Olbia Ferries

The port of Olbia plays a key role in the ferry network of Italy, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 3 ferry routes operated by 5 ferry companies, Olbia serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Olbia, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Civitavecchia - Olbia connecting Olbia with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines, Corsica Ferries run regular services from Olbia, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Olbia offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Olbia is well-connected to mainland Italy and beyond through multiple transportation options. The city is served by Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport with regular connections to major Italian cities and European hubs, just 4 km from the ferry terminal. If traveling by train, the railway station sits conveniently in the city center, about 1.5 km from the port with regular bus connections. Drivers can access Olbia via the SS125 and SS131 highways, with several parking options available near the ferry terminal, including both short-term and long-term facilities. A free shuttle bus often operates between the main parking areas and the port during peak season.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Olbia serves as a vital maritime gateway to this stunning Italian island. This charming port city blends ancient history with modern coastal living, where narrow streets of the historic center lead to bustling cafés and shops. As your ferry glides into port, you'll be greeted by the warm Mediterranean sun and the promise of Sardinia's legendary Costa Smeralda just beyond the harbor.

Olbia enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The prime visiting window falls between May and October, when temperatures range from a pleasant 22°C to a sun-soaked 30°C, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. July and August mark the height of tourist season with maximum ferry services but also larger crowds and premium prices. June and September offer an ideal balance of warm weather, swimming-friendly sea temperatures, and more breathing room at local attractions. Winter visitors will find a more authentic local atmosphere, though some seasonal businesses close and ferry schedules become more limited.

Olbia serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Mediterranean by sea. Regular ferry services connect to Livorno, Genoa, and Civitavecchia on the Italian mainland, with journeys ranging from 5-10 hours depending on the route and vessel type. The French island of Corsica lies just a short ferry ride to the north, with Bonifacio reachable in about an hour by fast ferry. For island-hopping adventures, consider the stunning La Maddalena archipelago, accessible via a short ferry connection from nearby Palau. The scenic route along Sardinia's northeastern coast offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and turquoise waters, making the journey itself a memorable part of your travel experience.

Olbia rewards visitors with a blend of historical sites and natural beauty within easy reach of the port. Begin at the archaeological marvel of San Simplicio Basilica, a Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century. For history enthusiasts, the Archaeological Museum houses the remains of ancient Roman ships alongside artifacts spanning thousands of years. Just minutes from the port, Pittulongu Beach offers golden sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for a post-journey swim. Food lovers should sample authentic Sardinian cuisine, particularly the local seafood risotto and suckling pig (porceddu), paired with Vermentino wine from nearby vineyards. The evening passeggiata (stroll) along Corso Umberto showcases local life at its most authentic.

Though its name means 'happy' in Greek, Olbia was actually founded by the Carthaginians before becoming an important Roman port. The waters surrounding Olbia harbor a remarkable maritime secret: over 60 shipwrecks dating from ancient times to World War II rest on the seabed, making it a treasure trove for underwater archaeologists. Despite being Sardinia's busiest passenger port today, welcoming over 2.5 million travelers annually, Olbia remained a small fishing village until the 1960s when tourism transformed the Costa Smeralda. The nearby island of Tavolara was once the smallest kingdom in the world, with a royal family granted sovereignty by King Charles Albert of Sardinia in 1836.