Published: October 28, 2025 • Olbia, Sardinia

Sardinia 2026 Preview: Owner-Operated Stays, New Flight Links and Early Bird Savings Set Up a Record Year for RENTAL12 and AZULIS

RENTAL12, Sardinia’s only owner-operated holiday-rental brand, together with its design division AZULIS, forecasts a standout 2026 as new flight connections and sustained tourism growth amplify demand for Olbia, Golfo Aranci, and the Costa Smeralda. All homes are 100% owned by Lion Development Group and operated by RENTAL12 through NR12, ensuring consistent standards from design to daily care. Explore our portfolio at RENTAL12 & AZULIS properties.

“Guests choose us for one simple reason: we own and operate every home, so standards stay consistent and the experience feels personal.” — Floriana Panvini Rosati, CEO & Co-Founder

Air Access Highlights for 2026

USA–Sardinia nonstop: Delta Air Lines has announced New York JFK–Olbia (OLB) for Summer 2026 (seasonal).
Netherlands: Transavia direct Amsterdam–Olbia expected into Summer 2026 (seasonal schedules apply).
Pan-EU connectivity to OLB: expanded summer schedules on leading European carriers (including easyJet network growth) connecting Italy, France, and Germany to Olbia. Check official timetables at Olbia Airport.
Alghero (AHO): ~34 destinations via ~8 airlines in season (as of Summer 2025), complementing OLB for North Sardinia access. See Alghero Airport.

Market and Demand Indicators

2024 actual: ~4.5M arrivals and ~18.86M presences in Sardinia; average stay ~4.25 nights; foreign share ~53%.
Olbia Airport scale 2024: ~3.8–3.85M passengers, underscoring OLB as the main gateway to North-East Sardinia.
2025 context: island-wide overnights trending toward ~20M (+~6–7% vs 2024), with Gallura/Olbia retaining a leading share. Figures are seasonal and subject to official updates.

New Savings for 2026

Early Bird: up to 13% on advance purchases available until 2 months before arrival.
Non-refundable: –10% on eligible stays if booked up to 2 months before arrival.
Direct-booking bonus: –5% always at rental12.com, plus complimentary early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability).

Sustainable Expansion

Lion Development is scaling an energy-efficient, low-impact portfolio across Northern Sardinia: AZULIS Delle Terme city residences in Olbia’s historic centre, AZULIS Villas sea-view homes in Golfo Aranci and the Costa Smeralda, and the AZULIS Green Collection 2026 with solar-assisted systems, smart climate control, water-reuse, and high-performance insulation. Learn more on Green & Sustainability.

Portfolio Outlook

In 2025 RENTAL12 operated 25+ owned listings; in 2026 the portfolio will exceed 40. Long-term targets: 45 villas in Golfo Aranci and 125 apartments and houses by 2030 — all built to high construction standards with a low ecological footprint. Browse RENTAL12 & AZULIS homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new flights will help me get to Olbia or Alghero in 2026?

Delta’s JFK–Olbia nonstop is announced for Summer 2026; Transavia continues Amsterdam–Olbia; easyJet maintains broad EU links into OLB; Alghero offers ~34 seasonal destinations via ~8 airlines. Verify schedules on geasar.it and aeroportodialghero.it.

How busy was Sardinia in 2024?

Approximately 4.5 million arrivals and 18.86 million presences; average stay ~4.25 nights; about 53 percent foreign visitors (seasonal figures subject to official confirmation).

Why is an owner-operated model different?

It provides direct accountability and consistent standards because one company owns the homes and runs every service — from design and furnishing to cleaning and guest care.

What discounts are available for 2026?

Up to 13% Early Bird and 10% non-refundable when booked up to 2 months before arrival, plus an extra 5% direct-booking bonus at rental12.com with complimentary early check-in and late check-out when available.

Where are RENTAL12 and AZULIS homes located?

Northern Sardinia — focused on Olbia, Golfo Aranci, and the Costa Smeralda — close to beaches, marinas, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport.

Disclaimer: Routes, aircraft, and frequencies are seasonal and may change without notice. Always confirm timetables on official airport and airline channels before booking.

Author: Floriana Panvini Rosati • More news in our Press section.