Travel guides

Sa Testa coastal trail: a walk beyond Pittulongu

Olbia’s municipal tourism page describes Sa Testa as a 4.5 km coastal trail, estimated at one hour and twenty-five minutes and graded moderate-low difficulty. It starts in the Pittulongu area and crosses Mediterranean vegetation with views towards Capo Figari and Tavolara. Those figures do not replace checking the current map and conditions.

Sardegna Houses editorial team · Information checked on

A walk that starts by the beach

Sa Testa is a coastal walk in the Pittulongu area, presented by Olbia’s tourism portal as an alternative to a beach day. The municipal page gives a distance of 4.5 km, an indicative duration of one hour and twenty-five minutes, and a moderate-low difficulty grade. These details help compare it with other routes, but do not describe every surface, the heat or your group’s pace.

The landscape changes just beyond the sand

From the southern end of Pittulongu, the route leaves the beach and follows the coast through vegetation that includes myrtle and rockrose. The page mentions views north towards Pittulongu and Capo Figari, and south towards Tavolara. It is a useful choice for visitors who want to experience the gulf on foot instead of spending the whole day on the sand.

Read the map before following the path

The municipal page provides a general map and a more detailed route description, including the outward and return sections. Read them before visiting. Do not follow a spur just because it appears to stay near the water, and do not infer the route from a viewpoint. A map saved on your phone can help with orientation, but it cannot confirm the trail’s present marking or condition.

Avoid the hottest part of the day

Olbia’s tourism page specifically advises avoiding the walk during the hottest hours. Choose a cooler time, bring water and sun protection, and wear shoes suited to a natural path rather than beach sandals alone. If the weather is poor or anyone in the group is uncomfortable with the ground, postpone or choose an activity with less exposure.

Combine it with swimming only at a relaxed pace

Starting near Pittulongu makes a swim before or after the walk tempting, but the route has its own distance and must be included in the day’s plan. Check transport and beach conditions for your visit date, and bring only the equipment you intend to use. The existence of a route does not guarantee access in every season or under every condition.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Sa Testa route?

Hello Olbia lists it as 4.5 km, around one hour and twenty-five minutes, with moderate-low difficulty. These are indicative figures from the municipal page; check the map and account for heat, pace and ground before deciding how much time to allow.

Can I walk it with children?

The page calls it simple and family-friendly, while advising visitors to avoid the hottest hours. Still consider children’s age and stamina, water and the day’s conditions; a difficulty label cannot guarantee that every child can complete the full route.

Sources and useful information

WhatsApp