Find out everything about sailing in Olbia: itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! The cosy town of Olbia is a very popular tourist destination because of the fact that it is located near the breathtaking Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast. It is also the best starting point when visiting Tavolara Island, which is located in an unspoiled natural environment. You will find information here about when it is worth sailing in Olbia, and we are also going to provide you with 7 days sailing itinerary.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- The climate of Olbia
- Ports and islands around Olbia
- Sail in Olbia! Olbia sailing itineraries
- Sailing around Olbia: Plan for a one-week-long sailing trip
- Olbia sailing: 7 days sailing plan (longer)
- Marine gas near Olbia, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
The climate of Olbia
Visitors of the holiday resort can expect a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The warmest months are July and August, and the coldest one in January. In July, the temperature might get as high as 33°C and as low as 15°C in January. The wettest period is between October and December. If you do not insist on visiting in the warmest period, you should consider going between April to October, as the weather is very pleasant during these months. The temperature of the sea may even reach 27°C during the warmest weeks.Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Olbia.
Ports and islands around Olbia
Marina di Olbia
The port in Olbia provides 270 berths for yachts up to 80 metres size. The maximum depth is 5.2 metres. The protected port offers many great services. If you get hungry, there is a restaurant, and they have a bar as well. Olbia sailing, Olbia boat rental
Marina di Golfo Aranci
The private dock is only 20 metres from the town centre. They have 30 berths for boats as long as 5-16 metres. The depth of the water is 1.5-5 metres. Thanks to the breakwater built-in 2017, the port provides protection against the northeastern and southwestern winds dominant in the bay. You can find a bar and a restaurant in Marina di Golfo Aranci, and they also have electricity and Wi-Fi.
Marina di Porto Rotondo
The beautiful port of Porto Rotondo has 650 berths for yachts as long as 90 metres. The depth of the water is 5.5 metres. The port offers several good-quality services, such as running water, electricity, Wi-Fi, fuel and maintenance. You can even require medical assistance.
Marina di Portisco
The port of the city has 589 berths for yachts with a length of 4-90 metres. It is perfectly protected and has all the necessary services sailors may need: running water, electricity, Wi-Fi and fuel supply. Information about sailing in Portisco, or yacht charter in Portisco
Porto Cervo Marina
This is one of the best equipped and most welcoming ports on the Adriatic Sea. There are 700 berths available, 100 of which are preserved for yachts passing through. The depth of the water is 1.7-7 metres. Every berth has running water and electricity.
Poltu Quatu
Arzachena, located near Cannigione, is very popular among sailboat and yacht owners today. Poltu Quato, which opened in 1987, provides 305 berths for boats with a length of 8-35 metres. The depth of water is 3 metres around the entrance and 2 metres in the inner dock.
Marina di Cannigione
The natural port in Arzachena Bay can accept 400 yachts with a length of up to 25 metres. The maximum depth is 4.5 metres. They have drinking water, electricity as well as bars and restaurants. Their great services also include laundry and maintenance. Cannigione sailing, Cannigione boat rental
Marina di Porto Rafael
This small port in the northern part of Sardinia provides 80 berths for boats up to 30 metres long. The maximum depth of water is between 2 and 5 metres. Although small in size, the port is safe, well-equipped and popular among sailors. It is a perfect starting point from where you can explore the smaller islands of the La Maddalena archipelago
Porto di Santa Teresa Gallura
The port can be found in the Santa Teresa Gallura holiday resort. They have 700 moorings for yachts with a maximum length of 45 metres. The depth of the water is 5 metres. It is a protected port with several great services offered, and there is also a bar and a restaurant here. Santa Teresa Gallura sailing, Boat rental Santa Teresa GalluraInformation about sailing in Santa Teresa Gallura , or boat rental in Santa Teresa Gallura
Sail in Olbia! Olbia sailing itineraries
Sailing around Olbia: 7 days sailing itinerary
We are leaving from Olbia, and this is where we will return after visiting the sights in the neighbouring areas.
Day 1: Olbia – Porto San Paolo
14.94 km (9.28 nm)
First, we are sailing to Porto San Paolo, southeast of Olbia. The cosy town is famous for its welcoming guests, and it has a perfect location as well. There are beautiful islands nearby such as Isola Tavolara, Isala Molara and Isola Piana. If you are here, you can choose from great sports opportunities like horse-riding, mountain biking and golf.
Day 2: Porto San Paolo – Tavolara Island (Spalmatore di Terra)
4.63 km (2.88 nm)
After Porto Paolo, we are visiting the wonderful Tavolara Island, which is mostly famous for the fact that the world’s smallest kingdom can be found here. The highest point, Punta Cannone offers a fascinating view of the surrounding mountains as well as the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica. The wonderful bays of the island are perfect for a nice swim. If you visit the place, you will find a bar and a restaurant here; still, nature is dominant on this breathtaking spot. There are unique bird species, mouflon and goats on the granite rocks.
Day 3: Tavolara Island (Spalmatore di Terra) – Golfo Aranci
13.33 km (8.29 nm)
Our next destination is Golfo Aranci where we must definitely visit the town centre. Thanks to its stylish shops and modern boardwalk, the town is different from other typical Sardinian towns. Once you are here, you should admire the gifts made from coral, and then choose from one of the fine restaurants that all offer delicious frutti di mare. Spend the night in the port of Golfo Aranci.
Day 4: Golfo Aranci – Porto Rotondo
17.21 km (10.69 nm)
The holiday resort is located between Cugnana Bay and Marinella Bay, 13 kilometres to the north from Olbia. There are picturesque beaches here, and the square called Piazzetta San Marco can be found in the centre. The Church of San Lorenzo is a must-see sight. If you get hungry, you can find many restaurants and cafés in Porto Rotondo, which also has a buzzing nightlife.
Day 5: Porto Rotondo – Portisco
1.84 km (1.14 nm)
This romantic town has sandy beaches with crystal clear, shallow waters. Portisco, Rena Bianca and Liscia Ruja are the most popular ones. If you visit the place, you must try the delicious dishes of Sardinian cuisine. We particularly recommend the restaurants Ristorante Su Cubone and Portisco Beach Music. Both establishments offer delicious dishes and a pleasant atmosphere. Beside great food, they also offer many excellent wines to choose from. Read more about what to do in Portisco, Portisco sailing, rent a boat in Portisco
Day 6: Portisco – Porto Cervo
16.49 km (10.24 nm)
Porto Cervo, which is the centre of Costa Smeralda, has become one of the most popular luxury resorts in Europe. The most beautiful sight in town is the Stella Maris Church. They built it in the 1960s and is characterised by a combination of Sardinian and modern architecture. One of the gems in Porto Cervo is the well-equipped port with its 500 berths. They organise an international sailing competition here every year between May and September. Are you looking for entertainment? You can find cosy places in towns such as the Sottovento Club or the English Lord Nelson Pub.
Day 7: Porto Cervo – Caprera (Pontile di Porto Palma) – Olbia
61.99 km (38.52 nm)
Caprera is located halfway between Corsica and Sardinia; it is a completely protected area. The island – covered with rocks and surrounded by pines – has many romantic, hidden bays. The most famous of them might be Cala Coticcio, also referred to as Tahiti Bay. The former house of Giuseppe Garibaldi is also a popular spot; this is where the Italian freedom fighter spent the last years of his life. The Caprera Sailing Centre – which is one of the oldest sailing centres in the country and is among the largest ones on the Adriatic Sea – can also be found on this island.
After we return our yacht, it is worth exploring Olbia if we still have some time. The town has breathtaking beaches like the Le Saline, the Dottore or the Porto Istana. Other famous sights include the National Archaeological Museum, the Basilica of San Simplicio and the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. The latter was built on ruins, and is really unique thanks to its dome – covered with colourful ceramic tiles – and its Venetian carved wooden pulpit. The cosy restaurant La Lanterna offers delicious pizzas. The place is also famous for the frutti di mare, the pecorino made from sheep’s milk and the grilled dishes. If you choose this restaurant, you can also expect a large selection of wines.
Olbia sailing: 7 days sailing plan (longer)
Day 1. Olbia – Tavolara Island (Spalmatore di Terra) 16.22 km (10.08 nm), Day 2. Tavolara Island (Spalmatore di Terra) – Caprera (Pontile di Porto Palma) 44.81 km (27.84 nm), Day 3. Caprera (Pontile di Porto Palma) – Spargi (Cala Corsara) 12.39 km (7.70 nm), Day 4. Spargi (Cala Corsara) – Bonifacio 26.80 km (16.66 nm), Day 5. Bonifacio – Santa Teresa Gallura 16.45 km (10.22 nm), Day 6. Santa Teresa Gallura – Palau 21.16 km (13.15 nm), Day 7. Palau – Porto Cervo – Olbia 54.94 (34.14 nm)
Marine gas near Olbia, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Gavetta: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.211471, 9.404426
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Camiciotto: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.2147, 9.42679
- CAPRERA – Porto Palma: Depth: 9 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.191088, 9.449766
- BONIFACIO: Depth: 3, 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.387925, 9.163037
- PORTO VECCHIO: Depth: 4 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.59104, 9.28352
- SANTA TERESA GALLURA: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.2448, 9.20658
- PALAU: Depth: 4 m, VHF: 09, GPS Coordinates: 41.1811, 9.3852
- ARZACHENA – Marina dell’Orso or Poltu Quatu Marina: Depth: 3 m, Working time: in summertime it’s open every day from 8.30-20.30, GPS Coordinates: 41.139006, 9.495669
- CANNIGIONE: Depth: 4, 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.109322, 9.440733
- PORTO CERVO: Depth: 7 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.136078, 9.527144
- PORTISCO: Depth: 12 m, Working time: 9-19.30, GPS Coordinates: 41.033888, 9.523888
- PORTO ROTONDO: Depth: 5, 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 41.029393, 9.543547
- GOLFO ARANCI: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 40.996165, 9.622444
- OLBIA: Depth: 5, 2 m, VHF: 09, GPS Coordinates: 40.916963, 9.524358
- OLBIA – Circolo Nautico: Depth: 2, 5 m, VHF: 12, GPS Coordinates: 40.923281, 9.509794
- ARBATAX: Depth: 10 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 39.937412, 9.704896
If you would like to go sailing, Olbia is an excellent destination. The town and the neighbouring resorts all offer exciting sights, so you will definitely have an unforgettable holiday here.Find yacht routes in Costa Smeralda or choose another yacht charter in Costa Smeralda.
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