Olbia is one of the best charter bases in Sardinia if you want to combine stylish marinas, protected bays, and spectacular islands within a single week. From here, you can easily reach the wild beauty of Tavolara, the refined harbours of the Costa Smeralda, and the iconic stops of the La Maddalena archipelago. The area offers both easy short sailing days and more adventurous open-water legs, making it attractive for both newer and more experienced charter crews. The routes below help you quickly decide which Olbia sailing plan best matches your pace.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in Olbia?
- Where to sail from Olbia? – ports and islands
- Sail in Olbia! Olbia sailing itineraries
- Marine gas near Olbia, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
Which month is best for sailing in Olbia?
The best time for sailing around Olbia is usually May to June, and again September. During these months the weather is warm but comfortable, the sea is inviting, and the winds are often ideal for enjoyable passages, while the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena area feel far less crowded than at the height of summer.
Spring: In spring, the Olbia area welcomes sailors with crisp light, greener landscapes and longer sunny days. From April onward, daytime temperatures are often around 18–22 °C, rising toward 24 °C by late May, while the sea slowly warms from roughly 14–17 °C. Winds are often moderate, with many days offering 10–18 knots, although a passing Mistral can bring fresher and more energetic sailing. The sea is usually more orderly, though wave height can build for a time during frontal passages, especially in more open stretches. Marinas and anchorages still move at a gentler pace, which makes this season especially appealing for crews looking for a refined and quieter charter atmosphere.
Summer: Summer gives Olbia its postcard-perfect Mediterranean mood. From June to August, air temperatures generally sit between 27 and 31 °C, climbing higher during heatwaves, while sea temperatures rise from around 20 °C to a very comfortable 24–26 °C. Typical summer winds often range between 8 and 20 knots, creating pleasant and dependable sailing, though the Mistral can occasionally arrive with more force, especially in open channels and toward the Strait of Bonifacio. Mornings often begin with flatter water, while afternoons bring livelier sea breezes and a more textured sea surface. July and especially August are the busiest months, so marinas, fashionable bays and Costa Smeralda harbours can fill quickly, giving the sailing scene an atmosphere that feels both glamorous and vibrant.
Autumn: Autumn is, for many sailors, the most balanced and beautiful season around Olbia. In September and early October, daytime temperatures often remain between 22 and 28 °C, and the sea keeps much of its summer warmth, frequently staying around 20–24 °C. Winds become more varied, commonly around 10–20 knots, but the transitional season can also bring more defined weather systems with stronger Mistral episodes or southerly flows. On many days the sea remains inviting, clear and highly enjoyable for cruising, yet in open water it can already show a more dynamic edge. By then the peak-season crowds fade noticeably, so villages, anchorages and stylish coves feel more spacious and intimate.
Winter: In winter, Olbia becomes quieter and more elemental. Daytime temperatures are usually around 12–16 °C, while the sea drops to about 13–15 °C, making this season more suitable for experienced sailors. The Mistral has a much stronger influence at this time of year: winds above 20 knots are not unusual, and some weather patterns can produce even more demanding conditions. On open water the sea can quickly become rougher and more challenging, so winter sailing here requires greater care and more flexible route planning. In return, the coastline takes on a clean, dramatic beauty, traffic is minimal, and Sardinia reveals a more raw and elegant side of its character.
Where to sail from Olbia? – ports and islands
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. Rent a boat in Olbia and enjoy complete tranquility as you glide from one beautiful bay to another.
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. sailing in Portisco, yachtcharter 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
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing around Olbia: 7 days sailing itinerary
A comfortable and easy-to-follow one-week loop from Olbia with shorter daily legs and plenty of accessible stops along the Costa Smeralda. It is a great choice if you want to mix sailing with swim stops, marina evenings, and a more relaxed holiday rhythm. Recommended level: beginner Open sea passages: no
Day 1: Olbia – Porto San Paolo (8.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
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) (2.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
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 (7.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
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 (9.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
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 (1.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
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 (8.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
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 (33.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 6 hours)
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.
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
Olbia sailing: 7 days sailing plan (longer)
A more scenic 7-day route from Olbia with longer legs that also reaches Tavolara, the La Maddalena archipelago, and Bonifacio. Around the Bonifacio Strait, careful attention to wind and sea state is especially important, so this plan works best with more flexibility and stronger route planning. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: Olbia – Tavolara Island (Spalmatore di Terra) (8.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 2: Tavolara Island (Spalmatore di Terra) – Caprera (Pontile di Porto Palma) (24.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 3: Caprera (Pontile di Porto Palma) – Spargi (Cala Corsara) (6.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 4: Spargi (Cala Corsara) – Bonifacio (14.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 2.5 hours), Day 5: Bonifacio – Santa Teresa Gallura (8.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1.5 hours), Day 6: Santa Teresa Gallura – Palau (11.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours), Day 7: Palau – Porto Cervo – Olbia 54.94 (34.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 5.5 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
How to choose an Olbia sailing route?
- If you want easy sailing days and a relaxed pace: choose the 1-week itinerary with nearby stops and simple daily planning.
- If you want iconic islands and more varied waters: the 7-day Olbia sailing route is a better fit, opening the program toward Tavolara, Caprera, and Bonifacio.
- If your crew is less experienced or wants a slower week: stay closer to the Costa Smeralda and leave more time for swimming and marina stays.
- If you want flexibility based on wind conditions: follow a route where the longer exposed legs can be shortened or rearranged more easily.
Marine gas near Olbia, boat gas stations around Costa Smeralda
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Gavetta: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.211471, 9.404426
- LA MADDALENA – Cala Camiciotto: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.2147, 9.42679
- CAPRERA – Porto Palma: Depth: 9 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.191088, 9.449766
- BONIFACIO: Depth: 3, 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.387925, 9.163037
- PORTO VECCHIO: Depth: 4 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.59104, 9.28352
- SANTA TERESA GALLURA: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), 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 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), GPS Coordinates: 41.109322, 9.440733
- PORTO CERVO: Depth: 7 m, Working time: 0-24 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), 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 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), 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 depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival) depending on the season (to be agreed upon before arrival), 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.
Request a quote for an Olbia charter and we’ll help you choose the right yacht and route for your crew. Set off with confidence, knowing the planning is in good hands.
