Most visitors to Sardinia know Olbia as a starting point for exploring the Costa Smeralda on a Mediterranean yacht.

Located on its own islet, the archaeological museum will give you an insight into Olbia’s Greek founding, the later clashes between the Carthaginians and the Romans, and the city’s maritime history, including the remains of a cargo ship pulled out of the harbor 2,000 years ago.

If you head inland and explore the streets of Olbia, you’ll find such gems as the beautiful Basilica of San Simplicio and other Pisa-style churches that appeared in the 11th and 12th centuries.

The busiest center of the city is the colorful Corso Umberto, where there are many stores leading to the beautiful promenade.

Further on, in the quiet Piazza Margherita, charming with its old stone buildings, you can take a relaxing afternoon stroll, after which you can return to the boat.