Porto Taverna: the perfect beach to stay for a dream vacation
The beach of Porto Taverna is one of the most enchanting places on the northeastern coast of Sardinia. Just a few kilometers from Porto San Paolo, it is one of the destinations most loved by those seeking crystal-clear sea, fine sand, and a breathtaking view of the islands. This article will guide you through the beach of Porto Taverna, illustrating its features, the best services available, and accommodation options to help you book your next vacation in this corner of paradise.
What makes Porto Taverna one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia?
Porto Taverna is often considered among the most beautiful beaches in Italy thanks to its light sand, clear water, and spectacular view of the island of Tavolara. The sea here is calm and colors range from turquoise to deep blue, perfect for swimming and long swims in complete relaxation. The white sand makes every walk enjoyable, and the landscape is framed by a scenic lagoon and a long wooden walkway leading to the adjacent countryside.
Where is Porto Taverna and how to reach it?
Located about 15 km from Olbia, Porto Taverna is easily accessible by car, both from the airport and the port. It is situated in the northeastern part of Sardinia, between the municipality of Loiri Porto San Paolo and San Teodoro, in a region renowned for the beauty of its beaches. Access to the beach is well signposted and there are ample parking areas, some of which are free and others paid.
Where to park
Near the beach, you will find several parking areas, all just a few minutes’ walk from the shore:
- Paid parking near the main entrance — see on OpenStreetMap (40.85503, 9.65134)
- East side parking area, convenient for the southern part of the bay — see on OpenStreetMap (40.85421, 9.65662)
- Municipal paid parking (not supervised) — see on OpenStreetMap (40.85909, 9.65263)
What is the beach of Porto Taverna like?
The beach of Porto Taverna is long and wide, ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. The seabed is shallow for tens of meters, perfect even for children. The sea has a crystal-clear transparency, making each swim feel like a tropical experience. In front rises the impressive island of Tavolara, dominating the horizon and offering a unique panorama. Just 80 meters from the shore begins the deep water zone, ideal for those who love to swim or explore with masks and fins.
What activities can you do in Porto Taverna?
In Porto Taverna, you will find all the services you need to enjoy a worry-free day at the beach. There are several bars and restaurants along the bay where you can savor dishes from the local cuisine or simply sip a drink with a view of Tavolara. The rental of sunbeds and umbrellas is available, as well as the rental of boats and canoes to explore the islands of Tavolara and Molara or the surrounding coast. Some establishments also offer beach clubs with music and sunset aperitifs.
see the boat trips to Tavolara
Are there residences in Porto Taverna?
The area of Porto Taverna is rich in options for staying just steps from the sea. You can easily find a beachfront apartment equipped with every comfort, or establishments immersed in nature, with a view of the sea and the islands. For those looking for more practical solutions, there are small residences and vacation homes with a kitchen equipped, ideal for families or groups. The proximity to Porto San Paolo and San Teodoro further expands the offerings of available accommodations.
Hotel Residence Lu Nibareddu
Location: Monte Petrosu (15–1500 m from Porto Taverna)
Village-residence immersed in the Mediterranean scrub with a view of the bay. 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants, and summer shuttle to the beach.
Residence La Rosa
Location: Loiri Porto San Paolo (about 2 km from Porto Taverna)
Vacation apartments in a peaceful environment, ideal for families and couples. Excellent base for visiting the surrounding beaches.
see the accommodations Loiri Porto San Paolo
Restaurants in Porto Taverna
La Tavernetta Restaurant
Location and atmosphere
Located directly on the beach of Porto Taverna, this restaurant boasts an elegant veranda just a few meters from the water, with an unbeatable view of Tavolara Island. The atmosphere is refined yet informal, ideal for a romantic dinner or a lunch with a view. Recently renovated, it offers a modern and welcoming design.
Type of cuisine and menu
The cuisine focuses on fresh fish dishes. Among the specialties are seafood appetizers, first courses such as paccheri with scorpion fish ragù or fish ravioli, and second courses like grilled catch of the day or classic mixed fried fish. There are also land dishes for those who do not like fish, as well as artisanal desserts. The wine list includes excellent local labels, including Vermentino, perfect for pairing with seafood dishes.
Prices
A complete fish dinner with wine is around 40 euros per person. The price reflects the quality of the ingredients, the care in preparation, and above all the exclusive location.
Tavernetta Beach (kiosk on the sand)
Next to the restaurant, right on the beach, is the beach bar. Here you can enjoy cold dishes, salads, gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, and cocktails, in a relaxed and youthful atmosphere. Sunset aperitifs, themed evenings with DJ sets, and live music are often organized.
Marco Grill Bar
This venue is also located on the beach of Porto Taverna, with a large terrace overlooking the sea and direct views of Tavolara. The atmosphere is more informal compared to Tavernetta, with a warm welcome and friendly service. The venue also features a visible kitchen.
Type of cuisine and menu
The gastronomic offering is varied but clearly leans towards fish. The menu includes fregola sarda with seafood, linguine with clams and bottarga, mixed fry, mixed grilled fish, and crispy octopus. Meat dishes and international options are also available.
Prices
The prices are reasonable compared to the context: ranging from 10 to 24 euros for main dishes, making it suitable for both lunches and dinners without breaking the bank. It's highly appreciated for its good quality-price ratio.
Reviews and reputation
Many customers describe excellent experiences, highlighting the quality of the fregola, the goodness of the octopus, and the light, crispy frying. The courtesy of the staff and the pleasant atmosphere are often mentioned.
What to see around Porto Taverna?
In the surroundings of Porto Taverna, there are some of the most picturesque nearby beaches in northern Sardinia. To the south, you can reach La Cinta, the emblematic beach of San Teodoro, with its 5 km of sand and shallow waters in just a few minutes. Moving north, you will find Lu Impostu, Cala Brandinchi, and Coda Cavallo, all easily accessible by car and ideal for a different day at the sea. Each place offers unique landscapes and opportunities to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Sardinia and Italy.
see the boat trips to Tavolara
What services are available in Porto Taverna?
In addition to relaxing on the beach, Porto Taverna offers various activities to make your vacation even more complete. You can take part in a boat trip to discover the islands of Tavolara and Molara, with opportunities for snorkeling or stopping at the most beautiful and secluded coves. Nature lovers can venture into the trails of the protected marine area, or practice yoga on the beach at sunrise. There are also options for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply walking along the shore with your towel on your back, enjoying the sun.
Why book a vacation in Porto Taverna?
Booking a vacation in Porto Taverna means immersing yourself in a postcard-like landscape. The perfect combination of nature, sea, and services makes this stretch of Sardinia ideal for those seeking an authentic yet comfortable experience. The beach is large enough not to feel crowded, even during peak season, and the proximity to centers like Olbia, Porto San Paolo, and San Teodoro guarantees every type of comfort, from shops to restaurants, excursions to nightlife.
What is the best time to visit Porto Taverna?
The best time to visit Porto Taverna is from May to September. During these months, the sea is warmer, the beach is lively but never overly crowded, and sunny days are practically guaranteed. July and August are the months with the most visitors, so if you desire tranquility, June and September are perfect. The beach of Porto Taverna, thanks to its protected location and unparalleled view, remains charming even in the shoulder seasons.
What are the benefits of staying near the beach?
Choosing a nearby apartment or seafront allows you to experience the beach of Porto Taverna at any time of the day. From breakfast with a view of Tavolara, to swimming at dawn, to evening aperitifs on the sand: every moment becomes a treasured memory. Furthermore, you can forget about the car, move around on foot, and enjoy every moment without stress. Those who stay in the area also have the chance to reach the other nearby beaches without long travel times.
What to remember about Porto Taverna
- Porto Taverna is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, with breathtaking views of the island of Tavolara
- The beach is perfect for families, couples, and friends thanks to its white sand and crystal-clear sea
- It is just a few km from Olbia, easily reachable by car
- Many services available: bars, restaurants, boat rentals, excursions, and beach establishments
- Great availability of sea-front apartments and nearby accommodations
- Close to Porto San Paolo, San Teodoro, and other iconic beaches such as La Cinta, Lu Impostu, Cala Brandinchi