“Porto Istana è la spiaggia che gli olbiesi tengono per sé — sabbia bianchissima, mare turchese, fondale degradante per centinaia di metri, vista sull’isola di Tavolara. A 12 km da Olbia, 30 minuti da Porto Cervo. Una delle migliori della Sardegna nord-orientale.”
Our rates are already lower than Booking and Airbnb. Write to us BEFORE booking and we will compare dates together — we will find you the right home at the best possible price.
Porto Istana is a seaside hamlet of the municipality of Olbia, on the eastern coast about 12 km from the town centre. A residential and tourist area that grew up around what is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in north-eastern Sardinia — sabbia bianchissima, mare turchese, vista panoramica sull’isola di Tavolara.
It is a meno “scoperta” than San Teodoro or the Costa Smeralda: it draws mainly people from Olbia, northern Sardinians, and informed visitors looking for premium sea quality without paying Porto Cervo prices. A quiet atmosphere, excellent fish restaurants, well-equipped lidos but without the social excess.
We at AffittaSardegna directly manage 4 properties in Porto Istana since 2011 — a boutique selection for those who want a top beach + proximity to Olbia (airport/port) + quick access to the Costa Smeralda. It is the ideal base for those who want to combine urban comfort and sea of the very highest quality.
The beach of Porto Istana is divided into 4 continuous stretches (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Beach) that extend for about 1.5 km. Pure, very fine white sand, a seabed that shelves gently for hundreds of metres (ideal for children), a sea with turquoise reflections that leave you in disbelief.
The Tavolara backdrop makes the beach one of the most photographed scenes in north-eastern Sardinia. Monte Tavolara (565 m) rises from the sea like a theatrical set.
Porto Istana è dentro l’, one of the largest and most protected in the Mediterranean (150 km² of sea)., one of the most extensive and protected in the Mediterranean (150 km²). The seabeds are among the richest in the Mediterranean — intact posidonia, abundant fish, exceptional biodiversity.
Il ristorante leggendario sull’isola di Tavolara, gestito dalla famiglia “regnante” dell’isola. Pesce locale del giorno in atmosfera fuori dal mondo. Da Porto San Paolo (10 minuti da Porto Istana) traghetti giornalieri. Prenotare settimane prima in alta stagione.
Porto Cervo 30 minutes away, Porto Rotondo 20 minutes. An evening aperitif in the Piazzetta + return to Porto Istana for a quiet dinner — the best combo to enjoy the Costa Smeralda without paying to stay there.
The highest viewpoint in the area, 15 minutes by car. 360° views over Tavolara, the coast, Cala Brandinchi. Memorable sunsets.
15 minutes by car, the pedestrian centre of Olbia with excellent fish restaurants at much more reasonable prices than the Costa Smeralda. Olbia mussels, bottarga, mixed fried fish.
Essential to make the most of the strategic location. We compare via Discover Cars — average saving 35%.
| Period | Sea | Crowds | Prices | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May-June | 🌊 21-23°C | 🟢 Few | 🟢 -30/40% | ⭐ Top season |
| July | 🌊 25°C | 🟡 Moderate | 🟡 Standard | Book 3 months ahead |
| August | 🌊 27°C | 🟡 High | 🔴 Peak | Book 4-5 months ahead |
| September | 🌊 24°C | 🟢 Few | 🟢 -20/30% | ⭐ Top month |
| October-April | 🌊 17-19°C | 🟢 Zero | 🟢 -50% | Snorkelling possible |
15 km, 20 minutes by car. Among the most convenient in Sardinia.
15 km. Moby, Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV lines.
Seasonal connections from Olbia centre/airport.
15 km. Regional trains Olbia-Cagliari.
In Porto Istana we manage 4 selected properties, designed for those who want a top beach + proximity to Olbia:
Total capacity: about 20 guests. All with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, washing machine, sheets and towels included.
4 selected homes in Porto Istana, managed directly since 2011. Top beach + proximity to Olbia + quick access to the Costa Smeralda.
15 km. Airport/port hub, pedestrian old town, restaurants.
35 km. Heart of the Costa Smeralda, piazzetta, marina, luxury boutiques.
20 km. La Cinta, Cala Brandinchi, evening life.
45 km. Porto per Maddalena, Capo d’Orso.
We know every corner of Sardinia and select only housing that meet clear standards of comfort and reliability. From booking to on-site assistance, we follow you step by step.
Each property is verified by our local team: real photos, checked equipment and really convenient locations for your holiday.
Transparent contracts, secure payments and prompt assistance in Italian and English before, during and after your stay.
Official rates, seasonal offers and zero hidden costs: the right value for the right home.