Things to do in Porto San Paolo: the 2026 guide.
Porto San Paolo is one of north-east Sardinia's best-kept secrets. A handful of streets, a small harbour facing Tavolara, two fish restaurants that never stop surprising us. Here is what to do in a week, told by someone who's lived here for seventeen years.
Where Porto San Paolo is
Porto San Paolo is a small hamlet in the municipality of Loiri Porto San Paolo, in south-eastern Gallura. It sits about 15 km south of Olbia along the SS125 road, and 11 km from San Teodoro. The Olbia-Costa Smeralda airport is 9 km away. The village looks straight out at Tavolara Island, the great limestone mountain rising from the sea.
1. A day on Tavolara Island
This is what we recommend to all our guests, at least once. From the harbour of Porto San Paolo the boats sail every half hour — the crossing takes about 15 minutes. On the Spalmatore di Terra beach you'll find two restaurants (both excellent for seafood and Sardinian starters), a bar and a stretch of pale sand. The more energetic can climb the trails crossing the island: the view from above over Gallura is one of the most beautiful things we've ever seen.
Practical tip: bring water shoes, a bottle of water, and book the restaurant in advance during July and August.
2. The beach tour
From Porto San Paolo you can reach in just a few minutes by car some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Our favourites:
- Porto Istana Beach (4 km): pale sand, frontal view of Tavolara, shallow water.
- Costa Corallina (1.6 km): pink rocks and crystal-clear water.
- Cala Brandinchi (10 km): the Sardinian "little Tahiti", perfect for kids.
- Isola dei Cavalli Beach (1.2 km): less touristy, walkable from the village.
- Cala Suaraccia (8 km): wild, secluded, best in the early morning.
3. The evening market and seafront stroll
In summer, Porto San Paolo transforms every evening. The seafront fills with stalls — crafts, jewellery, local products, second-hand books — and the small lights leading down to the harbour come on. It's a slow ritual, perfect after dinner with a gelato in hand. Our favourite walk starts on Via Grazia Deledda, descends to the harbour and continues along the seafront.
4. Eating well in Porto San Paolo
The village is small but the dining is rich. Our three favourite addresses:
- Ristorante Malú — contemporary fish, elegant atmosphere. 150 m from our suite.
- Pescheria Domus De Mare — raw fish and honest seafood cooking.
- Portici Caffè — our breakfast: Sardinian croissant and quick cappuccino.
5. A day on a boat
If you have the time, rent a dinghy (with or without skipper, we'll suggest contacts). The classic day departs from the harbour, hugs Tavolara, reaches the islet of Molara, drops down to Capo Coda Cavallo. Lunch on board or on Cala Spinosa beach. It's the day guests remember for years.
6. Trekking the Limbara
If it rains (yes, it can happen in Sardinia) or if you're after a day in the highlands, Mount Limbara is an hour's drive away. Well-marked trails, views stretching from the sea to the Vermentino vineyards, refreshing even in August.
7. Olbia fish market
For those cooking at home: the Olbia fish market is an experience in itself. Open early in the morning (08:00–13:00), local fish, fair prices, fishermen still speaking Sardinian. From Porto San Paolo, twenty minutes by car.
When to come
May, June and September are our favourite months: perfect weather, sea already warm, few tourists. July and especially August are busier, but the magic of the village remains intact.
Where to stay
We welcome you in our Porto San Paolo Suite: 49 m² in the heart of the village, terrace, balcony, free private parking. Steps from beaches, restaurants and the boat to Tavolara. For those seeking a pool and a more private setting, there's our Murta Maria Suite, in a residence with pool in Olbia.