Bars & Aperitivo in Olbia, Golfo Aranci & Porto Rotondo

How Bars & Aperitivo Work in North East Sardinia

In Olbia and along the Costa Smeralda, bars are much more than quick stops for a drink. A single place can be a morning coffee bar, an afternoon gelato stop, an aperitivo terrace and a late-night cocktail lounge, all in one. The rhythm is relaxed: locals often meet for an early-evening aperitivo between 18:00 and 20:30, then head to dinner or stay on for another round.

Around the port of Olbia, the waterfront boulevards, Viale Aldo Moro and the historic center, you will find cocktail bars, wine bars and cafés with outdoor tables that work well for couples, small groups and even families with children. In Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo, the focus is on sea views: rooftop terraces, beachside lounges and marina bars where you can watch yachts glide in at sunset.

This guide focuses on the real places you are likely to use if you stay in one of our designer apartments. For restaurant ideas to combine with drinks, see Family-friendly restaurants in Olbia & Golfo Aranci.

Bar Index: Olbia, Golfo Aranci & Porto Rotondo

Click to jump directly to each bar or area:

• Spirits Boutique (Olbia)
• Zenit (Olbia waterfront)
• Seamphony Terrace (Olbia)
• The Wine Club (Olbia)
• Cafè Gregorio (Olbia)
• Cafè Bellavista (Olbia)
• Kemàni – Villa Sara Wine & Cocktail (Olbia)
• In Vino Veritas (Olbia)
• Art Academy (Olbia)
• Mary Café Bistrot (Olbia)
• Friends / Avenue Friends Aldo Moro (Olbia)
• Planet Cafè (Olbia)
• The Green Life (Olbia)
• Cafè Nina (San Pantaleo)
• L’Ostrica Ubriaca Rooftop (Golfo Aranci)
• Gintoneria & Cocktail Bar Clipper (Golfo Aranci)
• Banchina 13 (Golfo Aranci)
• Tartarughino (Porto Rotondo)
• Country Club (Porto Rotondo)
• Ira Beach Club & nearby beach bars (Porto Rotondo)

Olbia, Golfo Aranci & Porto Rotondo: Three Different Nightlife Vibes

Together, Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo create a compact but varied nightlife corridor in North East Sardinia. Olbia is your all-year city base: cafés and wine bars stay open even in winter, prices are reasonable and options range from elegant cocktail spots to friendly neighborhood bars. Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo are more seasonal but offer some of the most scenic aperitivo views in Sardinia, especially from waterfront promenades and marinas.

Compared to the south of Sardinia, the north east has denser clusters of bars and restaurants within short driving distance, plus easier access to airports and ferries. This makes it ideal for families who want evening strolls and ice cream, couples looking for sunset cocktails and groups of friends who want to alternate between beaches, day trips and late-night drinks. For ideas on how to fit bars around your itinerary, see Best day trips from Olbia and Best beaches near Olbia & Golfo Aranci.

Before you head out, you can also check local info on the Comune di Olbia website and the Golfo Aranci tourism portal, plus Porto Rotondo official site and Sardegna Turismo for wider island events.

Spirits Boutique – Cocktail & Wine Bar (Olbia)

Spirits Boutique is one of Olbia’s reference points for serious cocktails and premium spirits. Tucked in the city, it feels more like a curated living room than a typical bar, with a backlit wall of bottles and bartenders who enjoy explaining what is in your glass. Expect classic cocktails prepared with precision, original signatures and a deep selection of gins, rums and whiskies.

The atmosphere works equally well for a pre-dinner aperitivo and a slower after-dinner session. Many guests stop here after exploring the historic center or after dinner at one of Olbia’s restaurants around Corso Umberto. If you are staying in a central Rental12 apartment, you can often walk here in under fifteen minutes, which makes it easy to enjoy a Negroni, gin and tonic or zero-alcohol drink without thinking about driving.

Spirits Boutique also highlights seasonal ingredients and Sardinian products, so do not hesitate to ask for something tailored to your taste. For a first impression and occasional event updates, see their website: Spirits Boutique.

Zenit – Waterfront Bar on the Boulevard (Olbia)

Zenit sits along the waterfront boulevard close to Olbia’s harbor, making it a natural stop on an evening walk. The focus here is simple: a relaxed atmosphere, outdoor tables facing the sea and a straightforward menu of drinks and snacks. It is a good choice if you want to stay near the port area, watch ferries arrive and leave, or enjoy a quick drink before or after a boat trip.

During summer, Zenit often becomes part of an informal aperitivo “crawl” along the boulevard: guests may start here for a spritz, then continue toward Seamphony Terrace or other bars closer to the historic center. Families with older children often appreciate the open-air setting and the possibility to walk safely along the pedestrian areas nearby. To stay close to the harbor and minimize driving, choose one of our central properties on the Rental12 property index.

Seamphony Terrace – Sea-View Aperitivo (Olbia)

Seamphony Terrace is all about the view. Perched along the waterfront, it offers a front-row seat to Olbia’s gulf: wide sea views, moving boats and changing light as the sun drops behind the city. In summer this is one of the most scenic spots for a pre-dinner drink, especially if you appreciate chilled white wines, bubbles or a classic aperol spritz with light bar food.

The music tends to be relaxed rather than overwhelming, so you can still talk comfortably. Couples often choose Seamphony Terrace as the “romantic” option, while small groups enjoy sharing platters and watching the harbor. If you arrive by car, use our guide to Olbia parking & ZTL to avoid restricted zones, or simply park at Via Sassari 20 private parking and walk over.

The Wine Club (Olbia)

The Wine Club is a cozy, contemporary wine bar that focuses on quality over quantity. Expect a thoughtful list of Sardinian labels – especially Vermentino di Gallura and Cannonau – plus a selection of Italian and international bottles. Glass pours are generous, and staff are usually happy to guide you if you are new to Sardinian wine.

The interior is intimate, with warm lighting and shelves of bottles serving as both décor and menu. Many guests combine a tasting here with dinner in the historic center or use The Wine Club as a calm alternative to louder bars. It works well for couples, small adult groups and anyone who wants to understand Sardinian wine beyond the typical beach bar list. For photos, events and bottle inspiration, follow The Wine Club on Instagram.

Cafè Gregorio (Olbia)

Cafè Gregorio is a versatile all-day bar in Olbia where you can start with a cappuccino and cornetto, then return later for aperitivo and cocktails. Its location makes it convenient as a “base” bar for guests staying along Viale Aldo Moro or in the central neighborhoods. The atmosphere is friendly and local: office workers, residents and visitors share the same counter.

In the evenings, the bar moves toward aperitivo mode with drinks, snacks and a pleasant buzz without becoming overwhelming. If you are visiting with children, early evening is usually the calmest window, and the staff are used to families. Pair a visit to Cafè Gregorio with a relaxed dinner nearby or with a short drive back to your Rental12 apartment in Aldo Moro or the historic center.

Cafè Bellavista (Olbia)

Cafè Bellavista lives up to its name with open views and light-filled indoor space. By day it works as a classic Italian bar – quick espresso at the counter, pastries, small snacks – while evenings bring a more relaxed pace with aperitivo and casual drinks. It is a solid choice if you want a bar that is easy to understand: good coffee, cold drinks, straightforward pricing and friendly service.

Many guests use Cafè Bellavista as a “meeting point” before moving on to other places around Olbia. If you are planning a multi-stop evening, you can start here, then walk or drive to Spirits Boutique or The Wine Club for a more specialized experience. When travelling by car, our parking & ZTL guide will help you avoid fines in the city center.

Kemàni – Villa Sara Wine & Cocktail (Olbia)

Kemàni – Villa Sara blends the feel of a wine bar with that of an elegant lounge. Located in a residential area of Olbia, it attracts locals as much as visitors and often hosts tastings, themed nights and live music. The setting is more “villa garden” than street bar, which makes it a pleasant option on warm evenings.

Expect a strong selection of wines by the glass and bottle, cocktails that lean toward the classic side and well-presented aperitivo plates. It is a place to sit, talk and stay rather than rush. If you are exploring Olbia’s more residential streets, you can combine Kemàni with a dinner at a nearby restaurant or with a short taxi ride back to your apartment if you prefer not to drive.

In Vino Veritas – Wine & Cocktail Bar (Olbia)

In Vino Veritas sits at the entrance to Olbia’s historic center, close to seafront parking and within walking distance of Corso Umberto. It is part wine shop, part wine bar and part cocktail space, with shelves of Italian and international bottles lining the walls. You can drop in for an aperitivo, order a carefully assembled cheese and salumi board, or pick up a bottle to drink later at your Rental12 apartment.

The staff are used to helping both experts and beginners; do not hesitate to explain what you usually drink at home and let them suggest a Sardinian equivalent. During summer, outdoor tables fill quickly as locals and visitors stop here on their way into the historic center. In cooler months the warm interior makes it one of the coziest wine bars in town.

Art Academy – Creative Drinks & Events (Olbia)

Art Academy brings together art, music and mixology. Depending on the season and programming, you might find live music, DJ sets, exhibitions or themed nights, all anchored by a full bar and seating areas. It is one of the more “urban” feeling spaces in Olbia, which makes it attractive to guests who enjoy a city atmosphere.

Drinks range from classic spritz and long drinks to more experimental combinations, and the crowd tends to be a mix of locals and visitors who are staying in town for a few nights. If you are spending several evenings in Olbia, Art Academy is a good contrast to quieter wine bars and waterfront terraces. Check local listings via Comune di Olbia or social media for current events.

Mary Café Bistrot (Olbia)

Mary Café Bistrot is an approachable choice for any time of day: breakfast, light lunch, afternoon coffee or aperitivo with simple food. The atmosphere feels like a neighborhood living room, and staff tend to recognize returning guests quickly, which many visitors appreciate during week-long or longer stays.

Aperitivo here is more about relaxed conversation than high-volume nightlife. If you prefer to have one or two drinks with good small plates and then head home, Mary Café Bistrot may fit you better than louder late-night bars. For longer trips focused on food and wine, combine evenings here with dinners from our family-friendly restaurant guide and day excursions from our day trips guide.

Friends / Avenue Friends – Viale Aldo Moro (Olbia)

Friends (often referred to as Avenue Friends) is one of the most active bars along Viale Aldo Moro, Olbia’s long commercial avenue lined with shops, cafés and services. In the evening, this stretch becomes a local promenade, and Friends serves as a social anchor with outdoor tables, music and a lively atmosphere.

Expect a broad drink menu: aperitivi, cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic options, plus snacks or simple plates depending on the night. It is popular with young locals, but families and mixed-age groups also stop here, especially earlier in the evening. If you are staying in one of our Aldo Moro apartments, Friends may become your “regular” bar during the week: a place to start or end the night without needing a car.

Planet Cafè – Local Favorite on Aldo Moro (Olbia)

Planet Cafè is another reliable stop on Viale Aldo Moro. By day it is a classic Sardinian bar with strong coffee and pastries; by early evening it shifts into aperitivo mode with spritz, wine and simple cocktails. The space is practical rather than design-driven, but that is part of its charm: you are in a real neighborhood bar, not a tourist-only lounge.

Many guests staying in Aldo Moro use Planet Cafè as a morning base and then return on certain evenings before heading into the historic center or to the waterfront. The mix of locals, workers and visitors makes it a good place to “feel” daily life in Olbia beyond the more polished tourism areas.

The Green Life – Healthy Bites & Drinks (Olbia)

The Green Life, located near Via Cavour, leans toward healthier options: fresh juices, lighter plates and a daytime menu that focuses on salads, bowls and snacks. In the afternoon and early evening, it also works for low-key aperitivo, especially if you prefer to pair drinks with something fresher than the usual fried snacks.

The setting is bright and modern, making it an easy stop with teenagers or friends who appreciate a more contemporary café-bar vibe. Combine The Green Life with a walk through the historic center and a stop at more traditional wine bars like In Vino Veritas or The Wine Club for a complete view of Olbia’s bar scene.

Cafè Nina – Village Square Magic (San Pantaleo)

Cafè Nina sits in the central square of San Pantaleo, a small granite village in the hills between Olbia and Costa Smeralda. By day, the square is filled with light and artisans; by evening, Cafè Nina becomes one of the most atmospheric aperitivo spots in the region, with tables spread out under the trees and stone houses glowing around you.

Drinks range from spritz and local wines to classic cocktails. On summer market days and special evenings, it can be very lively, yet still feel intimate. This is a perfect stop if you are driving back from the beaches or from a day trip toward the interior. Learn more on their website Cafè Nina, and pair your visit with a stroll through the artisan shops or dinner in the village.

L’Ostrica Ubriaca – Rooftop Sunset Bar (Golfo Aranci)

L’Ostrica Ubriaca is a restaurant with one of the most impressive rooftop bars in Golfo Aranci. From the terrace you look out over the sea, the harbor and, on clear evenings, Tavolara in the distance. Sunsets here can be spectacular: the sky shifts from gold to deep pink while boats move below.

You can come just for drinks or combine aperitivo with dinner in the restaurant. The rooftop bar emphasizes bubbles, white wines, champagne and elegant cocktails that match the view. It is a great choice for a special evening or the last night of your holiday. For other things to combine with your visit, see our guide Best beaches near Olbia & Golfo Aranci and day trips from Olbia.

Gintoneria & Cocktail Bar Clipper (Golfo Aranci)

Cocktail Bar Clipper, often referred to as a gintoneria, is a Golfo Aranci institution. Located close to the seafront, it specializes in gin-based cocktails and well-balanced mixed drinks served in a relaxed, maritime atmosphere. The décor plays with nautical elements, and the crowd is an easy mix of locals, seasonal workers and visitors.

If you enjoy exploring different gins and tonics, Clipper is an excellent place to ask for recommendations and sample Mediterranean botanicals in your glass. The bar works equally well before or after dinner; many guests stop here after eating along the promenade. For updates and a visual feel, check Gintoneria Clipper on Facebook.

Banchina 13 – Harborfront Drinks (Golfo Aranci)

Banchina 13 sits close to the marina in Golfo Aranci and captures the classic seaside bar feeling: tables facing the boats, a gentle breeze and an easy-going mix of daytime coffees and evening drinks. In high season it can become quite lively, especially when people come off boats or stroll back from the beach.

Aperitivo here tends to be simple and honest rather than elaborate: spritz, local wines, beers and straightforward snacks. It is a good option if you want something more relaxed than a rooftop bar but more atmospheric than a standard café. Combine Banchina 13 with an afternoon at the beach or with a seafood dinner nearby.

Tartarughino – Classic Porto Rotondo Aperitivo

Tartarughino is one of the most famous names in Porto Rotondo nightlife. Overlooking the marina and set among the village’s stone architecture, it has been welcoming guests for decades: aperitivo in the early evening, then dinner and drinks stretching late into the night in high season.

The style is unmistakably Costa Smeralda: well-dressed crowds, a lively soundtrack and a mix of residents, yacht crews and visitors. Drinks focus on classics prepared with quality ingredients, and the atmosphere can range from relaxed early in the evening to energetic later on. If you are staying in a Rental12 property and planning a night here, we suggest leaving the car safely parked and using a transfer so everyone can enjoy the experience fully.

Country Club – Late-Night Energy (Porto Rotondo)

Country Club is a well-known night venue near Porto Rotondo, associated with DJ sets, events and a more club-like atmosphere. While not a classic “bar” in the café sense, it is where many nights end after starting with aperitivo in the marina. Expect dancing, socializing and a later closing time than most other spots in this guide.

It is mainly an option for adults and older teens, not a family venue. Dress codes can be slightly more formal than in simple beach bars, especially in August. If nightlife is part of your plan, choose a base in Olbia or Porto Rotondo from our property index and arrange a taxi so you do not drive after drinking.

Ira Beach Club & Nearby Bars (Porto Rotondo Area)

Around Ira Beach and the surrounding coastline you will find a cluster of beach clubs and bars that operate from daytime into sunset, sometimes with DJs or live music. These are classic Costa Smeralda spots: white sand, turquoise water by day, then aperitivo with your feet almost in the sand in the late afternoon.

Drinks lean toward spritz, chilled Vermentino and long drinks, and the crowd generally mixes couples, groups of friends and families. It is a photogenic area, so allow time to simply sit, look at the bay and take in the light. For practical planning, the sites of Porto Rotondo and Sardegna Turismo often share updated summer information.

Practical Tips for Bars & Aperitivo in North East Sardinia

• Timing: Aperitivo usually runs from about 18:00 to 20:30. Many bars stay open much later in summer.
• Kids: Children are generally welcome at outdoor tables early in the evening, especially in Olbia and Golfo Aranci.
• Driving: Plan a driver or taxi if you move between towns. Our guide to parking & ZTL helps you avoid fines.
• Dress code: Smart casual is usually enough, though clubs like Country Club can feel more dressy in August.
• Food: Many bars offer small aperitivo plates. For full dinners, see our restaurant guide.
• Seasonality: Olbia’s bars are more year-round, while Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo are more seasonal.

FAQs: Bars & Aperitivo in Olbia, Golfo Aranci & Porto Rotondo