The Province of Olbia Tempio is located in the far north-eastern corner of Sardinia. It borders the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east, the Province of Nuoro to the south, and the Province of Sassari to the west. It stretches for almost 3,400 square kilometres, with a population of about 154,000 inhabitants, comprising a total of 26 municipalities.
The provincial territory largely coincides with the historical region of Gallura (with the exception of the municipalities of Viddalba and Erula, part of Sassari), and includes the Costa Smeralda, the Maddalena Archipelago, the Montacuto region, part of Baronie and the eastern side of Lake Coghinas.
Granite outcrops dominate the landscape of Gallura, forming rugged shapes and distinctive lines, sculpted over millennia by the elements and enclosing the region in a natural amphitheatre.
The mountainous relief of Gallura, dominated by Mount Limbara to the south (reaching 1,350 meters), acts as a barrier that increases the sense of isolation. This isolation has preserved the unique identity and character of the region over time. One of Gallura’s unique features is its dialect, similar to Corsican and the southern dialect of Corsica.
Many associate this part of Sardinia exclusively with the Costa Smeralda, the glamorous and luxurious coastal stretch. But the province has much more to offer:
The inland areas are less inhabited and rich in ancient traditions, dry-stone walls, oaks, strawberry trees and wild myrtle.
The Limbara massif is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
The northern coast is known for spectacular beaches and strong winds, ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The Costa Smeralda, famous worldwide for its luxury and glamour, offers crystal-clear waters, protected bays, and exclusive yacht marinas.
To the north-east, the coast is jagged and filled with fjords, coves and islets, including the Maddalena Archipelago, which serves as a passage to Corsica.
Throughout the territory are numerous prehistoric archaeological sites:
The tomb of the giants of Li Lolghi and the necropolis of Li Muri.
The nuragic temples of Malchittu and Albucciu.
The Alzachena-Arzachena route features one of the richest archaeological areas in the region.
Gallura is also known for its artistic craftsmanship, particularly in copper, iron and lead processing.
At Olbia there is one of Sardinia’s three main airports, the Olbia Costa Smeralda International Airport. It welcomes flights from major Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Bergamo, Verona, Florence and Turin, as well as international and charter flights from Paris, London and Frankfurt.
Olbia is also home to one of the island’s main ports, served by Moby Lines, Snav, Tirrenia, Grandi Navi Veloci and DimaioLines; ships arrive from Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno, Piombino, Naples and Salerno.
Another important port is Golfo Aranci, served by Corsica Sardinia Ferries, Tirrenia and DimaioLines; in summer, ships arrive from Civitavecchia, Livorno, and only in summer, from Fiumicino, Piombino, Bastia and Naples.
Other ports include Santa Teresa di Gallura and the commercial port of Palau.
The port of Santa Teresa di Gallura connects Sardinia with Bonifacio, in Corsica.
Palau is connected to Naples and Genoa by DimaioLines; it also offers regular routes to La Maddalena.
Tourism Office
+39 0789 52104
Medical Guard
+39 0789 552441 Olbia
+39 0789 65460 San Pantaleo
Police
+39 0789 641059 Costa Smeralda Airport
+39 0789 28585 Maritime Station
Carabinieri
+39 0789 67216 Switchboard
Municipal Police Department
+39 0789 52002
Port Authority Olbia-Golfo Aranci
+39 0789 204179 +39 0789 204180
+39 0789 204179 Telefax
Taxi
+39 0789 22718 +39 0789 24251 C.so Umberto I
+39 0789 69150 Costa Smeralda Airport
+39 0789 35791 Via Del Molo
Public Bus Services ARST
+39 0789 5553004 Information
+39 0789 21197 Ticket Office
Urban Bus Services ASPO
+39 0789 5553800 Information
