Best Day Trips from Olbia

1. Tavolara and Molara marine park

The Marine Protected Area of Tavolara and Punta Coda Cavallo is the classic first day trip from Olbia. You board a RIB, sailing boat or catamaran and spend the day in turquoise coves, with swimming, snorkeling and views of Tavolara’s dramatic limestone cliff. [oai_citation:0‡olbiaseaexcursions.com](https://olbiaseaexcursions.com/en/half-day-tour-in-tavolara-marine-park/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

• Departure points: Olbia, Porto San Paolo and sometimes Golfo Aranci
• Typical duration: half day or full day with snorkel stops and simple lunch on board
• Good for: couples, families with older children, confident swimmers and photo lovers
• What to pack: see our packing essentials for Olbia and the dedicated boat rental guide

Many tours combine Piscine di Molara natural pools with swimming near Tavolara. To understand how to choose between self drive RIBs and skippered boats, read Renting a boat: Olbia and Golfo Aranci.

2. La Maddalena archipelago from Palau

A La Maddalena archipelago day trip is a must if you have at least three or four days in North East Sardinia. You drive from Olbia to Palau in about one hour, then join a shared boat or smaller group tour that hops between islands such as Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria. [oai_citation:1‡GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/olbia-l2784/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

• Highlights: shallow turquoise bays, pink granite rocks, clear water for snorkeling and swims at multiple stops
• Travel time: about one hour by car from Olbia to Palau, then a full day on the water
• Tip: in high season, pre book tours and arrive early at the marina for parking
• Family note: check if boats have shaded deck and if lunch is included or optional

Combine this with a stop in Palau’s waterfront for gelato or a short walk around the harbor before you drive back to Olbia in the evening.

3. Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo and San Pantaleo

For a classic Costa Smeralda road trip from Olbia, loop through Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo and the granite village of San Pantaleo. This is a good day for views, short walks, cafés and gentle exploring rather than a fixed tour. [oai_citation:2‡Tripadvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g608918-Activities-c42-San_Pantaleo_Province_of_Olbia_Tempio_Sardinia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

• Porto Rotondo: marina stroll, cafés and small coves nearby
• Porto Cervo: designer windows, yacht harbor, small church Stella Maris with sea views
• San Pantaleo: market morning on Thursdays in summer, artisan stalls and granite cliffs around the village
• Beaches: Capriccioli, Romazzino and nearby coves if you want a swim stop

After a full day, return to Olbia for an easy dinner in the historic center. For ideas, see bars and aperitivo in Olbia and Golfo Aranci and family friendly restaurants in Olbia.

4. Wine tasting in Gallura

The hills inland from Olbia are home to some of the most interesting Vermentino di Gallura wineries. Many estates offer guided tours through vineyards and cellars followed by tastings of white and red wines with local cheeses and cured meats. [oai_citation:3‡tenutamasonemannu.it](https://tenutamasonemannu.it/en/tasting/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

• Typical plan: late morning cellar tour followed by tasting, then a relaxed lunch nearby
• Travel time: 20 to 40 minutes from Olbia to many estates in Monti, Arzachena or Luogosanto areas
• Who will enjoy it: couples, groups of friends and anyone interested in food and wine culture
• Tip: ask about driver options or agree who will taste and who will stick to water

You will often taste whites based on Vermentino and sometimes local reds. Many tours can be combined with a stop at a nearby village or a short coastal walk later in the day.

5. Archeology: sacred wells and Giants’ Tombs

For a deeper sense of Sardinia’s history, make a day of archeological sites near Olbia. Two themes stand out: sacred wells and Giants’ Tombs, part of the Bronze Age Nuragic civilisation. [oai_citation:4‡La Sardegna verso l'Unesco](https://sardegnaversounesco.org/en/the-sacred-well-of-sa-testa-in-olbia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

• Sa Testa sacred well (Olbia): about ten minutes drive from town, atmospheric site surrounded by Mediterranean scrub
• Arzachena area: Giants’ Tomb of Coddu Vecchiu and Nuraghe La Prisgiona, often visited together on a single ticket
• Museums: in case of bad weather, combine sites with a stop in a local museum for context and artifacts
• Family tip: older children often enjoy the “time travel” feeling of walking through stone passages and ceremonial spaces

Bring water, sun protection and closed shoes. Many paths are uneven but short and manageable for most visitors.

6. Inland Gallura: villages, granite and views

If you want a break from the coast, spend a day in inland Gallura. The landscape changes to rolling hills, cork oak woods and granite peaks, with traditional villages and slower pace.

• Tempio Pausania: elegant stone town at higher altitude, cooler on hot days, with cafés and small squares
• Aggius: village known for stone houses and nearby viewpoints over the Gallura countryside
• Luogosanto: hilltop town with sanctuary and views over the interior
• Food stops: look for simple trattorie and agriturismi for local dishes and relaxed lunches

This is a good option in midsummer when coastal roads feel busy or when a fresh breeze in the hills sounds more appealing than another beach day. [oai_citation:5‡Strictly Sardinia](https://strictlysardinia.com/gallura-sardinia-guide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

7. Dolphin watching and Golfo Aranci

Golfo Aranci, about 20 to 30 minutes by car from Olbia, is a gateway for dolphin watching trips, relaxed seaside walks and dinners with a harbor view. Small boats and RIBs head out into the gulf in search of resident bottlenose dolphins, often combined with swimming stops. [oai_citation:6‡GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/olbia-l2784/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

• Best time: calm mornings or late afternoons when the sea is usually smoother
• What to expect: a short navigation, dolphin spotting if conditions allow, time to enjoy the scenery
• On land: stroll the waterfront promenade, visit Terza and Quarta beaches, stay for aperitivo or dinner

Combine this with a swim at nearby beaches or an easy hike on Capo Figari if you prefer an active day.

8. How to plan day trips from Olbia

To keep your Olbia itinerary balanced, mix boat days, road trips and slower local days in the historic center. Here is a simple structure many guests enjoy:

• One or two boat trips (Tavolara or La Maddalena)
• One Costa Smeralda loop with Porto Cervo and San Pantaleo
• One Gallura wine tasting day with a winery visit
• One archeology and countryside day with sacred wells and Giants’ Tombs
• One flexible day for Olbia beaches, packing or simple wandering

For what to bring, check Packing essentials for Olbia. For inspiration on where to stay between days out, explore the full Rental12 collection.

FAQs about day trips from Olbia