Murta Maria Beaches

Overview

Murta Maria is a peaceful seaside village, offering an excellent and tranquil base for a beach holiday in northeastern Sardinia. Known for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it's a perfect destination for families and couples seeking a relaxing escape. Its convenient location near Olbia makes it easily accessible, allowing you to quickly settle into the serene coastal atmosphere after your arrival.

The coastline around Murta Maria is dotted with spectacular beaches. The town's own Spiaggia Marina Maria is a convenient hub for windsurfing and other watersports. Nearby, the stunningly popular Porto Istana Beach draws visitors to its beautiful bay of fine white sand and shallow water. For a truly unforgettable sight, Brandinchi Beach lives up to its nickname 'Little Tahiti' with its breathtakingly clear water. Those looking to escape the crowds can seek out the pristine, secluded cove of Doctor's Beach, a true hidden gem accessible by a short hike or by boat.

Beyond these highlights, the area offers a diverse range of coastal experiences, from bustling shores to hidden coves waiting to be discovered. The dramatic silhouette of Tavolara Island provides a stunning backdrop for many of the local beaches, creating picture-perfect scenery. While the main village beach is often within walking distance for some, exploring the full variety of these magnificent spots is best done with a car. For a complete guide to all the sandy shores this beautiful region has to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Murta Maria a good base for a beach holiday in Sardinia?

Murta Maria is considered an excellent and peaceful base for a beach-focused holiday in northeastern Sardinia. It's a tranquil seaside village known for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to many stunning beaches with crystal-clear water, such as Porto Istana and Spiaggia di Marina Maria. Its location just a few kilometers from Olbia's airport and port makes it easily accessible. While the village itself is quiet, it provides a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring the more bustling nearby areas.

Porto Istana Beach

Spiaggia Marina Maria

What kind of traveler is Murta Maria best for: families, couples, or nightlife seekers?

Murta Maria is best suited for families and couples looking for a quiet and relaxing retreat. The village has a peaceful atmosphere and its beaches, like Spiaggia Marina Maria, are known for being calm and safe. While there are cozy bars and restaurants, it is not a primary destination for vibrant nightlife; those seeking a more active party scene would be better served by nearby San Teodoro.

Spiaggia Marina Maria

Do I need a car to get to the beaches in Murta Maria?

While some beaches like Spiaggia Marina Maria are within walking distance from the village center, renting a car is highly recommended to explore the full variety of nearby beaches, such as Porto Istana, Spiaggia Li Cuncheddi, and those further towards San Teodoro or the Costa Smeralda. A car offers the most flexibility. However, local buses do connect Murta Maria to some beaches, including Porto Istana and others around Olbia, providing a public transport alternative.

Porto Istana Beach

Spiaggia Marina Maria

Spiaggia Li Cuncheddi

What are the swimming conditions like at Murta Maria's beaches?

The beaches near Murta Maria are famous for their crystal-clear, turquoise waters and fine white sand. The water is generally calm with a shallow gradient, making it ideal and safe for swimming and families with children. The swimming season typically runs from June to October, when the water temperature is comfortably warm, generally not dropping below 20°C.

Which is better for beaches, Murta Maria or San Teodoro?

Both Murta Maria and San Teodoro offer access to stunning beaches, but they cater to different preferences. Murta Maria is a quieter, more relaxed village, ideal for a peaceful escape while still being close to beautiful spots like Porto Istana. San Teodoro is much larger and more bustling, known for its vibrant nightlife and famous, often crowded, beaches like La Cinta and Cala Brandinchi. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a tranquil base or a livelier town.

Porto Istana Beach

Brandinchi Beach

La Cinta

Are there any hidden or less crowded beaches near Murta Maria?

Yes, while famous beaches can get busy, the coastline near Murta Maria has smaller, more secluded coves. Beaches like Spiaggia Li Cuncheddi, Doctor's Beach (Spiaggia del Dottore), and Sas Enas Appara are often less frequented than the main beaches. Exploring the Capo Ceraso peninsula by car can reveal these quieter spots, which are known for their natural beauty and clear waters perfect for snorkeling.

Spiaggia Li Cuncheddi

Doctor's Beach

Sas Enas Appara

Can you walk to the beach from most hotels in Murta Maria?

It depends on the specific accommodation. Murta Maria has some hotels and holiday rentals within walking distance (5-15 minutes) of the main village beach, Spiaggia Marina Maria. However, many properties are located a short drive away from the coast, and accessing other popular beaches like Porto Istana or Le Saline will almost always require a car or bus ride. It's best to check the exact location of your accommodation if being able to walk to a beach is a priority.

Porto Istana Beach

Spiaggia Le Saline

What is the best time of year to visit Murta Maria for a beach holiday?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Murta Maria is from late spring to early autumn, specifically from May to June and in September. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, the water is comfortable for swimming, and the beaches are less crowded than in the peak season of July and August. While July and August offer the hottest weather and a lively atmosphere, they are also the busiest and most expensive months.

People Also Ask

Are the beaches near Murta Maria good for watersports?

Yes, several beaches near Murta Maria are excellent for watersports. Spiaggia di Marina Maria is particularly well-known as a spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its consistent wind conditions. Other activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular at many beaches, including Porto Istana, thanks to the clear and calm waters. Equipment rental and lessons are available at the main beaches.

Porto Istana Beach

Is there parking available at the beaches and is it free?

Most of the popular beaches near Murta Maria, such as Porto Istana and Le Saline, have paid parking areas. During the high season (July and August), these car parks can fill up quickly, so it is advisable to arrive early in the morning. Free parking can sometimes be found along the roadside, but it is limited and may require a longer walk to the beach.

Porto Istana Beach

Spiaggia Le Saline

Are there restaurants or cafes directly on the beaches?

Yes, many of the more developed beaches near Murta Maria have facilities including beach bars (stabilimenti) and restaurants. For example, Porto Istana has several options for a light lunch, an aperitif, or a full meal right by the sea. The main village beach, Marina Maria, also has cafes and restaurants nearby. These establishments often rent out sunbeds and umbrellas as well.

Porto Istana Beach

What is the view of Tavolara Island like from Murta Maria's beaches?

The dramatic limestone island of Tavolara is a dominant and stunning feature of the view from many beaches near Murta Maria. Beaches like Porto Istana, Porto Taverna, and even parts of Marina Maria offer spectacular, picture-perfect views of the island. The view is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, and boat trips to visit the island are a popular excursion from the nearby town of Porto San Paolo.

Porto Istana Beach

Spiaggia Porto Taverna

Spiaggia Marina Maria