Best Beaches South of Olbia: San Teodoro to Budoni

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The most beautiful beaches south of Olbia – from Porto San Paolo to San Teodoro and Budoni

Stretching south from Olbia to San Teodoro, this coastline is one of the most spectacular in Sardinia. Fine white sandy beaches, shallow lagoons and the crystal-clear waters of the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area make the region a paradise for beach holidays in Sardinia.

Between fragrant Mediterranean scrub, narrow headlands and sweeping dunes, one beautiful beach follows another. From the Caribbean-like bays of Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu to quieter spots such as Punta Don Diego, the coast is ideal for relaxing beach days, family holidays, snorkelling in Sardinia and water sports.

The best bays south of Olbia – from Porto San Paolo via San Teodoro to Budoni

Between Olbia and Budoni, one beautiful beach follows another: fine white sand, gently shelving shores and views of the imposing island of Tavolara. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu have an almost Caribbean feel, while the Costa Dorada is wilder and more rugged. This is one of Sardinia’s most varied stretches of coast. Despite its popularity, you can still find quiet bays with a little exploring, especially early in the morning or outside the peak season.

Tips for a day at the beach
• Arrive early: the best-known beaches fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
• Plan for parking: many beach car parks charge a fee, and spaces can be limited.
• Check the wind: depending on its direction, you can often find a sheltered bay along this coast.
• Respect nature: the dunes and lagoons are protected, so please keep to the paths.
• Bring a parasol: natural shade is not always available.
• Best time to visit: May, June and September are generally quieter, with weather often well suited to beach days.

Porto Istana (Murta Maria, Olbia)

Porto Istana is one of the most popular beaches south of Olbia, and for good reason. Its pale, almost powder-soft sand slopes gently into a turquoise sea, making it a favourite with families. A series of small bays offers different views of the imposing island of Tavolara. The beach is easy to reach, even by city bus from Olbia, yet the landscape feels spacious and open, framed by Mediterranean vegetation. For a lovely coastal walk, try the short hike from Porto Istana to Costa Corallina.

Appartment Myrsine, Murta Maria

Simple, well-kept holiday apartments near Murta Maria, south of Olbia, ideal for couples and small families. Within walking distance of the long sandy beach of Marina Maria, with a seasonal pool, a terrace and everything you need for your stay. A handy base for exploring the beautiful beaches of Porto Istana and Capo Ceraso.

Punta Don Diego

If you like a wilder stretch of coast, there’s plenty to explore between Punta La Greca and Don Diego bay. Reddish granite rocks separate small coves, with quiet swimming spots tucked between them. The water is remarkably clear, and the scenery rugged and unspoilt. There are some lovely places to snorkel, too. Offshore, the remains of a stranded cargo ship rise above the water, an unexpected sight against this natural backdrop.

Hotel Don Diego****, Porto San Paolo

A charming 4-star hotel in a beautiful, secluded setting on the Costa Dorata near Porto San Paolo. Set in Mediterranean gardens, it offers direct access to a small bay with a private beach and lovely views of Tavolara. Quiet paths follow the coast to more sandy coves.

Porto della Taverna

A long stretch of pale sand, shallow water and a broad lagoon behind the beach: Porto Taverna is made for leisurely days by the sea. The views of Tavolara are particularly striking here, with the island almost close enough to touch. It’s a popular beach, but there’s plenty of room for visitors to spread out along the shore. Behind the sand lies a large lagoon where flamingos stop to feed.

Residence Lu Nibareddu, Porto San Paolo

A spacious holiday complex above Porto Taverna bay, between San Teodoro and Porto San Paolo. Sardinian-style apartments come with a terrace or balcony, some with sea views. Two pools, restaurants and beach services add to the comfort. Choose a self-catering stay or the aparthotel option for a beach holiday at your own pace, close to Tavolara.

Punta Est (Capo Coda Cavallo)

Punta Est lies at the very tip of Capo Coda Cavallo. Pale sand, granite rocks and juniper bushes line this narrow headland, surrounded by deep blue sea. The small beach gets busy in summer. When the water is calm, a stand-up paddleboard is a lovely way to explore the coast.

Villa Ippocampo, Capo Coda Cavallo

A small, stylish villa in a quiet setting on Capo Coda Cavallo, just a few minutes’ walk from the sea. Sleeping up to six, it has a private pool and plenty of outdoor space for relaxing. The villa overlooks Salina Bamba bay, with the peninsula’s beautiful beaches close by.

Cala Brandinchi (Capo Coda Cavallo)

Fine, pale sand, crystal-clear water and views of Tavolara make Cala Brandinchi one of Sardinia’s best-known beaches. The sea stays shallow a long way out, while dunes, pine trees and a lagoon where flamingos can sometimes be spotted lie behind the beach. It gets busy in summer and is usually quieter outside peak season. Advance booking is required during the restricted-access period, and parking is charged separately. For booking information, entrance fees and other beaches to try, see our guide to Sardinia’s beach reservations and alternatives.

Residence Baia Salinedda, Capo Coda Cavallo

A quiet holiday complex on Capo Coda Cavallo near San Teodoro. The adjoining holiday homes sit among Mediterranean shrubs and have a terrace or garden, some with sea views. The sandy beach is just a few minutes’ walk away. There’s a pool and a restaurant on site, with sun loungers and parasols available to hire on the beach.

Lu Impostu (Capo Coda Cavallo)

Just south of Cala Brandinchi lies Lu Impostu, one of the loveliest beaches near San Teodoro. Its fine, pale sand stretches for around a kilometre, backed by dunes, Mediterranean scrub and a lagoon where flamingos can sometimes be spotted. The turquoise sea stays shallow a long way out, with views across the bay towards Tavolara. During the restricted-access period, advance booking is required and an entrance fee generally applies. Find out more in our guide to Sardinia’s beach reservations and alternatives. Book your visit through the official Lu Impostu beach reservation website.

Villa Est di Puntaldia, San Teodoro

A modern villa in the I Giardini d’Aldia residential estate near Puntaldia, overlooking Lu Impostu bay. Six bedrooms, spacious living areas and a private saltwater pool accommodate up to twelve guests. The extensive garden has terraces, a barbecue and a pizza oven. The beach is around 500 metres away. Further information in German.

La Cinta (San Teodoro)

La Cinta’s white sands stretch for kilometres between the lagoon and the sea. It is one of Sardinia’s best-known beaches. The turquoise water deepens gradually, making it popular with families, while the shoreline is lovely for long walks. Behind the dunes lies a lagoon where flamingos feed. La Cinta gets busy in summer.

Residenze Gallura, San Teodoro

A small holiday complex in San Teodoro, just a few minutes’ walk from the lively piazza. The simply furnished, practical apartments have a terrace or garden and sleep up to six guests. La Cinta’s sandy beach is around two kilometres away. A good choice for combining beach days with evenings in town.

Li Salineddi (Fidobeach, Budoni)

Slightly tucked away, Li Salineddi, also known as Fido Beach, is Budoni’s dog-friendly beach. This small stretch of shore lies between Li Cuppulati and Salamaghe. Pale sand and clear water make it a lovely spot for a beach day with your dog. Entry is free, but dogs must be kept on a lead. Further rules are displayed at the entrance.

Residence Bouganvillage, Budoni

A small, quiet holiday complex in Tanaunella near Budoni, surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. The simply furnished, practical apartments have a furnished terrace or balcony. There’s a shared pool and a playground, while beaches such as Sant’Anna are a short drive away. Dogs weighing up to 25 kg are welcome for an additional charge.

Cala di Budoni

Cala di Budoni is a long stretch of pale sand with gently shelving water and plenty of shoreline for a good walk. Behind the dunes, patches of pine trees provide shade. On days with little wind, the clear sea is inviting for a swim, including with children. For a quieter spot, try the southern part of the beach.