Destinations
A week in and around Olbia: a summer itinerary of beaches, culture, and flavors
Why choose Olbia? πβοΈ Dreaming of turquoise waters, authentic Sardinian traditions, and postcard-perfect beaches? π Olbia is the ideal gateway to discover Gallura and the Costa Smeralda. Thanks to Grimaldi Lines, you can easily reach it with your own car and four-legged friends πΆ, departing from Livorno or Civitavecchia, ready to explore Sardinia with complete freedom.
09 June 2025
ποΈ Day 1 β Welcome to Olbia
π Morning
Visit the Basilica di San Simplicio, the oldest Romanesque granite church in Sardinia.
Then explore the Archaeological Museum βG. A. Sannaβ to discover Nuragic history and Roman shipwrecks.
π Afternoon
Stroll along Corso Umberto I for shopping, ice cream, or aperitivo.
Relax at Fausto Noce Park among greenery and playgrounds.
Donβt miss the colorful majolica dome of San Paolo Apostolo Church, perfect for photos. βͺ
π Evening
Enjoy dinner in a local trattoria with Gallurese soup, Sardinian gnocchetti, a glass of Vermentino π·
Finish with mirto and seadas with honey π―
ποΈ Day 2 β Sea and Archaeology at Tavolara
π Morning
Take a boat trip to the Tavolara β Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area π₯οΈ
Snorkel in the βPiscina del Reβ and explore hidden coves only reachable by sea.
Alternatively, try kayaking or SUP in the bays of Coda Cavallo and Costaverde π
π Afternoon
Relax at Saline Beach ποΈ
Visit the Archaeological Museum if you missed it yesterday.
π Evening
Have dinner in a farmhouse tasting roasted porceddu, sheep cheeses, and local honey.
ποΈ Day 3 β Nuraghi and Coastal Villages
π Morning
Visit Nuraghe Riu Mulinu (Cabu Abbas) with panoramic views over Olbia.
Continue to the Sacred Well of Sa Testa, an ancient Nuragic temple immersed in Mediterranean scrub. β²
π Afternoon
Head to Golfo Aranci for seafood dishes along the seafront.
Visit Cala Moresca for snorkeling among white pebbles or relax at Spiaggia Bianca with its fine sand.
If youβre adventurous, hike the 8 km trail to Capo Figari with views of Figarolo and possible sightings of mouflons or dolphins.
π Evening
Return to Olbia for a light seafood pasta dinner. ππ¦
ποΈ Day 4 β La Maddalena Archipelago
π All day
Join a boat tour from Palau or Olbia π€
Explore Caprera and the historic center of La Maddalena with its pastel houses.
Swim at Cala Corsara in Spargi and see Budelliβs Pink Beach from the boat πΈ
Enjoy snorkeling in Santa Mariaβs coves with colorful fish and lunch on board, usually included.
π Evening
Return to Olbia for dinner in a traditional tavern.
ποΈ Day 5 β Glamour in Costa Smeralda
π Morning & Afternoon
Spend time in Porto Cervo among luxury yachts, high fashion boutiques, and art galleries.
Visit the modern white Stella Maris Church, which houses an El Greco painting. βͺ
Relax at Cala Granu or Spiaggia del Principe ποΈ
For privacy, choose the free beach area or an elegant beach club.
Continue to Porto Rotondo for an aperitif with a marina view. π₯
π Evening
Return to Olbia for dinner at a local pizzeria and try Sardinian-style pizza al taglio. π
ποΈ Day 6 β San Teodoro and Berchida
π Morning
Visit San Teodoro, 30 km from Olbia.
Enjoy La Cinta beach with its white sand and shallow waters, ideal for families, and see flamingos in the lagoon π¦©
Relax at Cala Brandinchi (Tahiti) with its crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling.
Walk around San Teodoroβs historic center and have lunch outdoors.
π Afternoon
Head to Berchida Beach along the SS125 for a peaceful spot with dunes, ancient junipers, and 5 km of white sand ποΈ
π Evening
Return to Olbia for a seafood dinner with a glass of Vermentino. π·
ποΈ Day 7 β Santa Teresa di Gallura and Capo Testa
π Morning
Drive 60 km to Santa Teresa di Gallura.
Relax at Rena Bianca beach with its turquoise shallow waters ποΈ
Explore the pastel-colored historic center and artisan markets selling mirto liqueur and pane carasau. ποΈ
π Afternoon
Visit Capo Testa, a granite promontory with trails among wind-shaped rocks leading to the lighthouse and Valle della Luna πͺ¨
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica on the horizon.
Before returning, stop at Longonsardo Tower for one last panorama.
π Evening
If you have a night ferry, arrive at the port at least one hour early (two if travelling with your car).
Otherwise, enjoy Olbiaβs seafront under the stars β¨
π Practical Tips
Book ferries and accommodations at least two months in advance for summer trips.
Grimaldi Lines often offers early booking discounts up to 30%.
Travelling with your own car gives you freedom to explore Gallura, and pets are welcome onboard π
Pack high protection sunscreen, sunglasses πΆοΈ, hats π, snorkel gear π€Ώ, and comfortable shoes.
Budget travelers can find B&Bs in Olbia or Pittulongu for β¬50β70 per night with breakfast and save on car rental by using ARST buses π
For luxury, choose Deluxe cabins with panoramic balconies (β¬150β200 per trip) or private yacht tours with skipper (β¬500/day).
Families will love beaches like La Cinta and Porto Istana for shallow waters, and Fausto Noce Park for shaded picnics and playgrounds π³
With this seven-day itinerary starting from Olbia with Grimaldi Lines, you will enjoy the perfect summer journey through dream beaches, archaeological sites, picturesque villages, and authentic flavors of Gallura.
Have a great trip and enjoy the sea π³οΈπ