Three days is the perfect amount of time to sample the best of Olbia and its coast: an excursion to Tavolara, a day of beaches with dolphins at sunset, and a grand finale at the Archipelago of La Maddalena. Here’s the day-by-day program, with experiences bookable directly from this page.
Departure at 9:00 from the port for the tour of Tavolara Island with snorkeling at the Pools of Molara (return by 15:00). Afternoon of relaxation and a stroll on Corso Umberto: Basilica of San Simplicio, an aperitif in Piazza Matteotti, and a seafood dinner in the city center.
Morning at Cala Brandinchi (arrive by 9, parking is limited) or the more convenient Pittulongu. At 18:30, boat trip for dolphin watching in the gulf, with a Sardinian aperitif while the sun sets: the perfect way to end the day.
Wake up early and a 40-minute drive to Palau for a full-day excursion to the archipelago: Spargi, the Pink Beach of Budelli, and the natural pools of Santa Maria with lunch on board. Alternatively, a sunset cruise in Costa Smeralda for those who prefer to stay close to Olbia.
With small children, replace the full day at the archipelago with the morning at Pittulongu and the afternoon at the Archaeological Museum, finishing with dolphin watching at sunset. In case of bad weather (rare but possible in June and September), the backup plan is the historic center, the museum, and a Vermentino tasting in a winery: excursions canceled due to weather are 100% refunded. If you're on a budget, the ferry tour from Palau (€55) is a good substitute for the catamaran, and the free beaches cost nothing: the 3-day vacation can stay under €200 of activities per person.
The ideal base is the center of Olbia: you are within walking distance from the port for excursions on days 1 and 2, and in the evening you have restaurants and walks without needing a car. If you prefer to wake up by the sea, Pittulongu adds a sunrise swim but requires a car for any transfers. For day 3, there’s no need to change accommodations: Palau is reached in 40 minutes, and returning to Olbia in the evening is convenient.
Yes, three days allow you to see Tavolara, the main beaches, and the Archipelago of La Maddalena. With a fourth day, you can add Costa Smeralda or a fisherman’s lunch among the mussel farms.
Days 1 and 2 can also be done without a car, staying in the center: the port and excursions are within walking distance, and Pittulongu can be reached by bus. For day 3 (Palau and the archipelago), you will need a rental car or a transfer: book the car in advance, as availability runs out in August.
With classic excursions (Tavolara €70, dolphins €45, archipelago by ferry €55), we are around €170 per person for activities, plus meals and accommodation. The premium version with catamaran and sunset cruise is around €250.
It works even better: all excursions are active, the sea is warm, and you find availability even by booking 1-2 days in advance. Furthermore, parking at the limited beaches is free, and accommodation prices drop by 20-30% compared to August.