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One Week in Olbia: Summer Itinerary of Beaches and Culture

A week in and around Olbia: a summer itinerary of beaches, culture, and flavors

Why choose Olbia? 🌊✈️ Dreaming of turquoise waters, authentic Sardinian traditions, and postcard-perfect beaches? πŸŒ… 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 🐢, departing from Livorno or Civitavecchia, ready to explore Sardinia with complete freedom.

πŸ—“οΈ Day 1 – Welcome to Olbia

πŸŒ„ Morning

Visit the Basilica di San Simplicio, the oldest Romanesque granite church in Sardinia.

Then explore the Archaeological Museum β€œG. A. Sanna” to discover Nuragic history and Roman shipwrecks.

πŸŒ‡ Afternoon

Stroll along Corso Umberto I for shopping, ice cream, or aperitivo.

Relax at Fausto Noce Park among greenery and playgrounds.

Don’t miss the colorful majolica dome of San Paolo Apostolo Church, perfect for photos. β›ͺ

πŸŒ™ Evening

Enjoy dinner in a local trattoria with Gallurese soup, Sardinian gnocchetti, a glass of Vermentino 🍷

Finish with mirto and seadas with honey 🍯


πŸ—“οΈ Day 2 – Sea and Archaeology at Tavolara

πŸŒ„ Morning

Take a boat trip to the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area πŸ›₯️

Snorkel in the β€œPiscina del Re” and explore hidden coves only reachable by sea.

Alternatively, try kayaking or SUP in the bays of Coda Cavallo and Costaverde πŸ„

πŸŒ‡ Afternoon

Relax at Saline Beach πŸ–οΈ

Visit the Archaeological Museum if you missed it yesterday.

πŸŒ™ Evening

Have dinner in a farmhouse tasting roasted porceddu, sheep cheeses, and local honey.


πŸ—“οΈ Day 3 – Nuraghi and Coastal Villages

πŸŒ„ 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. β›²

πŸŒ‡ 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 you’re adventurous, hike the 8 km trail to Capo Figari with views of Figarolo and possible sightings of mouflons or dolphins.

πŸŒ™ Evening

Return to Olbia for a light seafood pasta dinner. 🍝🦐


πŸ—“οΈ Day 4 – La Maddalena Archipelago

πŸŒ„ All day

Join a boat tour from Palau or Olbia 🚀

Explore Caprera and the historic center of La Maddalena with its pastel houses.

Swim at Cala Corsara in Spargi and see Budelli’s Pink Beach from the boat 🌸

Enjoy snorkeling in Santa Maria’s coves with colorful fish and lunch on board, usually included.

πŸŒ™ Evening

Return to Olbia for dinner in a traditional tavern.


πŸ—“οΈ Day 5 – Glamour in Costa Smeralda

πŸŒ„ 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. β›ͺ

Relax at Cala Granu or Spiaggia del Principe πŸ–οΈ

For privacy, choose the free beach area or an elegant beach club.

Continue to Porto Rotondo for an aperitif with a marina view. πŸ₯‚

πŸŒ™ Evening

Return to Olbia for dinner at a local pizzeria and try Sardinian-style pizza al taglio. πŸ•


πŸ—“οΈ Day 6 – San Teodoro and Berchida

πŸŒ„ 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 🦩

Relax at Cala Brandinchi (Tahiti) with its crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling.

Walk around San Teodoro’s historic center and have lunch outdoors.

πŸŒ‡ Afternoon

Head to Berchida Beach along the SS125 for a peaceful spot with dunes, ancient junipers, and 5 km of white sand 🏝️

πŸŒ™ Evening

Return to Olbia for a seafood dinner with a glass of Vermentino. 🍷


πŸ—“οΈ Day 7 – Santa Teresa di Gallura and Capo Testa

πŸŒ„ Morning

Drive 60 km to Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Relax at Rena Bianca beach with its turquoise shallow waters πŸ–οΈ

Explore the pastel-colored historic center and artisan markets selling mirto liqueur and pane carasau. πŸ›οΈ

πŸŒ‡ Afternoon

Visit Capo Testa, a granite promontory with trails among wind-shaped rocks leading to the lighthouse and Valle della Luna πŸͺ¨

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica on the horizon.

Before returning, stop at Longonsardo Tower for one last panorama.

πŸŒ™ Evening

If you have a night ferry, arrive at the port at least one hour early (two if travelling with your car).

Otherwise, enjoy Olbia’s seafront under the stars ✨


πŸŽ’ 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 πŸ•

Pack high protection sunscreen, sunglasses πŸ•ΆοΈ, hats πŸ‘’, snorkel gear 🀿, and comfortable shoes.

Budget travelers can find B&Bs in Olbia or Pittulongu for €50–70 per night with breakfast and save on car rental by using ARST buses 🚍

For luxury, choose Deluxe cabins with panoramic balconies (€150–200 per trip) or private yacht tours with skipper (€500/day).

Families will love beaches like La Cinta and Porto Istana for shallow waters, and Fausto Noce Park for shaded picnics and playgrounds 🌳


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 πŸ›³οΈπŸŒ