Cheap holiday in Olbia

When is the best time to go?

May to September is beach weather with 24 to 31 degrees and warm sea. June and September are ideal: lovely weather without the Italian August crowds and peak prices. July and August are the hottest and busiest, with the priciest hotels and packed beaches. In low season (November to March) the Costa Smeralda is quiet and many beach bars are closed.

The best areas around Olbia

• Centro Storico The old town around Corso Umberto I and Piazza Regina Margherita: cafes, shops and the Romanesque Basilica di San Simplicio.
• Pittulongu The closest city beach, about 6 km north, with fine sand and views of Tavolara island.
• Porto Istana and Capo Ceraso Turquoise little bays close to town, perfect for snorkelling, with the silhouette of Tavolara on the horizon.
• San Teodoro About 30 minutes south: La Cinta and Cala Brandinchi, the turquoise Little Tahiti of Sardinia.
• Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo Around 40 minutes north: the chic marina and glamorous beaches such as Liscia Ruja and Spiaggia del Principe.

Top 5 things to do in Olbia

• Basilica di San Simplicio The best preserved Romanesque church in Sardinia, from the 12th century, right in the centre, with a small donation.
• Cala Brandinchi The turquoise Little Tahiti, about 30 minutes by car; paid parking in high season, so arrive before 9.30 am.
• Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo Stroll past the yachts and designer shops and dive into the emerald sea at Spiaggia del Principe.
• Tavolara island Join a boat trip from Porto San Paolo to the striking limestone rock off the coast.
• Museo Archeologico By the harbour, with shipwrecks, Roman anchors and amphorae; often free or a small ticket.

Flights, transport and car hire from the Netherlands

In summer (May to October) you fly direct from Amsterdam to Olbia (OLB) in about 2 hours 25, with Transavia and easyJet; Transavia also flies direct from Eindhoven. Out of season you fly with a connection. The airport is just 4 km from the centre: city bus 2 or 10 takes you into town in fifteen minutes (ticket via the MooneyGo app or machine), a taxi costs about 15 euro.

For the turquoise coves and the Costa Smeralda a rental car is almost essential: Cala Brandinchi is a 30-minute drive, by bus you are on the road for almost 2 hours. Compare rental cars in Olbia to explore the finest beaches of northern Sardinia at your own pace.

What does a holiday in Olbia cost?

B&Bs and hostels from 30 euro, mid-range hotels 80 to 150 euro per night (much higher in July and August), apartments around 110 euro. Food is reasonably priced: pizza 8 to 10 euro, a primo 10 to 14 euro, dinner 25 to 30 euro. A rental car costs from about 35 euro per day. For a week budget from 520 euro per person including a direct summer flight.

What does a holiday to Olbia cost per month?

Prices vary significantly by season. The smart traveller books in May, June or September: pleasantly warm, uncrowded and considerably cheaper than the summer peak.

Outside the summer season (November to March) direct flights from the Netherlands are rare. You then fly via Milan or Rome, which increases travel time but keeps costs comparable.

The most beautiful beaches near Olbia

Olbia is less than an hour's drive from Sardinia's most famous beaches. A hire car is almost essential to reach them, but the effort is more than worthwhile.

Tip: Arrive early (before 9 am) at popular beaches like Cala Brandinchi in August, otherwise you risk not finding a parking space. Beaches like Porto Istana are far less known and considerably quieter.

Car hire in Olbia: what does it cost and what should you know?

Olbia Airport (OLB) has all major rental companies on site. Book in advance, because in July and August cars are sold out or three times more expensive than in spring.

• Small car (Fiat Panda etc.): from €25-40 per day in May/September, from €60-90 per day in August.
• Insurance: always take Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but watch the excess. Travel insurance with a car hire module is often cheaper than the on-site option.
• Minimum age: most companies require 21 years, sometimes 25 for larger categories. Keep your driving licence ready.
• Fuel: petrol stations are plentiful in Olbia; along the Costa Smeralda they are scarcer. Fill up in Olbia before heading to the beaches.