Finding a windless beach in Olbia, in particular, might seem like an impossible task. But it isn’t at all.
Looking at the map, the Olbia coastal strip stretches for 30 kilometres along the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. This figure also includes Golfo Aranci, which is surrounded by the municipality of Olbia.
This stretch of coastline is characterised by a variety of coves, beaches, inlets and hills, making it one of the island’s most beautiful and popular coastal areas.
However, the latter are largely exposed to Sardinia’s prevailing wind: the Mistral.
This north-westerly wind’s name says it all; it is the “foremost of all winds, the master of navigation”.
The Mistral blows across the island practically all year round, with varying intensity. In summer, it is particularly welcome at night, as it cools the air.
But on the beach, it’s always an unwelcome guest, and it can make some beaches more exposed and others less suitable for swimming or relaxing.
Beaches sheltered from the wind in the north-east of Sardinia
The small Capriccioli Beach is sheltered and offers the possibility of three different orientations for the small coves. The Spiaggia Bianca near Golfo Aranci is also fairly sheltered.
Other fairly sheltered beaches include those in the Pittulongu area, Mare Rocce and Cala Banana, near Olbia, Liscia Ruja (in particular Li Itricceddi and Petra Ruja), Romazzino and Spiaggia del Principe. It does, however, depend on how strong the wind is. Portisco beach is one of the safest and most reliable options when the mistral is blowing.
Near Baja Sardinia, the beaches of Ea Bianca and Cala Battistoni – which overlook the village – are recommended. Further south, in the San Teodoro area, Cala Suaraccia and Baia Salinedda at Capo Coda Cavallo are worth a visit.
How to get to Capriccioli from Olbia
Which beaches in Olbia are sheltered from the mistral?
Let us begin by noting that the beaches and coves in Olbia are sheltered from the Mistral, as it does not blow directly towards the coast. Consequently, Olbia boasts numerous beaches that are virtually unaffected by the wind.
So now we’re going to give you a short list of the beaches in Olbia that are most sheltered from the wind.
Porto Istana Beach
This beautiful beach, with its pale sand and Caribbean-like seabed – which remains shallow for tens of metres – is situated on the coast south of Olbia. It is well sheltered by the islands of Tavolara and Molara.
Pittulongu Beach
Olbia’s first beach is situated to the north of the town centre. Its long shoreline features facilities as well as plenty of open, unmarked stretches of beach. When the mistral is light, it’s an excellent choice even at the height of the season. Its shallow waters and white sand make it a place suitable for everyone.
Pellicano Beach
Heading north, just a few hundred metres from Pittulongu beach, we come to Pellicano beach, which is an excellent choice for those looking for a beach that is sufficiently sheltered from even a moderate mistral, yet well-equipped (there is also a beach club) and with free parking nearby.
Marinella Beach
Once you’ve passed Golfo Aranci, you’ll come across this lovely beach, sheltered by the headland of Punta Volpe. Ideal in conditions of light to moderate mistral winds, it is also sheltered from the sirocco.
