What You Need to Know Before Spending the Day at the Olbia Cruise Port
So you’re docking at the Olbia cruise port in Sardinia, Italy, and wondering what exactly is there to do here?
You’re not alone. When I saw Olbia on our Holland America Adriatic cruise itinerary, I had to do a double-take. It’s not one of those big-name ports like Naples or Barcelona. And to be honest, it’s a relatively new stop for Mediterranean cruise ships, which means it doesn’t come with the polished structure you might be used to at more established ports.
The main thing you need to know is that the Olbia cruise port isn’t the kind of place where you can wander off the ship and hope to stumble across something spectacular to do.
If you arrive without a plan, chances are you’ll end up wandering through a sleepy town wondering if you missed the good stuff (spoiler: you probably did). And that’s exactly what I almost did, until I turned what could have been a mediocre port day into a genuinely beautiful one.
I’m sharing everything I learned from our recent stop in Olbia. I’ll share what’s worth your time, what you can skip, and how to make the most of your day. Whether you want to relax on one of the beaches in Olbia, explore Sardinia’s natural beauty, or explore on a tuk-tuk tour (yes, that’s a thing), this guide will walk you through all the best things to do in Olbia from the cruise port.
Let’s make sure you don’t step off the ship unprepared..
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What to Expect When You Disembark
First off, let’s get our bearings.
Olbia is situated on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, an island renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged landscapes.
Sardinia is where people come to unwind, sip a glass of wine, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Olbia itself is the gateway to the Costa Smeralda, also known as the Emerald Coast. This stretch of coastline is known for being the playground of the rich and famous.
It also overlooks the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, which is pretty impressive if you’re into marine life or want to catch a view of some gorgeous scenery. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you’re just a short hop away from the La Maddalena Archipelago, a group of small islands that feel like they belong in a postcard.
So, yes, Olbia has a lot going for it, but if you don’t have a plan, you might miss out on some of the best stuff. And nobody wants that!
Why You Need a Plan for the Olbia Cruise Port
Olbia is a great jumping-off point, but the town itself isn’t packed with attractions. If you step off the ship at Isola Bianca and try to just “wing it,” you’ll probably end up wandering through a few shops and cafés and calling it a day.
That’s fine if you’re looking for a lazy afternoon, but most of us want a little more bang for our buck, especially when we’re cruising.
Holland America had just added Olbia to its Adriatic cruise itinerary, and unfortunately, it showed. There was little to no organization at the port upon our arrival.
No clear signage. No guides. No transportation information. Nothing. We exited the ship into a bit of a mess.
The port is not walkable to the city center. You’ll need a bus to get into town, and trying to figure out which one to take is confusing.
Thankfully, a few kind younger travelers helped us translate some signs and pointed us in the right direction.
To Holland America’s credit, they were clearly trying to work out the kinks. Buses eventually began to show up to take people to town. However, it felt like a scramble, and several fellow passengers were visibly frustrated by the lack of coordination.
Olbia Cruise Port Things to Do
Once we got to the Olbia city center, things looked up.
Olbia turned out to be adorable. It’s a small city on Sardinia’s northeastern coast, sitting right on the Gulf of Olbia.
The waterfront is charming, featuring a few shops, cafes, and a Ferris wheel that offers lovely views over the city.
If you decide to explore independently, head straight to the Olbia Visitor Center for a free map, which will show you all the key spots around town.
The town itself is pretty compact, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
Stroll the Waterfront and Old Town
We wandered around the Old Town for a bit, which has a relaxed, local vibe.
The Ferris wheel costs a few euros, but the views are totally worth it, especially if you want to snap a few photos.
After your ride, wander down Corso Umberto, the main shopping street in Olbia’s Old Town. This cute street, lined with shops and outdoor cafés, makes the perfect place to stop for a coffee or gelato while you soak in the atmosphere. It’s not a huge area, but it’s a nice way to spend an hour or two.
Olbia might not have the hustle and bustle of other Mediterranean cruise ports, but the charm of its Old Town does offer a relaxed, European feel.
It’s charming, but not super packed with things to do, which is why a little planning goes a long way here.
Olbia Tourist Train
If you want to see more of the town without wearing yourself out, hop on the tourist train.
The small city tourist train operates when cruise ships are in port.
The train makes a loop around Old Town so you can see the main sights from the comfort of your seat.
Tickets cost €5 for adults and €3 for kids and can be purchased from the train attendant. It’s fun, easy, and gives you a quick overview of the city’s highlights.
Olbia Bike Rentals
Another option? Bike rentals!
Olbia is a pretty flat town, so biking is a great way to get around.
You can rent bikes near the port by downloading the Bicincittà app.
Explore at your own pace and return the bike when you are ready to board the ship.
Plus, it’s a good way to work off some of that cruise ship buffet food!
A final option is to book a private tuk-tuk tour, where you’ll hop in a cute little tuk-tuk (think tiny taxi) and zip around town listening to an audio recording about the city features.
Pre-Book an Excursion to Explore Beyond the Port
If there’s one thing I can’t recommend enough, it’s booking an excursion before you arrive.
Seriously, don’t wait until the last minute to figure things out. Olbia isn’t the place to book something when you get off the ship, like you can in other Mediterranean ports, such as Kotor, Montenegro, or Zadar, Croatia.
The Olbia cruise port is more of a ferry port, and most boat excursions do not leave from the same place where you dock.
If you want to visit the La Maddalena Archipelago, which has some of the most beautiful water in Italy, book a boat excursion through your cruise line or check out Shore Excursions Group for more options.
I highly regret not booking a boat tour on our visit.
Beaches in Olbia, Sardinia
Maybe you’re not in the mood for a full-blown excursion, you missed out, or they are just too expensive; then a beach day in Olbia is the next best option.
Getting to the Beach
Getting around Sardinia by bus is quite an adventure. When I say I questioned my life choices for a moment, I’m not exaggerating.
The lovely ladies at the Olbia Visitor Center had us believe getting to the beach was pretty straightforward. They cheerfully pointed us toward the end of the street and said something like, “Just hop on the bus, very easy!” So we did.
And in theory, yes, the local bus does take you to some of the best beaches in Olbia, Sardinia. But in practice? Let’s say it was interesting times for a minute there.
Most people on the bus didn’t speak English, and the stop names weren’t exactly clear or announced at all.
So we did what any seasoned traveler would do: we watched for other riders with towels and flip-flops and followed the ones who looked like they were headed for the beach.
When they got off, we got off.
Then we all kind of silently formed a line and followed a dusty, unpaved road for what felt like forever… until it opened up to one of the most magnificent beach areas.
Crystal-clear water, soft sand, and this sense of finally making it after our semi-chaotic journey.
So, yes, you can absolutely take the bus, but be prepared to pack a little patience and go with the flow. It’s part of the adventure, right?
Beach Time in Olbia
The nearest beach to the Olbia cruise port, Spiaggia Pittulongu, also known as “La Playa,” is picture-perfect, boasting white sand, turquoise waters, and ample space to relax and unwind. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and maybe a good book, and you’re set for the day.
This beach was exactly what we needed after a busy week of travel.
Clear water, soft sand, and total relaxation. The water is shallow with few waves, making it ideal for families.
After our morning adventure to reach the beach, we needed to chill.
We rented a waterfront umbrella and two lounge chairs for about €30 for four hours, paying cash to the on-beach attendant. There were restaurants and bars just a few steps away, making it easy to grab a drink and a snack.
While we were lounging, we noticed more cruise passengers trickling in and learned from them that buses direct to the Olbia beaches started arriving at the cruise port later in the morning.
We happily followed fellow passengers that afternoon to the cruise port bus pick-up area near the beach, paid for the return trip, and got dropped off right by the ship.
Tickets for this bus ride cost €10 each way. Make sure you have cash because the bus does not accept credit cards for payment.
This ride cost a bit more than the local bus, but the direct route was worth it.
Quick Tips for a Smoother Day
- Pre-book your excursion. I can’t say it enough. This port doesn’t have the setup for last-minute plans.
- Bring euros. You’ll need them for beach rentals, buses, snacks, and small shops.
- Use a translation app. Not everyone speaks English, especially at the bus stops.
- Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. I did not see any places to change, unless you use the restaurant restrooms.
- Don’t rely on port staff for help. Have a plan before you get off the ship. No one from our ship was in port to offer assistance to passengers.
Make the Most of Your Olbia Cruise Port Stop
Olbia was a mixed bag. It started out disorganized, but once we found our footing, we had a great day. The town is charming, the beach is stunning, and the overall vibe is laid-back and sunny.
Would I want to wing it here again? Absolutely not. But would I go back with a plan in place? For sure.
So if you have Olbia on your cruise itinerary, know that a little prep goes a long way. Olbia might not be the kind of port where you can just step off the ship and stumble into amazing sights, but with a bit of planning, it can be one of the highlights of your Mediterranean cruise.
Either way, enjoy the day. It’s a lovely little slice of Sardinia.
