Route 1
A walk around Olbia
About 2 hoursCorso Umberto
The main street, with shops and cafés
Church of San Paolo
With its dome of coloured tiles
Basilica of San Simplicio
One of Sardinia's oldest Romanesque churches
Port guide · Italy
Olbia (Sardinia)
The port city of north-east Sardinia and the gateway to the Costa Smeralda. Olbia is quiet and takes an hour or two; most people make the most of the day with a tour to Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda, or a boat trip to the La Maddalena archipelago and its crystal-clear water.
Olbia at a glance
- To the centre
- About 2 km away
- To Porto Cervo
- 40 min by car
- La Maddalena
- Boat trip
- Time needed
- A full day
From the ship to the centre
Ships berth at the Isola Bianca quay, about 2 km from central Olbia. On foot it's 25–30 minutes along a busy road; on cruise days there's usually a shuttle into the centre, and taxis too.
ShuttleRecommended
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: As announced at the terminal
Drops you near the centre
Taxi
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: Ask the price first
Also for the Costa Smeralda: agree the price and the return time to the port in advance
On foot
Time: 25–30 minApprox. price: Free
Along the port road to the centre
Shuttle stops and fares are announced at the terminal; the Costa Smeralda is far away: allow at least an hour to get back to the ship.
Suggested routes
Route 2
Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo
About 5 hoursPorto Cervo is the harbour of the superyachts, and along the way the coves have emerald-coloured water. It's about 30 km from Olbia with few buses: a tour or a pre-booked taxi is the easiest way.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Route 3
La Maddalena archipelago
About 6–7 hoursThe islands are a national park, with water so clear you can see the bottom. You drive to Palau and take the boat from there: an organised tour is the easiest way.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Good to know
- Costa Smeralda beaches get crowded in summer: towel, sun protection and water.
- Porto Cervo is a luxury harbour: eating and drinking there is expensive.
- Try Vermentino di Gallura white wine.
- Many shops close from midday until mid-afternoon.
Already booked with VIAJES FH?
Your advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
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Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Klaus Bärwinkel / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0