Olbia Beaches

Overview

Olbia is an excellent and convenient base for exploring the stunning beaches of northeast Sardinia. The city's prime location provides access to a 100km-long coastline renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise and emerald waters. With fine sand and gently sloping seabeds, the sea around Olbia is famously calm and transparent, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing by the shore.

The region offers a diverse selection of celebrated beaches. For convenience, Spiaggia Pittulongu serves as Olbia's main town beach, popular with locals and visitors alike. Just a short drive away, you'll find the world-famous Brandinchi Beach, nicknamed 'Little Tahiti' for its incredibly clear, shallow waters. Porto Istana Beach delivers postcard-perfect scenery with its breathtaking views of Tavolara Island, while the bustling La Cinta is one of the most visited beaches in the area, known for its vibrant energy.

Beyond the city's immediate surroundings, Olbia is the gateway to the legendary Costa Smeralda. This glamorous coastline is home to world-class shores like Spiaggia del Principe, offering a more exclusive atmosphere just a short drive away. While the beaches closer to Olbia have a wonderfully relaxed feel, the entire region is blessed with spectacular beauty. For more inspiration, see our complete list of the area's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Olbia a good base for a beach holiday?

Yes, Olbia is considered an excellent and convenient base for a beach holiday. The city itself has a charming historic center and is home to an international airport, making it easily accessible. Its location on the northeast coast of Sardinia provides access to a 100km-long coastline with numerous stunning beaches, from the city's local beach, Pittulongu, to the famous shores of the Costa Smeralda and the beautiful coves around San Teodoro, all within a short drive.

Spiaggia Pittulongu

Do I need a car to get to the beaches in Olbia?

While some beaches like Pittulongu are accessible by public bus from Olbia, renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience the variety of beaches in the area. A car gives you the freedom to explore more secluded coves, the famous Costa Smeralda beaches, and those further south towards San Teodoro, which are not always well-served by public transport. Many of the most beautiful spots are best reached with your own vehicle.

Spiaggia Pittulongu

What is the water like for swimming near Olbia?

The sea around Olbia is famous for its crystal-clear, transparent water with stunning shades of turquoise and emerald. Most beaches feature fine white or golden sand and have shallow seabeds that slope gently, making them ideal and safe for swimming and for families with children. The water is calmest and warmest from June to September.

When is the best time to visit Olbia for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Olbia is from June to September when the weather is hot and sunny, and the sea is warm enough for swimming. July and August are the peak months with the highest temperatures and biggest crowds. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and warm seas, consider visiting in June or September when the crowds have thinned out.

Can you find hotels right on the beach near Olbia?

Yes, there are several hotels with direct beach access, particularly in the Pittulongu area, which is Olbia's main seaside district. Hotels like Hotel Stefania and The Pelican Beach Resort & SPA are located right on or just steps from the sand. Additionally, areas like Porto Istana and the broader Costa Smeralda have numerous resorts and villas situated on the beachfront.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Spiaggia Pittulongu

Porto Istana Beach

Are the beaches near Olbia free to access?

Yes, the vast majority of beaches near Olbia have free public access. While many beaches have 'stabilimenti balneari' or beach clubs where you can pay to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, there is almost always a 'spiaggia libera' (free beach) section where you can lay your own towel at no cost. Some famous beaches like Cala Brandinchi may require a paid reservation or have paid parking during high season to manage crowds.

Brandinchi Beach

Which are the best beaches near Olbia for families with children?

Many beaches near Olbia are perfect for families due to their fine sand and shallow, calm waters. Pittulongu (the main city beach), Porto Istana, and Cala Brandinchi (nicknamed 'Little Tahiti') are highly recommended. These beaches offer amenities like cafes, sunbed rentals, and have gentle slopes into the sea, making them safe and enjoyable for kids.

Spiaggia Pittulongu

Porto Istana Beach

Brandinchi Beach

How do the beaches near Olbia compare to the Costa Smeralda?

Olbia is the gateway to the Costa Smeralda, which is just a short drive north. The beaches share the same beautiful clear water and fine sand. The main difference is the vibe and cost. Costa Smeralda beaches like Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja are often associated with luxury resorts, yachts, and a more exclusive atmosphere. The beaches closer to Olbia, like Pittulongu and Porto Istana, offer a more relaxed, local feel and are generally more budget-friendly while being just as beautiful.

Spiaggia Pittulongu

Porto Istana Beach

People Also Ask

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches near Olbia?

Yes, while the main beaches can get busy in summer, you can find quieter spots. Spiaggia del Dottore ('Doctor's Beach'), accessible via a short footpath, is a small, secluded cove. Further afield, beaches like Cala Moresca near Golfo Aranci or those on the Capo Ceraso promontory offer a more tranquil experience. Generally, moving away from the main access points and amenities on any large beach will lead you to a quieter spot.

Doctor's Beach

Spiaggia di Cala Moresca

What is Pittulongu beach like? Is it worth visiting?

Pittulongu, also known as 'La Playa,' is Olbia's main city beach and is definitely worth visiting for its convenience and beauty. It's a long crescent of fine white sand with clear, shallow water and a great view of Tavolara Island. It's well-equipped with restaurants, bars, and sunbed rentals, making it popular with both locals and tourists. It's actually a series of smaller beaches, including Lo Squalo and Il Pellicano.

Spiaggia Pittulongu

Spiaggia Lo Squalo

Spiaggia del Pellicano

Are there beaches near Olbia that are good for windsurfing or kitesurfing?

Yes, Spiaggia Le Saline, located very close to Olbia and the airport, is particularly known for being windy, which makes it a favorite spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Its long stretch of sand provides ample space for setting up equipment. The beach at Marinella is also popular for various water sports, including windsurfing.

Spiaggia Le Saline

Spiaggia di Marinella

How far is Cala Brandinchi ('Little Tahiti') from Olbia and is it crowded?

Cala Brandinchi is located near San Teodoro, about a 25-30 minute drive south of Olbia. It is famous for its stunningly clear, shallow turquoise water and fine white sand, earning it the nickname 'Little Tahiti'. Because of its beauty, it gets extremely crowded, especially in July and August. Access is often regulated in summer, requiring advance booking and payment for both entry and parking to preserve the beach.

Brandinchi Beach