

📍 Alta Gallura

Museo Galluras (Luras) — The Museum of the Femina Agabbadòra

If you'd like to go beyond the sea and discover a piece of authentic Gallurese culture, we recommend a visit to the Museo Galluras, in Luras, further inland. We did it ourselves when our daughter was little: the guides are excellent, able to tell, with both respect and depth, the story of a rural world shaped by passion, hard work, and difficult choices too — the choices of an ancient community that had its own way of facing life and suffering. The museum gathers tools and testimonies of Gallurese rural life (farming, sheep-herding, cork and wool processing) and tells the story of the Femina Agabbadòra, one of the most enigmatic and debated figures in Sardinian folk tradition. The guided visit lasts about an hour and is suitable for families too — by phone reservation only. galluras.it

The Millenary Olive Trees of Luras

Just minutes from the Museo Galluras, it's worth stopping here too: the Millenary Olive Trees of Luras, including the famous "Grande Patriarca" — considered the oldest olive tree in Europe, with an estimated age between 3,000 and 4,000 years. It's located in the Karana area, near Lake Liscia, not far from the Church of Santu Baltolu. Guides share the history and stories behind these monumental trees, and after the visit you can stop for a platter of local specialities (cheeses, cured meats, bread) in the picnic area overlooking the lake. To make a full day of it, there's also a boat trip on Lake Liscia aboard the Pollux, and the Trenino Verde, a scenic little train that retraces the old Palau–Tempio railway line. Open from 1 April to 2 November, guided visits daily from 10:30 AM. olivastrimillenariluras.it

Tempio Pausania

To round off your day in Alta Gallura, take a stroll through the historic centre of Tempio Pausania: the air turns cooler, more mountain-like, and the streets are lined with elegant grey granite buildings dating mostly from the 18th century. It's one of the most charming towns in the Sardinian hinterland, with a historic centre best explored on foot, healthy spring waters, and a rich heritage of traditions — from Gallurese cuisine to the famous Carnevale Tempiese, one of the most heartfelt and distinctive carnivals in all of Sardinia. A great way to end the day with lunch or a stop at one of the restaurants in the centre. visit-tempio.it

Ready to explore?

Olbia and its surroundings have so much to offer — and you can experience it all while staying in the heart of the historic centre, just steps from the seafront, restaurants, and everything the city has to offer.

Book your stay at In Centro da Viola →

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Looking for more inspiration? Check out our full Olbia Travel Guide for everything you need to know before you arrive, or discover our favourite beaches near Olbia for your next swim.