Sustainable Travel in Sardinia: Low Impact Tips For Olbia, Costa Smeralda & Beyond

Why Sustainable Travel Matters In Sardinia

Sardinia’s beauty is not an accident. It depends on clean water, careful waste management, limited construction and communities that still live close to the land. In high season the pressure on beaches, roads and services increases sharply, especially around Olbia, Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena. Small decisions from every visitor make a big difference.

Sustainable travel here is less about perfection and more about conscious choices: staying in energy efficient homes, respecting recycling rules, using your car less, booking local guides, reducing plastic at the beach and leaving every place a little better than you found it.

• Choose owner operated, energy efficient accommodation with real maintenance
• Walk or cycle in Olbia’s flat center whenever possible instead of short car trips
• Use recycling correctly to keep beaches, coves and rivers clean
• Support local wine estates, olive mills, shepherds and artisans
• Pick low impact activities like hiking, snorkeling and boat trips with small groups
• Visit in shoulder or winter months for fewer crowds and lighter impact

Water, Energy & Waste: Simple Habits With Big Impact

Northern Sardinia depends on reservoirs and seasonal rains. In dry years, water restrictions are possible in some areas. Treat water as a limited resource, especially in summer and early autumn.

• Keep showers short and avoid leaving taps running while brushing teeth or washing dishes
• Use the washing machine only with full loads and choose eco programs when available
• In winter, aerate rooms briefly with windows fully open for a few minutes instead of leaving them tilted all day
• In summer, close shutters during the hottest hours to keep homes cool naturally and reduce air conditioning use
• Turn off lights, air conditioning and heating when you leave your apartment

Waste separation is mandatory across Sardinia and helps protect beaches, forests and rivers from litter. In Olbia and the surrounding municipalities you will find separate bins for paper, plastic and cans, glass, organic waste and residual waste. At RENTAL12 homes, you will find clear instructions, labeled bins and an overview of the local collection calendar. For extra detail on recycling rules, see our sustainability page and related posts on waste & recycling in Sardinia.

Eat Local, Drink Local, Experience Local

Supporting local producers is one of the easiest ways to reduce your footprint and keep more value in the communities you visit. Sardinia is famous for its cheeses, olive oil, wine, honey and cured meats, many still made in small family businesses.

• Choose house wine or bottles from Vermentino di Gallura and Cannonau labels
• Look for cheeses like pecorino, fiore sardo and fresh ricotta at village markets
• Buy olive oil directly from mills or farmers instead of generic supermarket brands
• Prefer restaurants that highlight seasonal, regional dishes and fish from local waters
• Book authentic tastings and tours through our Experiences page

For inspiration on where to eat, including child friendly options, visit Family friendly restaurants in Olbia & Golfo Aranci.

Low Impact Transport & When To Visit

Olbia is one of the easiest towns in Sardinia to explore without a car. The historic center, waterfront promenade and many services are walkable from our apartments. For day trips, combine car use with smart planning rather than multiple short drives.

• Walk or cycle inside Olbia and use your car mainly for day trips and beach days
• Combine several stops into a single loop rather than driving back and forth
• Use public transport where it works well, for example regional buses on main routes
• Share boat trips and excursions in small groups instead of hiring multiple boats

If you are flexible with dates, consider traveling in May, June, late September, October or winter. These months offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds and a much lighter environmental impact. For ideas, see our guides Winter in Sardinia and Best day trips from Olbia.

Two Low Impact Trails Near Olbia

Hiking is one of the most sustainable ways to experience Sardinia’s landscapes. Always bring water, respect private property, keep noise low and leave no trace.

1) Monte Pino: Inland Forests & Wide Views

Monte Pino lies inland from Olbia and offers a beautiful mix of cork oak and holm oak forest, granite rocks and broad views over Gallura. Standard routes take around 3 to 4 hours, with a medium level of difficulty and about 400 meters of elevation gain. On clear days you can see the coast and islands of the La Maddalena archipelago from the top.

• Ideal for cooler months and early mornings in late spring or autumn
• Wear proper hiking shoes and carry layers, as the wind can be strong at the summit
• Park only in designated areas and avoid blocking access roads or tracks used by locals

2) Capo Figari & Cala Moresca: Coastal Nature Reserve

Near Golfo Aranci, the Capo Figari nature area offers scenic trails with views over Figarolo island, Tavolara and the open sea. Classic loops towards Monte Ruju and Cala Moresca take about 2 to 3 hours. Paths are mostly well marked but can be rocky and steep in parts, so good footwear is essential.

• Go early in the day in summer to avoid heat and enjoy quieter paths
• Stay on marked trails to protect vegetation and avoid erosion
• Take all rubbish back with you, including organic waste like fruit peels

For more ideas that combine nature, viewpoints and local villages, see our day trip suggestions from Olbia.

Beach Etiquette: Protecting Sardinia’s Shoreline

Sardinia’s beaches are world famous, but they are also fragile. Many dunes and coastal areas are protected, and some municipalities have introduced fines for taking sand, shells or pebbles. A few simple habits help keep these places pristine.

• Never remove sand, stones or shells from the beach
• Use a reusable water bottle and avoid single use plastic whenever you can
• Bring a small bag to collect your own rubbish and, if you wish, a few stray items left by others
• Respect dune fences and wooden walkways and avoid walking on vegetation
• Keep music at a low volume and respect quiet zones, especially in the early morning and evening

To match beaches with your travel style, take a look at Best beaches near Olbia & Golfo Aranci.

How RENTAL12 Supports Conscious Travel

As an owner operator, RENTAL12 controls every aspect of its homes, from construction and insulation to appliances and cleaning. Most properties are new or fully renovated, with efficient systems and careful maintenance that reduce waste and energy loss.

• High efficiency buildings with modern windows and insulation where possible
• LED lighting, A rated appliances and water saving fixtures in new projects
• In house cleaning team using professional grade, eco minded products
• Clear instructions for heating, cooling and recycling in every apartment
• Private parking at Via Sassari 20 to reduce random traffic in the old town

For more detail on our philosophy, visit Green & Sustainability at RENTAL12 and learn how we design homes for long life, comfort and lower impact.

FAQs About Sustainable Travel In Sardinia