The territory of Olbia has been inhabited since the VIII Century B.C. although the city itself was founded by the Carthaginians no earlier than about VI Century B.C.  Right from the beginning, the harbour was of significant importance to the city's economy, especially due to its corn export industry which has constituted its main source of revenue.
The word "Olbia" means a "happy town" (cittą felice), even though the city's past has been rather difficult.  Olbia was destroyed and reconstructed many times throughout its history.  This may be the reason for the loss of its original name, during various dominations of the area, which was finally regained in 1939.
In the 60's, Olbia underwent a real demographical boom and extensive tourism development of the area.
Nowadays, the city's population is over 50 000 and extends over a surface bigger than the city of Sassari - the capital of province.  This expansion has been achieved thanks partially to Olbia's harbour, which has became the most important port for passengers in Italy, and partially because of its international airport.
Among its significant monuments is the city's ex Cathedral, situated in the old town and dedicated to St. Simplicio, bishop of Olbia martyred under the Diocletian Emperor in the III century A.D.  The church was constructed in three different phases from the XI and the XII Centuries and over a Roman Necropolis, the remains of which are still visible inside the church (i.e. memorial tablets).
Olbia has also become famous because of the recent archaeological discovery of 24 ship wrecks - 2 of them from the age of Nero and 16 from the V century A.D.  The remaining 6 come from the Judicial period.  The wrecks were found during the construction of the road's new tunnel.
Only few kilometres from Olbia is the Pedres Castle (Castello di Pedes).  Its style of construction comes from the Judicial period of the Visconti in Gallura.  Another castle, Castello di Sa Paulazza, is situated on the small hill and is of Byzantine origin.  It's square-shaped and has 4 corner towers in the area where an antique Nuraghe rose in the period when Emperor Giustiniano conquered Sardinia in 534 A.D.  The stones from Nuraghe were used for the construction of the castle.
Hence, Olbia is not only a destination for vacationers passing through the Costa Smeralda; it has become a true tourist location able to satisfy even the needs of the most demanding.