Things to do in Loiri Porto San Paolo

Loiri Porto San Paolo is a Gallura municipality with two sides: Loiri, a hill village of granite and farmsteads about 15 km inland, and Porto San Paolo, a seaside village facing the island of Tavolara, roughly 20 minutes' drive from Olbia. It's the handiest departure point for boats to Tavolara and Molara, in one of the loveliest stretches of sea in Sardinia. It suits families, snorkelling and boat-trip fans, and anyone who wants to mix beach days with the Gallura countryside.

What to see in Loiri Porto San Paolo

Tavolara up close

The signature view is Tavolara, a huge limestone block rising sheer from the sea right in front of Porto San Paolo. From the seafront and the beaches of Porto Taverna you take in its full bulk, especially at sunset. The island belongs to the municipality of Olbia, but this is where the daily boats leave from.

Loiri village and the church of San Nicola

In the inland village, the parish church of San Nicola di Bari has a fine granite facade and a portal carved with a scene from the saint's life. At the entrance to the village stands an olive tree several centuries old, almost a natural monument. The municipality has eight churches in all.

Santa Giusta and stazzi country

The hamlet of Santa Giusta was the area's first medieval settlement, and its church was an important religious centre of the Giudicato (medieval kingdom) of Gallura. Around it lie hills of cork oaks and granite dotted with stazzi, the traditional Gallura farmhouses. On a hill near Loiri there are traces of the Nuragic age.

Things to do in Loiri Porto San Paolo

The sea off Porto San Paolo is part of the Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, shared with Olbia and San Teodoro. Crystal-clear water over seagrass meadows and granite makes it perfect for exploring.

• Day trip to Tavolara: daily boats from the harbour take you to the island for a day at the beach, with Spalmatore beach and clear water all around.
• Island-hopping by boat or RIB: Tavolara, Molara, Molarotto and the nearby islets, with swim stops.
• Snorkelling and diving: the protected area is one of Sardinia's favourite underwater destinations.
• Kayak and SUP: the sheltered coast in front of Porto San Paolo is ideal for easy paddling.
• Inland excursions: on foot, by bike or on horseback through the Loiri hills and stazzi.

Below this guide you'll find the experiences offered by local operators: choose your Tavolara trip or excursion and book it in a few clicks.

Beaches in Loiri Porto San Paolo

• Porto Taverna: a long pale-sand beach with shallow turquoise water and Tavolara straight ahead; ideal for families.
• Porto San Paolo beaches: small beaches close to the village and marina, handy if you're staying in town.
• Costa Dorata: a stretch of coves and golden sand with views of the islands.
• Towards Capo Coda Cavallo: further south along the marine park coast are coves such as Cala Ghjlgolu, famous for a turtle-shaped granite rock.

History

The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic and has Nuragic remains; settlement continued in Punic and Roman times, at Loiri and at Enas. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Giudicato of Gallura, with Santa Giusta as a religious centre. Under Aragonese and Spanish rule the land was a salto, woodland used for timber, pig grazing and seasonal herding. For centuries the coast stayed almost empty because of malaria and Barbary pirate raids; fishermen, often from Ponza, landed here, and smuggling went on until the early 1900s. Once run from Tempio Pausania, it became an independent municipality in 1979, while tourism grew Porto San Paolo.

What to eat and what to buy

On the coast you'll eat fresh fish, shellfish and mussels farmed in the nearby Gulf of Olbia. Inland it's stazzi cooking: sheep's and goat's cheeses, cured meats, roast meats and suppa cuata, a bread-and-cheese bake soaked in broth. To drink, Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. Take home honey, cheese, wine and cork crafts.

Festivals and traditions

Loiri celebrates Sant'Antonio da Padova in mid-June and San Nicola di Bari in late August, with the village choir. In summer Tavolara hosts "Una notte in Italia", an open-air film festival you reach by boat from Porto San Paolo.

Nearby

• Olbia (about 20 minutes): old town and the basilica of San Simplicio.
• San Teodoro (about 15 minutes): La Cinta beach and Cala Brandinchi.
• Golfo Aranci (about 40 minutes): beaches, Capo Figari and dolphins.
• Costa Smeralda (about 50 minutes to Porto Cervo).

Getting there and when to go

Olbia airport and port are about 20 minutes away by car along the SS125 towards San Teodoro; the SS131 DCN dual carriageway links the area to Nuoro and central Sardinia. The best time is May to October: from June to September the sea is warm and Tavolara boats run regularly, while spring and autumn are great for inland walks.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Tavolara from Porto San Paolo?

By boat: there are daily crossings from the harbour, especially in the warm season, plus organised trips that also tour the islands.

How many days do you need in Loiri Porto San Paolo?

Two or three days are enough for Tavolara, the beaches and a drive inland; it's also a handy base for the coast between Olbia and San Teodoro.

Is Porto San Paolo good for families?

Yes: beaches like Porto Taverna have shallow water and fine sand, and the boat trip to Tavolara is an adventure for everyone.