Costa Coralina between bays, sea and Mediterranean scrubland

Between the marine protected area and the coves

Costa Coralina is a coastal destination whose connection to the beach and sea is particularly evident in Porto Istana. Porto Istana is located on the Costa Corallina in the municipality of Olbia. Spiaggia Costa Corallina beach is part of the Tavolara and Molara marine protected area. The coast and marine protected area give this part of the surroundings a distinctly maritime character. The area covered therefore extends from Porto Istana’s beach area to the protected marine area of Tavolara and Molara.

Beaches for different interests

The four coves of Porto Istana have very fine white sand that gradually slopes into emerald-green water, making them particularly suitable for children. Porto Istana Bay consists of four beaches separated from one another by small rocky strips. For families, the gradual transition from sand to water is therefore one of the defining features of this beach area.

Porto Istana also has a particular appeal beneath the water’s surface. The seabed is rich in marine flora and fauna and is therefore especially suitable for snorkelling. When snorkelling, the focus is on the seabed with its marine flora and fauna. The coves of Porto Istana are also a popular destination for windsurfers.

There are other beaches in the immediate vicinity of Costa Coralina: Spiaggia di Porto Istana, Spiaggia dell'Isola dei Cavalli, Spiaggia dell'Isola Piana and Spiaggia di Murta Maria. These additional coastal spots extend the beach area beyond Porto Istana’s four coves.

On foot through the Mediterranean scrubland

The “Il sentiero di Costa Corallina” trail is approximately 3 km long in total and unpaved. It leads from Porto San Paolo to Corallina beach and then continues in the direction of Porto Istana. The trail also passes through the Mediterranean scrubland typical of Gallura. Anyone planning to cover this route on foot should therefore take both its approximate length and the unpaved surface into account. The scrubland accompanies the trail as a characteristic landscape of Gallura.

Marina and cultural attractions

The maritime side includes Marina di Costa Corallina. It is a marina with 137 berths for boats measuring between 4 and 12 metres in length.

The ancient Holy Well Sa Testa site, the Museo del mare Olbia, the Museo archeologico di Olbia archaeological museum and Castello di Pedres o Pedreso castle are also located in the surroundings of Costa Coralina. In addition to the ancient site and the castle, the area’s cultural attractions therefore also include two museums.

Getting there and accommodation location

Porto Istana can be reached by bus from the centre of Olbia. Travelling from Olbia therefore includes a specific public transport connection to Porto Istana.

More destinations for orientation

More destinations for orientation: Abbiadori, Rudalza, Luogosanto, Liscia Di Vacca, Budoni, Capo Coda Cavallo, Salina Bamba, Capo D'orso

To the main travel overview: Olbia-Tempio.