The city of Olbia, rich in history and now a commercial and logistics hub in northeastern Sardinia, overlooks the Gulf of the same name. It is the largest city in Gallura and the island’s fourth-largest city in terms of population (just over 60,000). With its port and international airport, Olbia is the main gateway to eastern Sardinia.
The city is famous for its beautiful beaches and its proximity to the Costa Smeralda, but it is also a place marked by the passage of numerous ancient populations, such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Traces of this presence remain in various parts of the city (such as the ancient Punic walls visible on Via Torino) and in numerous archaeological sites just a few minutes’ drive away. Many of the artifacts discovered during excavations are also preserved in the National Archaeological Museum.
In the city, you can relax at Fausto Noce Park, shop along the streets of the historic center, enjoy a drink or dinner in one of the many restaurants and bars, or take a stroll along the new promenade. Thanks to its strategic location and easy connections to Italy and abroad, Olbia is an excellent starting point for a vacation in northeastern Sardinia, with stunning beaches just a few minutes’ drive away. At our car rental agency in Olbia, you can rent cars for your vacation or business trip, as well as vans and commercial vehicles of various types.
Inhabited since ancient times, Olbia and its surrounding area offer not only a splendid sea but also numerous relics from the Nuragic period and beyond. Among the various archaeological sites in the Olbia area, just a few minutes’ drive from the city, the Giants’ Tomb of Su Monte de S’Abe, the Riu Mulinu nuraghe, and the Nuragic Sacred Well of Sa Testa are well worth a visit. In the city center, you can see the ruins of the ancient Punic walls, while in the industrial area, you can find some remains of a Roman aqueduct. For hiking enthusiasts, we recommend a visit to the nearby Castello di Pedres, dating back to the Giudicati era, perched on a hill overlooking the Olbia plain. Other places to see in Olbia include the 18-hectare Fausto Noce Park (the largest urban park in Sardinia), the Romanesque Basilica of San Simplicio, and the Church of San Paolo (famous for its majolica dome).
And what about the sea? You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches: among the most beautiful and famous are Porto Istana, Pittulongu, Punta Pedrosa, Bados, and Le Saline. Along the coast, just a few kilometers from Olbia, are the famous towns of Porto San Paolo, San Teodoro, Porto Rotondo, and Porto Cervo. The Olbia area also offers numerous natural attractions, including the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, which includes the islands of Tavolara, Molara, and Molarotto.
Here are the things not to miss if you find yourself in Olbia:
Basilica San Simplicio
Tavolara Island
Baja Sardinia
If you’re coming to Olbia to begin your Sardinian road trip, our car rental agency in the city offers a wide selection of vehicles for every need: from compact cars to cars with spacious trunks, Autonoleggi Demontis ensures consistently efficient vehicles and punctual, professional service. For those in Olbia for business, we offer commercial vehicle rentals for transporting goods and passengers, including various types of vans and cars for any type of travel, within the city or in northern Sardinia.
Between land and sea, Olbia’s cuisine encompasses the traditions of typical Gallura cuisine and the most delicious seafood. From the sea come the famous mussels, farmed throughout the Gulf, oysters and bottarga, shellfish, and fresh fish that grace the tables of the city’s restaurants every day. From the more rural and pastoral Gallura tradition, typical dishes include “cuata” (“hidden”) soup, made with stale bread, cheese, and sheep’s milk broth, sweet ricotta ravioli (but topped with sauce!), and mazza frissa, made with cream and durum wheat semolina blended to form a creamy mixture that can be used as a pasta sauce or eaten as is, even sweetened with a little honey.
Whether you’re looking for fresh fish or want to try Gallura cuisine, here are our tips for where to eat in Olbia:
Traditional Sardinian cuisine, from both seafood and meat, is served in a historic restaurant in the center of Olbia. This welcoming, family-run restaurant seats 70 and offers the freshest catch of the day and a carefully selected selection of Sardinian meats and cured meats. Perfect for those seeking home-style cooking with authentic, local ingredients, for a dinner with friends or family.
Sardinian and Gallura cuisine, with a focus on seafood, defines the menu at this restaurant on Viale Aldo Moro in Olbia. Known for its generous portions and excellent appetizers, it offers consistently fresh seafood and a fine selection of national and local wines. Guests can also dine al fresco on cool summer evenings.
An all-female staff has created Piperita Patty, a place where Sardinian tradition is presented in an original and modern way. The pairings are sophisticated, the plating is meticulously crafted, and the decor is unusual and intriguing. The atmosphere is informal and convivial, the perfect setting for joyfully savoring the Chef’s reinterpretations.
Whether in the city center or in a more secluded and relaxing location, Olbia offers numerous hotels, B&Bs, and vacation homes where you can stay overnight while enjoying top-notch services and delicious breakfasts. We’ve chosen three different properties, all sharing the same high-quality services, allowing those in Olbia for business or pleasure to enjoy a comfortable and worry-free stay.
Here’s where you can stay if you find yourself in Olbia:
Located in the center of Olbia, this 4-star hotel offers modern and functional rooms and a convenient indoor parking garage available upon reservation, ideal if you’re arriving by car from the airport. A generous buffet breakfast is served each morning, ensuring a great start to your day of vacation or work. A wellness area and gym are also available to guests.
The name derives from its romantic location: a hilltop from which to enjoy the moonlight reflecting on the sea and the city. This 4-star hotel offers rooms, suites, and, during the summer, a swimming pool with solarium. For romantic dinners and evenings with friends, try the restaurant, serving traditional specialties on the panoramic terrace or in the air-conditioned indoor dining room.
The Jazz Hotel is located just 500 meters from Olbia Airport, making it extremely convenient for those arriving in the city by plane. Designed for business travelers, it’s also perfect for those visiting Olbia on vacation and looking for a convenient base from which to explore the area’s many beaches. In addition to modern and comfortable rooms, it offers guests a swimming pool, a relaxation area with a Turkish bath, several meeting rooms, and an excellent restaurant.
Compact and versatile for getting around the city for both business and pleasure, our fleet of cars in Olbia can meet any need for a city car or a small yet comfortable vehicle. Contact our offices or fill out the form at the bottom of the page to request information and choose your next small car rental in Olbia.
For those who need larger trunks or larger vehicles that are still comfortable both in the city and on longer journeys, our agency offers agile and dynamic rental vehicles suitable for all types of travel. We also have models available for those seeking a luxury vehicle for a business trip or a special event.
Small, medium, large, box-type, or refrigerated: if you need a van rental in Olbia for work or a move, we’re sure to have the right one for you. With Autonoleggi Demontis, you can choose the vehicle that best suits your business needs, confident in the knowledge that you’ll always have efficient and safe vehicles to accompany you on your daily commute.
With this service, you can benefit from emergency roadside assistance from our company, even for non-mechanical breakdowns, such as a flat battery or a flat tire. Request it from our staff when you rent your car at the airport, and if you need assistance, you’ll receive immediate assistance with just a phone call.
Travel with peace of mind with our comprehensive protection package: you can benefit from various coverages, including waiver of financial liability for damage and theft, and extended roadside assistance. Request information at our offices at the airport and choose the protection package you prefer when you rent.
Choose flexible and transparent rental options and enjoy free cancellation in the event of unforeseen circumstances. With Autonoleggi Demontis, you can cancel your rental up to 48 hours in advance for prepaid reservations and up to the day of rental for cash-on-collection reservations.
Complete the form to request information about renting small or large cars or commercial vehicles with pickup in Olbia.
Demontis Car Rentals will find the solution best suited to your travel needs for vacation or business.
