Day 1: Welcome to Olbia – a seven-day itinerary with Grimaldi Lines

With Grimaldi Lines you’ve already experienced part of the adventure: the sea crossing to Olbia, boarding both car and pet, is the perfect way to start a seven-day itinerary of beaches, history, and local flavors.

Morning

• Basilica of San Simplicio: the oldest Romanesque granite church in Sardinia (11th–12th c.), with a three-arched façade and crypt. Free entry, open Tuesday–Sunday.

• “G. A. Sanna” Archaeological Museum of Olbia: housed on Peddone islet (in the old port), it tells Olbia’s history from the Nuragic era to 5th-c. Roman wrecks. (Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00, free entry).

Afternoon

• Stroll along Corso Umberto I and Parco Fausto Noce: the pedestrian street is full of shops, cafés, and wine bars—perfect for gelato or an aperitivo. Nearby is Parco Fausto Noce, with playgrounds and green spaces for relaxing.

• Church of San Paolo Apostle: don’t miss its multicolored maiolica-tiled dome—ideal for a “blogger” photo.

Evening

• Dinner in a local trattoria: try zuppa gallurese and Sardinian gnocchetti with a glass of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, then finish with a small glass of myrtle liqueur and seadas drizzled with honey.

Day 2: Sea and archaeology at Tavolara and surroundings

Morning

• Boat trip to the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area: depart from Porto San Paolo or Olbia’s marina to admire Tavolara Island (560 m high), snorkel in the “King’s Pool,” and stop in secluded coves accessible only by sea.

• Alternatively, kayak or paddleboard in the bays of Coda Cavallo and Costaverde.

Afternoon

• “G. A. Sanna” Archaeological Museum (if not visited yesterday) and a quick stop at Saline beach for one last swim.

Evening

• Dinner at a countryside agriturismo: taste roast porceddu, sheep’s cheese, and local honey, paired with Vermentino.

Day 3: Between nuraghi and seaside villages

Morning

• Riu Mulinu Nuraghe (Cabu Abbas): just minutes from Olbia, with a central tower and breathtaking views of the city and sea; dating back to 1300–1200 BC.

• Sacred Well of Sa Testa: a Nuragic tholos-style temple with a staircase from the 15th–13th c. BC, reached via SP125; free access amidst Mediterranean scrub.

Afternoon

• Golfo Aranci: in this former fishing village, stroll the waterfront lined with seafood restaurants (mussel soup, mixed fried seafood).

• Nearby beaches: Cala Moresca (white pebbles, great for snorkeling) and Spiaggia Bianca (fine sand and crystalline waters).

• For the adventurous, hike the Capo Figari promontory (8 km panoramic trail, 340 m elevation gain): spectacular views and possible sightings of mouflons or dolphins near Figarolo.

Evening

• Return to Olbia and enjoy a light dinner downtown, perhaps a seafood pasta dish.

Day 4: La Maddalena Archipelago

Whole day

• Boat excursion from Palau or Olbia to the La Maddalena Archipelago: stop at Caprera (Garibaldi’s island) and the historic center of La Maddalena (pastel houses and lively squares); then Cala Corsara on Spargi and an external view of Budelli’s Pink Beach (landing now prohibited).

• Swim in coves like Santa Maria, snorkel among colorful fish, and enjoy a lunch on board featuring local products (usually included in the tour price).

Evening

• Return to Olbia, relax on the beach or dine in a traditional osteria.

Day 5: Glamour in Costa Smeralda

Morning/Afternoon

• Porto Cervo: wander among luxury yachts, high-fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Stella Maris Church, modern and white, housing a work by El Greco.

• Nearby beaches: Cala Granu (small bay, turquoise water) and Spiaggia del Principe. For privacy, choose the free section or an elegant lido.

• Optional stop at Porto Rotondo (another VIP village) for an aperitivo overlooking the harbor.

Evening

• Return to Olbia for pizza at a local pizzeria—try the Sardinian version of pizza al taglio.

Day 6: San Teodoro and Berchida

Morning

• San Teodoro, about 30 km from Olbia:

  • La Cinta: white sand and shallow seabed, ideal for families (lagoon behind with flamingos).

  • Cala Brandinchi (Tahiti): shallow, transparent water, perfect for snorkeling or a “Caribbean” vibe.

  • Stroll San Teodoro’s historic center and lunch at an open-air restaurant.

Afternoon

• Berchida Beach: after about 50 km along the SS125, one of Sardinia’s most unspoiled beaches, with dunes, ancient junipers, and 5 km of white sand; perfect for those seeking solitude. Free parking (arrive before 10 AM in high season).

Evening

• Return to Olbia for a quiet seafood dinner—neighborhood restaurants will spoil you with fresh fish dishes and a glass of Vermentino.

Day 7: Santa Teresa di Gallura and Capo Testa

Morning

• Santa Teresa di Gallura (60 km from Olbia):

  • Rena Bianca: city beach with white sand and shallow turquoise waters (Blue Flag).

  • Stroll among pastel houses, craft markets, and local products like myrtle liqueur and carasau bread.

Afternoon

• Capo Testa: a few minutes by car from Santa Teresa, this granite promontory offers trekking among wind-sculpted rocks to the lighthouse and Valley of the Moon; spectacular views of the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica.

• Before returning, stop at the Torre di Longonsardo for one last breathtaking panorama.

Evening

• If you’re boarding at night, arrive at the port at least one hour early (two if traveling by car). If you stay a little longer, enjoy Olbia’s seafront atmosphere under the stars.

Practical tips for all travelers

• Bookings: for summer travel, book ferries and accommodations at least two months in advance. Grimaldi Lines often offers “early booking” promotions (up to 30 % off cabins and car passage).

• Car and pets: bringing your own car lets you freely reach every corner of Gallura. Pets are welcome on board (pet ticket plus cabin or dedicated deck pass).

• What to pack: high-protection sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, snorkeling mask and fins; comfortable shoes for green-area excursions.

• Budget travelers: look for B&Bs in Olbia or Pittulongu (around € 50–70/night, breakfast included), grab sandwiches at local kiosks (€ 8 each), and use ARST buses (e.g., Olbia–San Teodoro–Siniscola) to save on car rental.

• Luxury travelers: consider Deluxe cabins with panoramic balconies on Grimaldi Lines (€ 150–200 per crossing, pets included) and private yacht tours from Porto Cervo with skipper (about € 500/day).

• Families with children: beaches like La Cinta in San Teodoro and Porto Istana have shallow waters perfect for little ones; during the hottest hours, enjoy Parco Fausto Noce for games and shaded picnics.

With this seven-day trip departing directly from Olbia aboard Grimaldi Lines, you’ll enjoy a complete summer experience among dream beaches, archaeological sites, picturesque villages, and authentic Gallura flavors. Have a great trip and enjoy the sea!

Links

• Grimaldi Lines – ferry ports to Sardinia: https://www.grimaldi-lines.com/it/destinazioni/traghetti-per-la-sardegna/

• Grimaldi Lines – ferry information for Olbia (car and pets): https://www.grimaldi-lines.com/it/traghetto-per-olbia/

• Grimaldi Lines – Olbia port information (check-in, terminals, bus connections): https://www.grimaldi-lines.com/it/porti/porto-di-olbia/

• Basilica of San Simplicio details and visits: https://www.sansimplicioolbia.it/it/articles/50/Il-museo-archeologico-di-Olbia.html

• “G. A. Sanna” Archaeological Museum of Olbia: https://www.olbia.it/museo-archeologico-olbia

• Pittulongu Beach (“La Playa”): https://www.sardegna.info/nord-est/pittulongu/

• TripAdvisor – Pittulongu Beach reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.it/Attraction_Review-g187883-d4560251-Reviews-Spiaggia_Pittulongu_La_Playa-Olbia_Province_of_Olbia_Tempio_Sardinia.html

• Sacred Well of Sa Testa (Wikipedia): https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pozzo_Sacro_di_Sa_Testa

• Details on Sa Testa Sacred Well – Notizie Sarde: https://www.notiziesarde.it/olbia-pozzo-sacro-sa-testa-sorgente-sacra/

• Tavolara and surroundings – Holidoit (San Teodoro excursions): https://www.holidoit.com/cose-fare/san-teodoro

• Tavolara – Gallura Turismo (marine protected area info): https://www.galluraturismo.eu/visit-santa-teresa-gallura/

• Golfo Aranci – Holidoit (beaches and activities): https://www.holidoit.com/cosa-fare/golfo-aranci/

• Capo Figari trekking – Kayaking Moresca: https://www.kayakingmoresca.it/trekking-a-golfo-aranci/

• Capo Figari (Wikipedia): https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capo_Figari

• Berchida Beach (official site): https://spiaggia-berchida.it/

• San Teodoro – Travel365 (Cala Brandinchi “Tahiti” info): https://www.travel365.it/san-teodoro-cosa-vedere.htm

• Porto Cervo – TripAdvisor (attractions and activities): https://www.tripadvisor.it/Attractions-g194856-Activities-Porto_Cervo_Arzachena_Province_of_Olbia_Tempio_Sardinia.html

• Santa Teresa Gallura – Municipality (territory info and Capo Testa): https://www.comune.santateresagallura.ss.it/it/vivere/743082