Within a 20-kilometer radius of Olbia, some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia are located: from the conveniently located Pittulongu to the 'little Tahiti' Cala Brandinchi, to the small coves of Porto Istana overlooking Tavolara. Here’s which ones to choose and how to organize your visit.
Pittulongu is the beach for the people of Olbia: just 5 minutes by car, with full services and a view of Tavolara. Porto Istana, 15 minutes south, offers pool-like water and is the starting point for boats to the island. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu, at the border with San Teodoro, are worth the half-hour drive: arrive before 9 during peak season, as parking spaces are limited.
The most spectacular coves in the area have no land access: Spalmatore di Terra di Tavolara, the natural pools of Molara, and the hidden coves of Capo Ceraso can only be reached by boat excursions departing from Olbia and Porto San Paolo.
From mid-June to the end of August, the most famous beaches should be experienced strategically: arrive before 9 or after 5, when the light is better and parking spots become available. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu have limited access that can be booked online during peak season: without a reservation, you risk missing out. In June and September, everything changes: free parking, semi-empty beaches, and often clearer waters, as the floating posidonia from the summer influx settles.
Porto Istana is the most accessible point: among the rocks separating the four coves, you can encounter bream, octopuses, and occasionally barracuda, with Tavolara in the background. At Pittulongu, the reef off Lo Squalo offers interesting seabeds just a few meters from the shore. However, the real upgrade is made by sea: the Pools of Molara and the seabeds of the Marine Protected Area can only be reached through snorkeling excursions departing from the port.
Cala Brandinchi is considered the most scenic, with very white sand and turquoise water in front of Tavolara. However, during peak season, parking is limited: book online or arrive early.
Pittulongu, Porto Istana, and Cala Brandinchi all have shallow sandy bottoms, perfect for children. Pittulongu is the most convenient for services and proximity to the city.
Pittulongu and Porto Istana have facilities with loungers, umbrellas, bars, and pedal boat rentals next to large free areas. Cala Brandinchi has a kiosk and a small establishment: during peak season, loungers should be booked days in advance.
Yes: in summer, urban bus line 4 connects the center to Pittulongu in about 20 minutes. For Porto Istana and Cala Brandinchi, you will need a car or a transfer: public connections are rare and seasonal.
The beaches of Olbia face east, offering spectacular sunrises rather than sunsets: Porto Istana at sunrise, with Tavolara glowing pink, is a sight worth waking up for. For the sunset, it’s better to take an evening cruise in the gulf or enjoy the terrace in Golfo Aranci.
With wind from the northwest, the beaches of the gulf remain sheltered: Pittulongu and Le Saline are the safe choices. Instead, avoid Cala Brandinchi on days with a grecale (northeast wind), when the water loses its characteristic clarity.