Sardegna HousesCosta Smeralda · Olbia · La Maddalena
Beaches, islands, villages and day trips: practical guides for planning a holiday in Costa Smeralda, Olbia and the La Maddalena archipelago.
Travel guides
A 1.65 km route towards the Capo Ceraso lookout: how to read its grade, uneven ground and military history before setting out.
Read the guide: Capo Ceraso: why a short trail is not always an easy oneTravel guides
What to expect on the Monte Alvu–Sa Turritta route: official figures, Mediterranean scrub and the difference between its first stretch and full walk.
Read the guide: Monte Alvu and Sa Turritta: walking through scrubland near OlbiaTravel guides
A route inland from San Pantaleo among rural homes and granite towers: what the municipal trail page says and how to plan around private land.
Read the guide: San Pantaleo trails: granite and rural homes, with the right preparationTravel guides
A practical way to compare distance, time, surface and elevation on Gallura trails, using official maps and route examples before setting out.
Read the guide: Hiking in Gallura: understand trail difficulty before choosingTravel guides
Choose between a short ride in Olbia and a longer cycling outing by separating bike sharing, rental, route planning and equipment.
Read the guide: Olbia by bike: distinguish a town ride from an excursionTravel guides
Before hiring an e-bike in Costa Smeralda, clarify the route, battery range, support and terms with this practical checklist.
Read the guide: E-biking in Costa Smeralda: questions before hiring a bikeTravel guides
Plan Tavolara by separating a coastal stop from a summit ascent, checking current marine rules and access, and confirming what an excursion actually permits.
Read the guide: Tavolara: plan a day without confusing the beach and the summitTravel guides
Boating and snorkelling in the Tavolara Marine Protected Area depend on zones, activities and permits. Here is what to check before choosing a route.
Read the guide: Tavolara marine reserve: what changes for boating and snorkellingTravel guides
Birdwatching around Olbia can start at its lagoons and Poltu Quadu. Choose a safe viewing point, keep your distance and leave birds and wetlands undisturbed.
Read the guide: Olbia’s lagoons: watch birds without disturbing the landscapeTravel guides
Posidonia leaves on the shore are part of a coastal ecosystem. Learn how to read them, respect collection bans and choose a beach without judging the sea by appearance.
Read the guide: Posidonia on the beach: why it does not mean poor water qualityTravel guides
Take home a photograph, not sand, pebbles or shells. Arzachena’s beach rules and protected areas show how to enjoy the coast without taking from it.
Read the guide: Sand and shells: the souvenirs to leave on the beachTravel guides
Reach the shore by following designated access paths and leave dunes and plants intact. Practical guidance for moving carefully across Gallura’s sandy coastline.
Read the guide: Gallura’s dunes: reach the beach without damaging themTravel guides
Before snorkelling in Gallura, check the zone, rules, sea, equipment and company. Five practical checks for choosing a permitted spot that suits the day.
Read the guide: Snorkelling in Gallura: five checks before entering the waterTravel guides
A private boat and a shared excursion offer different formats, but both depend on rules, route and sea conditions. Compare the proposal with the day you want.
Read the guide: Private boat or shared excursion? Choose for the day you wantTravel guides
A sailing day depends on route, wind, stops and marine rules. Find out what to ask a provider and how to decide whether the experience suits your group.
Read the guide: A sailing day in Gallura: what to expect in practiceTravel guides
Choosing guided SUP or kayaking near Olbia? Compare experience level, route, equipment, group and marine rules before booking an outing.
Read the guide: SUP and kayaking near Olbia: choose a guided outing that suits youTravel guides
Two beaches and a walk in Porto Cervo are enough for a first taste of Costa Smeralda. Choose stops around your priorities and leave room for parking, traffic and changing sea conditions.
Read the guide: Costa Smeralda in one day: two beaches and a village, without rushingTravel guides
Three days can combine the coast, an archaeological site and an outing to La Maddalena, with a lighter plan as a buffer. If weather, sea conditions or services change, move things around instead of turning the trip into a race.
Read the guide: Three days in Gallura: an itinerary with room for changesTravel guides
One base can work for a week if you alternate coast, archaeology, islands and free days. Group outings by area and leave room for weather, transport and seasonal services.
Read the guide: One week in Gallura: seven different days from one holiday baseTravel guides
Pairing a beach with La Prisgiona nuraghe can work if you choose one archaeological visit and check access. Coddu Vecchiu is a Giants’ Tomb, not a nuraghe, and is a separate stop.
Read the guide: Beach and nuraghi in one day: a combination to enjoy slowlyTravel guides
A day between San Pantaleo and Porto Rotondo pairs a village among granite hills with a coastal centre. Check market dates, events and transport for your chosen day.
Read the guide: San Pantaleo and Porto Rotondo: a day between granite and harbourTravel guides
Ferry, the Caprera link and beaches: choose a few stops for a realistic day on La Maddalena, and save the places that need more time for another trip.
Read the guide: La Maddalena and Caprera in a day: what to see and what to saveTravel guides
Plan a drive between Tempio Pausania, Nuraghe Majori and Aggius: choose your visits, leave room to adjust, and check access and opening arrangements.
Read the guide: A day in inland Gallura: Tempio, a nuraghe and AggiusTravel guides
Cala Sabina, Cala Moresca and Golfo Aranci town: choose a beach, walk or waterfront stop without relying on outdated train times.
Read the guide: Golfo Aranci in a day: choose beach, trail and waterfront