Discovering Bear Rock: a trail between history and legend
An iconic symbol of Gallura: Bear Rock, also known as Capo d’Orso, is one of the most famous natural monuments in Sardinia. Located in the territory of Palau, this stunning granite formation dominates the landscape with its unmistakable silhouette which, from a certain angle, resembles the figure of a bear.
Sights to See Between Olbia and San Teodoro
The most beautiful and well-known beaches in the area between Olbia, Porto San Paolo, and San Teodoro are breathtaking bays that are absolutely worth visiting during a vacation on the northeastern coast of Sardinia.
In this area, you find numerous activities and excursions to explore, and you have free beaches and equipped beaches with all the services available.
This area consists of a stretch of sea that is particularly significant from a naturalistic point of view, also thanks to the presence of the Protected Marine Area of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, which has enhanced and maximized its heritage. The consortium formed by the municipalities of Olbia, Loiri Porto San Paolo, and San Teodoro has managed the stretch from Capo Ceraso to Cala Finocchio since 2004, including the islands of Tavolara, Molara, and Molarotto.
Beaches of Capo Ceraso: wild
The beaches of the Capo Ceraso promontory in the territory south of Olbia are numerous; the entire peninsula is lined with secluded coves and inlets, partly accessible by car and some exclusively by foot or by sea. The promontory starts in the north with Le Saline Beach and at Murta Maria is Marina Maria Beach.
Passing countless tiny coves with crystal-clear water, you reach Li Cuncheddi Beach. Moving clockwise from north to south, you find Poltu Manzu, the beach of Porto Vitello to Punta Ruja. Continuing along the coast you will find Poltu Casu beach, overlooked by the panoramic point “Vedetta di Capo Ceraso” located at the top of the promontory. In the southern part, there are also the Doctor's Beach and Porto Istana Beach.
Porto Istana Beach: soft
At the southern limit of the Capo Ceraso Promontory is Porto Istana Beach located in the municipality of Olbia, in front of Tavolara Island. The beach consists of 4 inlets separated by small strips of pink granite, the 4 bays created are covered with white and soft sand that gently slopes into the waters of the Gulf of Spurlatta. Behind the beach, there are small trails and paths immersed in the vegetation.
Corallina Beach: enchanting
Corallina Bay is located at the border between Olbia and Porto San Paolo and can be reached by taking the SS125 Orientale Sarda road turning towards the Costa Corallina Village and the Ollastu Hotel.
The beach is divided into multiple sections by small rocks and is within a natural inlet where the entrance to the small and characteristic Costa Corallina harbor can also be found. A postcard bay, with very fine white sand, pastel blue sea, pink granite rocks with colorful veins, and evergreen vegetation.
In the background, there is Tavolara Island and the promontory of Capo Figari. On the beach, there are sections for free access and “La Pizzichina,” an equipped beach with umbrella service and a bar-restaurant. If you're in the area, you can't miss seeing it.
Punta Don Diego Beach: secluded
The Punta Don Diego Beach is a quiet and less-frequented beach that divides into 2 coves. The bay overlooks the islands of Tavolara and Molara, in the heart of the Protected Marine Area coastline.
In front of the beach, there is a charming view of Porto Taverna and Cala Girgolu with the famous Sassi Piatti. Near the beach, there is the Don Diego Hotel and a small private harbor. The seabed slopes gently, making it a beach particularly suitable for children and families.
How to get to Punta Don Diego Beach
Porto Taverna Beach: cheerful
White sand, blue sea. A long beach very well-known in the area and therefore quite busy, especially in the summer season. On the shore, you’ll find sections of free beach alternating with equipped beach areas and bars - restaurants.
The beach has multiple entrances, the largest and most used one is located on the northern side, while the smaller, more secluded entrance is on the southern side. In the dune area, there is a pond where you can enjoy stunning walks immersed in nature. Walking through the wetland paths, you can go bird watching and see flamingos, herons, egrets, and stilts.
How to get to Porto Taverna Beach
Cala Girgolu Beach: intense
The beach of Cala Girgolu or Cala Ghjlgolu is a little-known gem located in Loiri Porto San Paolo in the Vaccileddi area near Monte Petrosu. Cala Girgolu beach features a precious lagoon in the area behind the shore and is well-known not only for its beauty but also for the famous turtle rock.
Near Cala Ghjlgolu, you will also find Le Formiche beach and I Sassi Piatti, an area dotted with smooth rocks shaped by wind and sea in various forms.
How to get to Cala Girgolu Beach
Punta Molara Beach: cozy
A small and delightful beach in the territory of Monte Petrosu located just in front of the island of Molara. It is an area rich in Mediterranean scrub that grows spontaneously and wild, with a large cliff that hosts this secluded little frequented beach even during the summer months. Continuing south from Punta Molara, you will find Cala Ginepro beach, another gem in the area.
How to get to Punta Molara Beach
Beaches of Capo Coda Cavallo: unmissable
In the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area lies the promontory of Capo Coda Cavallo, dotted with some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. A charming peninsula located in front of the islands of Tavolara and Molara, about 20 km south of Olbia, with granite cliffs, pristine white sandy beaches, and lush vegetation.
The northern end of the promontory has a long, well-serviced beach overlooking the Gulf of Cala Coda Cavallo, dominated by Punta Est. In front of the beach lies the small Island of Proratora.
On the portion of the peninsula facing south, you can find Salina Bamba and the Salinedda beach, charming small beaches both free and equipped, where you can enjoy many fun activities and explore the surroundings.
In the area of Capo Coda Cavallo, there are exclusive campsites and resorts such as Baja Bianca and Grande Baia, where you can spend a holiday near the most beautiful beaches surrounded by peace and greenery.
How to get to Capo Coda Cavallo
Cala Brandinchi Beach: enchanting
Among the most famous beaches in Sardinia, the beautiful Brandinchi beach must certainly be listed, improperly called “Little Tahiti” for its water color and exotic appearance. The beach lies south of the promontory of Capo Coda Cavallo and north of Punta Sabatino, where the village of Puntaldia is found.
A very popular beach during the summer season, but certainly worth a visit. Cala Brandinchi Cala Brandinchi is a long beach with fine white sand; its seabed slopes gently, making it particularly suitable for swimming.
Behind the beach, there are small dunes and a pine forest equipped with wooden tables where you can have picnics and relax in the shade.
How to get to Cala Brandinchi Beach
Lu Impostu Beach: perfect
The twin of Cala Brandinchi is Lu Impostu beach, accessible from the road leading to the promontory that hosts Puntaldia. The two beaches are very similar in characteristics and are separated by a small promontory where you can walk. Lu Impostu is a beach that offers both free beach areas and equipped areas with umbrellas, sun loungers, and watersports.
The shoreline features a small back-dune lagoon that flows into the sea, and the beach can be accessed through a small crossing to walk. A truly pleasant setting and a great alternative for seeing a really interesting beach.
How to get to Lu Impostu Beach
La Cinta Beach: fun
One of the beaches of San Teodoro, beautiful, long, with a pleasant view ideal for families and groups of people. The beach begins at the north from the promontory of Puntaldia, where the Puntaldia Golf Club is located, and ends at the beginning of the town of San Teodoro.
The beach has all the useful and necessary services for a day at the beach. In the back area, there are wonderful sand dunes and the famous San Teodoro Lagoon.
The San Teodoro lagoon is a SIC area – Site of Community Interest – very important from a naturalistic perspective, that has also hosted some evenings as part of the “Tavolara Film Festival”. Along the beach and in the back area, you can take long walks, admire the characteristic Mediterranean scrub plants, and go birdwatching.
Isuledda Beach: incredible
The Isuledda beach in San Teodoro is located south of the town of San Teodoro. To the south of the beach, you then enter the territory of Budoni.
A magical beach that reveals all its beauty from the road leading to it.
From above, you can admire its crystal clear, bright blue waters. A long beach that features the suggestive Isuledda Beach Lagoon in the back area. The seabed slopes gently and remains shallow for many meters from the coast. The beach is equipped with bars and all services. Absolutely a must-see.
How to get to Isuledda Beach San Teodoro
Boat trips TavolaraFrequently asked questions
- What are the most beautiful beaches to visit in Olbia?
- The most beautiful beaches in Olbia include Porto Istana Beach, Le Saline Beach, and Marina Maria Beach. Each of these offers crystal clear waters and breathtaking landscapes.
- Where is the Bear Rock located?
- The Bear Rock is located in the territory of Palau, near Olbia. It is an iconic granite formation that attracts many visitors due to its scenic location and characteristic shape.
- Are there equipped beaches in San Teodoro?
- Yes, in San Teodoro there are several equipped beaches, such as La Cinta and Cala d'Ambra, featuring sun loungers, umbrellas, and restaurants. These are ideal for a relaxing day at the sea.
- What activities are available in Olbia and San Teodoro?
- In Olbia and San Teodoro, you can participate in boat trips, snorkeling, and walks along nature trails. Additionally, there are several restaurants serving typical Sardinian cuisine.
- When is the best time to visit Olbia and San Teodoro?
- The best time to visit Olbia and San Teodoro is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the beaches are in full swing. July and August are the busiest months.
- How to reach Punta Don Diego Beach?
- Punta Don Diego Beach is easily accessible by car via the SS125. Once you arrive, there are signs indicating the path to access the beach.
- What are the main features of the beaches of Capo Ceraso?
- The beaches of Capo Ceraso are characterized by secluded coves and inlets, with crystal clear waters and seabeds rich in biodiversity. Many of these beaches can only be reached on foot or by sea.