Holidays and tourism in the city of Olbia

As a convenient communal meeting point for the entire surrounding zone, the city of Olbia is frequently described as being the gateway to Sardinia. This expression means that it represents the most convenient and direct point of entry for this beautiful island. Quite apart from the comfort side of things, this Gallurese city has quite a few characteristics not commonly shared by other insular cities. One of these is without doubt the lively night life of the city, the vibrancy of the scene, particularly, but not exclusively, in the long hot summer. The entertainments on offer are unique in Sardinia, constantly being renewed and refreshed. It is without doubt that the proximity of the Costa Smeralda, with its own large selection of locales, has had a large role to play in this. Also very significant is the diversity of origins of the populace of Olbia, in the social and ethnic layering of the city, it is a city of many origins, not just Sardinian. Finally, the coastal population is naturally more vibrant and cosmopolitan than the interior of the island. Today, in the multi-form vitality of the venues available, there are numerous evening or nocturnal meeting points for all ages, for every section of the public and every type of reveler. In the course of a brief nocturnal tour of the city, one mustn't miss some key favourites, such as Seventy Five (tel. 0789-202060) in 58, via Aquedotto: opened in Autumn 2006, this bar is ideal for a middle- road entertainment. One can dine here a la carte, al 'Seventy', or from a fixed menu, listen to music (from Thursday to Saturday there is live music featuring local bands and solo performances) and drink, or even meet a few close friends in a private room.

Another very 'in' locale is without a doubt Boom Boom club in via De Filippi. Right in the centre, it is a fixed reference point for live music and rivers of beer. Il Boom Boom is open from October to May and frequented mostly at the weekend, with crowds from Olbia but also all over Gallura. La Tasca, on the other hand, is the ideal venue for those looking to relax with an aperitif. A relaxed and definitely not frenetic atmosphere, it takes its name and style from the Spanish chain of wine bars. La Tasca also offers breakfast, small meals and cocktails, with its address in 3, via Cavour, right in the heart of the centre. Then there is Capri, another one not to be missed. Traditionally known as Capricorno, it is one of the most noted discos. Or better still, rather a club than a disco according to its faithful client base. Descending the few steps that lead into the club, one is struck by the atmosphere. There is a great selection of DJs, often straight off the national consoles. Not dissimilar is Mclub in Porto Rotondo. Better known by the old name of Mantra, the Mclub is one of a number of fixed destinations for the young set. Open all year. To really dance "a step away from the sea" one needs to go to La Playa in Pittulongu (tel. 0789 398013), managed by the indefatiguable Luca Quiliquini. A 'polynesian' locale, just 20 metres from the beach and the backwash of the sea. An interesting spot, with seats and easy chairs outside, with very well cared-for interiors, with space for a dance piste, fish restaurant and bar. Quiliquini comes direct from the Emilia Romagna Riviera, and his experience shows. It is no exaggeration to say that the sea and the beer is all natural. Beer is one of the fundamental ingredients for a night out in Olbia. The statistics show that Sardinians are among the biggest beer drinkers, Olbia is no exception, with an emphasis on quality. For lovers of beer, there is also Beerland (tel. 0789 22148 www.beerland.it) and it can be found in Piazza Mercato. This locale is inspired by the classical German beer-halls. One can also eat snacks and meat dishes while listening to diverse music. Speaking of movement, a tradition which has by now taken root is to pause a while in Nord Est (tel. 0789 53456) in viale Aldo Moro. This large venue, with outside covered area, under the management of the Bussu brothers, is considered a first class meeting point. But it is also a great pre-disco stop, with an excellent range of wines in the cellar. But these aren't just venues for the local people in the strict sense. Like all maritime cities, Olbia too has its supply of summer venues, in the village of Porto Rotondo.

Right in Porto Rotondo, just 8 km from the centre, there is a concentration of excellent summer locales. Starting with Country Club (0789 34294), a night club which overlooks the hills of the village. In the last few years, a range of fully furnished establishments, offering evening entertainment to match the bathing facilities, have been launched. Two of the most successful examples are: the Fiat Playa café, in the zone of Marinella, and, subsequently, the Peugeot café, not far from the former. This kind of structure, open exclusively from June to September, has been directly influenced by the USA beach club model, specifically Florida. In this way, one can take advantage of everything that the beach has to offer, but combined with this there is a young, fresh atmosphere, with good music all through the evening. One can take the sun, have a dip in the sea, dine in the exclusive restaurant, but also listen to music and sip cocktails among friends. A further reason, therefore, to attract international tourism to Olbia and the surrounding area. As is to be expected of any city worthy of the name, the entertainment doesn't end when the summer season does. There exists also a winter program, reduced but efficient, which is not only for tourists and temporary visitors. At least 30 venues remain open throughout the winter season, running from October to May.