Dive into the Blue of Sardinia: The most Beautiful Beaches in and around Olbia

The beauty of Sardinia lies most of all in its exclusive and easy-to-reach destinations. In particular, out of the various areas in the northern part of the island, Olbia is among the best cities for a beach holiday.

In this article you will discover the most beautiful beaches on the north-east coast where you can go for a complete and unforgettable stay.

Beaches in the city, relaxation within walking distance of Olbia’s centre

Why choose Olbia? We recommend this destination mainly for 2 reasons:

1. It is very easy to reach given its numerous connections with the rest of the island and the mainland.
2. Its many different beaches along the east coast of the island are all easy to reach.

Olbia offers the possibility of enjoying a day at the beach without giving up city life. About 10-20 minutes by car or bus you can visit some of the best-known coastal resorts. Here they are:

• Pittulongu Beach: this beach is also nicknamed ‘la Playa’ and is among the most visited by tourists. It is characterised by shiny sand and crystal-clear water. About 7 km from the centre of Olbia, it is possible to get there by car and public transport, as well as having the possibility of parking your car for free. What is more, it has bars and restaurants on the beach; ideal for those who like to have aperitifs outdoors by the sea.
• Punta Pedrosa beach: this tourist village is located just 3 kilometres north of Pittulongu. It can be easily reached by public transport and by car, with the possibility of parking in front of the beach. The distinguishing feature of this beach compared to the others – apart from its light and fine sand grains with shades tending to grey – lies above all in the shape of the shore that divides into two perfect coves.
• Le Saline beach: About 15 minutes from Olbia, Le Saline is a free beach that is special for its clear water and white sand. The wide spaces make it a wonderful place for those who especially enjoy spending days at the beach with the family.

In addition, a few metres away, there is an area dedicated to those who like to walk their four-legged friends on the beach, called ‘Dog Beach: Le Saline‘.

The beaches of the north-east coast with a view of Tavolara Island

If you are looking for special scenery not far from the city of Olbia, then you will love the north-eastern coastline showing the panorama of Tavolara, known not only for its exceptional landscape but also as the world’s smallest kingdom about 6 km large and 1 km wide.

The majesty of this miniature island characterised by greenery is clearly visible from the various coastlines of Sardinia and even from Montalbo and Corsica. It can also be admired by spending a day at the beach at one of the picturesque beaches you can visit a few kilometres south of Olbia.

• The first one we would like to present to you is Bados beach: lying on the north-eastern side of the island, just opposite Tavolara. Bados beach has a vast expanse of fine sand with light grey hues, while the shallow sandy seabed is ideal for children. There are several bathing establishments with all amenities, as well as nearby restaurants, pizzerias, markets and B&Bs.
• Another tip not to be missed is the Pellicano beach: it is located between Bados and Pittulongu beaches, a 15-minute drive from Olbia. The Pellicano beach is characterised by white sand and turquoise sea from which beautiful, scenic rocks emerge. Although it is mostly free, there is the possibility of renting beach umbrellas, sunbeds and equipment in organised water sports facilities.
• Spiaggia di Mare e rocce (Sea and Rocks Beach): here the stretch of coastline is right in front of the island of Tavolara, and it is one of the best places to admire it and get there. The beach is particularly narrow and has the typical colours of the Costa Smeralda: the bright white of the fine sand and the sky-blue of the clear sea. In addition, it is equipped with all the necessary facilities to spend an unforgettable day by the sea.
• Porto Istana is only 13 km away from the town. This beach is special for its fine sand and clear, crystal-clear, flat water. It is also perfect for snorkelling and every time you stick your head out of the water you will find the silhouette of Tavolara watching you.

Well-known and very popular during the summer season, it never disappoints. We are talking about San Teodoro: a paradise for birdwatchers, for its wetland area with its Mediterranean “macchia” around the lagoon, and for its paradisiacal coves just a stone’s throw from the town. But in addition to all this, San Teodoro is also a country of nightlife, where one can spend the evenings with friends in the various discos – that also provide a shuttle transport – such as “Ambra Night” and “Luna Glam Club”, or just stroll through the streets and clubs of the town centre. Its beaches are dreamy, the most famous is called La Cinta, but there are numerous picturesque coves in the municipal area.

The last stop on our itinerary among the most beautiful beaches south of Olbia is Porto San Paolo. Its location makes it easy to reach its clean beaches and town once you arrive in the city. Moreover, very close to its small but enchanting beach, it is possible to visit the Tavolara Island. For just under a 20.00€ round trip, you can spend a day on a boat thanks to the diversified rental services.

Solutions for your holiday south of Olbia

If you are looking for an accommodation close to these wonderful beaches, we at SardiniaNatour offer you some of our accommodations with every comfort for a completely relaxing stay.

• In the San Teodoro area you will find everything from the best agritourisms such as Su Vrau or the Hotel Maria Caderina Green Village.
• In Porto Istana, you will find two of our accommodations in the Romasinu flats just 800 metres from the beach.
• If you are looking for accommodation in the Porto San Paolo area to have a full view of Tavolara, you will find several offers such as our hotel rooms at the Hotel Relais Fenicottero Rosa.

From Golfo Aranci to Cannigione: a myriad of coves on the Gallura Coast

From the southernmost to the northernmost areas of the city, in a tongue of land overlooking the Gulf of Olbia; here, the historic Golfo Aranci is the perfect place for those who prefer to stay outside the city or for those who like to venture into the natural oasis characterised by fascinating coves with incredible colours. Here is an itinerary of the best coves to visit from Golfo Aranci to Cannigione, all of which can be easily reached by following the coastal road.

• Cala Moresca: so called because of the two beaches divided only by a group of rocks. A small, reserved cove, only a 15-minute walk from the car park; the cove is excellent for spending a particularly relaxing and quiet day or for venturing out trekking, while the water on this crystal-clear beach is perfect for water sports such as snorkelling;
• Beach Bianca is also special: it is located a few kilometres from Olbia, in the municipality of Golfo Aranci. The uniqueness of this beach is due to its very shallow and crystal-clear seabed (ideal for families with children), and its natural landscape that makes it a wild place. In addition, it is equipped with all amenities: a refreshment area, a walkway for disabled access and the possibility of hiring bathing equipment.
• Cala Greca is part of the Capo Figari Regional Nature Reserve and is one of the most beautiful places in Golfo Aranci. It is characterised by pinkish rocks with no sand, washed by crystal-clear waters and with shallow waters suitable for diving, ideal for beginners who want to dedicate themselves to the discovery of marine wonders.
• Cala Sabina is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Gallura. It is a wide sandy shore of fine white sand, surrounded by junipers and Mediterranean scrub. The crystal-clear turquoise water makes it unique.
• Caletta delle Tartarughe a few minutes away from Cala Sabina – a fabulous beach of fine sand and transparent seabed. The cove is most famous for its rocks that resemble the shape of a turtle.
• Cala dei Ginepri is a secluded and uncrowded spot, characterised by a series of coves one after the other, all easily reached by a path from the designated parking areas. This coastline is perfect for watching the sunset.
• Cannigione: arrived at the end of this route, the last seaside village we suggest is a hamlet of the municipality of Arzachena, one of the north-eastern tourist resorts of Sardinia, and the island’s number one visitor destination. Enclosed within its territory are the renowned and luxurious holiday destinations of the Consorzio Costa Smeralda, such as Cannigione, which overlooks the Gulf of Arzachena and has a shoreline of light-coloured, coarse-grained sand and a turquoise-blue seabed, where one can enjoy a sumptuous experience.

Where to stay in the area

To enjoy your summer experience in the wonderful beaches we have just told you about, we have several solutions at your disposal to offer you an excellent stay during your holiday. We suggest sleeping in the heart of the Gallura or Golfo Aranci.

How to get to Olbia and its beaches

Getting to Olbia to enjoy its beaches is very simple. The town in north-eastern Sardinia boasts numerous connections by sea, land and air.

In fact, Olbia has both its own airport, very close to the city and a naval port where ferries such as Moby and Tirrenia dock. Even the nearby Golfo Aranci can be reached by ferry from the peninsula.

Olbia is also the terminal point of the main Sardinian road artery: the SS131. Finally, the gallurese city is also the terminus of the railway line that connects Olbia with Cagliari, passing through the other main island centres such as Sassari and Oristano.

Once you have reached the city’s destination, you can get around in various ways. The city centre can be easily explored by bicycle or on foot. In case you do not have a car to visit the beaches we have mentioned, there are public ASPO lines that make it easy to reach the various beaches in the area, such as:

– Line 4 Sacra Famiglia– (every twenty minutes) to the hamlets of Pittulongu: La Playa, Lo Squalo, Mare Rocce, Pellicano, Bados

– Line 5 Porto Rotondo – Porto Istana (every hour) to visit the ‘VIP area’ of the Costa Smeralda.

You can also travel around the north-east coast with the ARST transport services. You can move around the different coasts and towns by car or by bicycle, travelling along the SS 125 or the SP82.