The city of Olbia in Sardinia, much more than a place of transit but a historic center that deserves to be visited and admired in all its forms. Read the post and discover the fixed events of the city, especially the spring ones, and the places that deserve a thorough visit, from the churches to the squares of Olbia.
Olbia for many it is the first landing in Sardinia, sometimes a short stop or a place of transit towards the holiday destination. It is actually one lively town, especially in summer, with some places of interest that are worth an extended visit.
The port of Olbia
Ferries depart and arrive from the port of Isola Bianca from Livorno, Civitavecchia and Genoa, huge cruise ships dock more and more often from which hundreds of visitors disembark and invade the historic center for a few hours.
The promenade has been recently redone, we find many car parks, benches and well-kept flower beds. Our beautiful starts from here walk towards Corso Umberto and the historic center.
The Olbia Sea Museum
Already on the seafront of the port we can make our first stop and visit the Museum of the Sea, a large building with a shape that recalls a large ship docked in the port. The building, in fact, is practically located on the water.
Inside, the exhibition halls retrace the entire history of the territory and Olbia since prehistoric times. Particularly interesting are the wrecks of Roman and medieval ships found in the excavation of the old port. In short, a real dive into the past and into the thousand cultural stratifications, intertwining and exchanges, typical of a port city.
Corso Umberto: access road to the historic center of Olbia
Corso Umberto, the access road to the center with shops and clubs for lunch and an evening aperitif, also starts from the seafront. In summer in front of the Town Hall, the tourist market with local crafts and stalls of all kinds. In the municipal building we also find the tourist office that I recommend to visit before starting the walk in the center. A map with the places to visit is available and you can get information on the museum and archaeological sites around Olbia.
In the middle of Corso Umberto we find the Simpliciana Library where initiatives, literary meetings and cultural events are often held, and the Church of San Paolo Apostolo.
Later we find the beautiful Piazza Regina Margherita and, continuing to the end of Corso Umberto, after passing the level crossing, turn right and follow the signs to reach the Basilica of San Simplicio, patron saint of Olbia. This church - in Romanesque style and well preserved - is the most important religious monument in Gallura, built at the behest of the Judges of Gallura between the end of the XNUMXth century and the beginning of the XNUMXth.
Olbia also has the Fausto Noce Park, a beautiful green oasis of 16 hectares much loved by the residents. Inside there is a running track, playgrounds for children, a health course and a pond with ducks. A pleasant and relaxing shady place, especially in summer.
Olbia in spring: fixed events
In spring there are two fixed appointments in the annual calendar of events that make the historic center even more beautiful. The first is Olbia Spring with activities all dedicated to outdoor sports and active tourism. It usually starts on April 25th and continues for about ten days. You can try many sports, hiking and cultural activities in a perfect period, when it is not yet time to swim in the sea but the temperature in Sardinia is perfect for enjoying nature and outdoor activities.
Also in May then there is Olbia in bloom, when the historic center is transformed into a large garden embellished with floral installations, statues and plant decorations.
