Thanks to public transport, you can easily reach the nearest beaches, and there are many other wonderful beaches within a 30-minute drive.
The most beautiful beaches in Olbia that can be reached by bus
Olbia and the surrounding area offer a wide choice of beaches to suit all tastes and needs. Here are some of the most beautiful ones that can be reached by bus:
Pittulongu Beach
Pittulongu beach, nicknamed “la Playa”, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Olbia. It is just 10 kilometres from the city centre and is easily accessible by bus.
The beach is characterised by a long stretch of very fine white sand and crystal-clear sea. The seabed is shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for families with children.
The beach is equipped with beach clubs, which provide parasols, sun loungers and various facilities. There is also a bar where you can buy drinks and snacks.
There are numerous restaurants around the beach where you can enjoy traditional Sardinian dishes.
Directions on Google Maps for public transport or by car to Pittulongu Beach >
Bados Beach
Bados beach is situated about 15 kilometres from Olbia. The beach is characterised by white sand and crystal-clear water. The seabed is shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for families with children.
The beach is equipped with beach clubs, which provide parasols, sun loungers and various facilities. There is also a bar where you can buy drinks and snacks.
There are numerous restaurants around the beach where you can enjoy traditional Sardinian dishes.
The beach is very popular with young people, thanks to its lively atmosphere and the many bars and restaurants there.
Directions on Google Maps for public transport or by car to Bados Beach >
Porto Rotondo Beach
Porto Rotondo beach is one of Sardinia’s most exclusive beaches. It is situated in a sheltered bay and can be reached by bus.
The beach is characterised by white sand and crystal-clear water. The seabed is shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for families with children.
The beach is equipped with beach clubs, which provide parasols, sun loungers and various facilities. There is also a bar where you can buy drinks and snacks.
There are numerous restaurants around the beach where you can enjoy traditional Sardinian dishes.
The beach is very popular with celebrities and people from the entertainment industry.
Google Maps directions for public transport or by car to Portorotondo >
Porto Istana Beach
Porto Istana beach is situated south of Olbia. The beach is characterised by white sand and crystal-clear water. The seabed is shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for families with children.
The beach is equipped with beach clubs, which provide parasols, sun loungers and various facilities. There is also a bar where you can buy drinks and snacks.
There are numerous restaurants around the beach where you can enjoy traditional Sardinian dishes.
The beach is very popular with tourists, thanks to its beauty and its strategic location.
Google Maps directions by public transport or car to Porto Instana Beach >
How to get to the beaches by public transport
To get to the beaches in Olbia by public transport, you can use the ASPO buses. The bus routes serving the nearest beaches are:
- Line 4: connects Olbia to Pittulongu and Bados.
- Line 5: connects Olbia to Porto Rotondo.
- Line 6: connects Olbia to Porto Istana.
Buses depart from Olbia bus station, located in Piazza Matteotti. Services run frequently, particularly during the summer season.
Beaches within a half-hour’s drive of Olbia
As well as the beaches mentioned above, which are about 10–15 kilometres from Olbia, there are also other beautiful and less crowded beaches that can be reached in half an hour by car. Here are a few of them:
Cala Sassari Beach:
This beach is situated about 10 kilometres from Olbia, along the road to Golfo Aranci. The beach is characterised by its very fine, white sand and crystal-clear sea. The seabed is shallow, making for pleasant walks along the sand.
Cala Girgolu Beach:
This beach is situated about 20 kilometres from Olbia, along the road to Porto Rotondo. The beach is characterised by white sand and crystal-clear water. The seabed is shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for families with children.
Capriccioli Beach:
This beach is situated about 25 kilometres from Olbia, along the road to Porto Rotondo. The beach is characterised by white sand and crystal-clear water. The seabed is shallow and slopes gently, making it ideal for families with children.
These beaches are less crowded than the nearby ones, but they still offer incredible natural beauty. They are perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, relaxing beach.
Tips for choosing a beach
When choosing a beach to visit, it is important to consider a number of factors, such as:
- Location: if you’re travelling with children, it’s best to choose a beach close to the town centre or one with suitable facilities.
- Size: if you’re looking for a quiet beach, it’s best to avoid the larger, busier ones.
- The type of beach: if you do water sports, it’s best to choose a beach with a suitable seabed.
This way, you can be sure to choose the perfect beach for your needs.
By train to the seaside
Thanks to the integrated train and bus service organised by Trenitalia in collaboration with Aspo, you can reach the beaches of Porto Rotondo, Porto Istana, Bados and Isola Bianca in just a few minutes from the centre of Olbia.
The two benefits of the service are clear: no queues in the car and a focus on sustainability.
Furthermore, in a single transaction, you can purchase both your train and bus tickets together via all Trenitalia sales channels, including its website and app, as well as at ticket offices and authorised travel agencies.
The daily services are as follows:
Bados: 15
Porto Istana: 11
Porto Rotondo: 9
Isola Bianca: 18
From Olbia Terranova station, you can walk to the shuttle bus stop:
For Bados: Via San Simplicio 11 on the way there, Via Mameli 1 on the way back from the beach
For Porto Istana: Corso Vittorio Veneto, FR.V. Toti
For the Isola Bianca stop: Via Mameli 1
For Porto Rotondo: Corso Vittorio Veneto, FR.V. Toti
The new service is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to spend a stress-free day at the beach without causing pollution.
Practical tips for choosing a beach near Olbia based on the wind
Sardinia is an island exposed to strong winds, particularly the mistral, which blows from the north-west, and the sirocco, which blows from the south-east. These winds can make it difficult to swim and relax on the beach, so it is important to choose the right beach depending on the direction and strength of the wind.
Take the wind direction into account
The first step is to consider the direction of the wind. If the wind is blowing from the north-west, the most exposed beaches will be those situated to the south-east, whilst if the wind is blowing from the south-east, the most exposed beaches will be those situated to the north-west.
Here is an example:
If the wind is blowing from the north-west, Pittulongu beach, which lies south-east of Olbia, is a good choice. This beach is sheltered from the mistral by a small peninsula and a series of dunes.
If the wind is blowing from the south-east, Cala Sa Conca beach, situated north-west of Olbia, is a good choice. This beach is exposed to the mistral, but it is wide enough to offer shelter even in strong winds.
Please take the wind strength into account
A strong wind can make it difficult to swim and relax on the beach. If strong winds are forecast, it’s best to choose a beach that’s sheltered from the wind.
Here is an example:
If strong winds are forecast, Porto Istana beach, which is situated south of Olbia, is a good choice. This beach is sheltered from both the mistral and the sirocco by a range of hills.
Think about the activities you want to do
If you want to take part in water sports, such as windsurfing or kitesurfing, it’s best to choose a beach that’s exposed to the wind.
Here is an example:
If you’d like to go windsurfing, Cala Brandinchi beach, which is situated north of Olbia, is a good choice. This beach is exposed to the mistral, which provides ideal conditions for this sport.
Useful websites and apps for checking the wind and choosing the best beach in Olbia
There are various websites and apps that allow you to check wind conditions in real time and make it easier to find a beach sheltered from the wind.
Here are some of the most popular apps:
- Windfinder: This app allows you to check wind conditions in real time anywhere in the world. It is available both as a website and as an app for iOS and Android devices.
- Windguru: this app is similar to Windfinder, but also provides long-term wind forecasts. It is available both as a website and as an app for iOS and Android devices.
- Windy: This app is very easy to use and provides a comprehensive overview of weather conditions, including wind. It is available both as a website and as an app for iOS and Android devices.
Check the wind conditions via one of the webcams located on the beaches near Olbia
Examples of beaches near Olbia, categorised by wind conditions
Pittulongu Beach
Pittulongu beach is situated south-east of Olbia and is sheltered from the mistral by a small peninsula and a series of dunes.
Porto Istana Beach
Porto Istana beach is situated south of Olbia and is sheltered from both the mistral and the sirocco by a range of hills.
Cala Sa Conca Beach
Cala Sa Conca beach is situated north-west of Olbia and is exposed to the mistral.
Cala Brandinchi Beach
Cala Brandinchi beach is situated to the north of Olbia and faces the mistral.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the wind forecast before heading to the beach.
Tips for a day at the beach
To enjoy an unforgettable day at the beach, it’s important to take everything you need with you:
- Beach umbrella and deckchair: if you don’t want to hire them on the beach.
- A hat and sun cream: to protect yourself from the sun.
- Water and snacks: to avoid becoming dehydrated or hungry.
- Camera: to capture memories of the day.
Olbia and the surrounding area offer a wide choice of beautiful beaches that are easily accessible by public transport. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach or a lively one, you’re sure to find the perfect beach for you.
