Loiri Porto San Paolo

In Sardegna, south of Olbia, you get two towns in one - a hill town (Loiri) and a seaside resort town (Port San Paolo), along with several other hamlets sprinkled about the territory. Just a few miles from Olbia, with its airport and ferry port, the location is easy, and yet set apart a bit so it doesn't feel too bustling, and with miles of unspoiled coastline and beautiful macchia-marked hills, there is a lot to explore here. Porto San Paolo with many coves and beaches in the area, offers sandy stretches and reefs, with a view of the rocky uprising island Isola Cavalli in front of you. There is, of course, a marina, in keeping with the name. The town is more modern with services and convenience, just a few minutes from the water's edge.

Loiri is inland amidst green-covered hills, a borgo about 20 kilometers from gallura, which was joined administatively to the seaside town of Porto San Paolo in 1979. Here you'll find history, archeology, fragrant Mediterranean macchia (brush), olive groves, grapevines, and cultivated fields, with gentle slopes leading both down to the water and upland to higher ground. And while it feels rural, it is just a few minutes from the Olbia airport!

There are archeological parks, the church of San Nicola di Bari with its granite facade and bas relief carvings, mountains above, hamlets scattered through the hills, each with traditions and dialects and nuraghi circular dwellings to ponder. Perfect for those who enjoy hiking, walking, exploring as well as water sports, it's a strategic location for enjoying some of the most beautiful coastline and beaches of northern Sardinia, without the flashy, splashy glitzy (and expensive!) Costa Paradiso! You can eat in humble down-home type trattorias, find the different beaches and coves, take a boat out to the islands, visit a winery...in essence, relax, the way only Sardinia can lure you to!

What to do in the area? Well, water sports, of course - swimming, sunning, sailing (or motor boat trip), kayaking, snorkeling, and more. In the hills around Loiri, the ancient culture of Sardegna is seen in the nuraghi, very ancient remains indeed. Nearby is the Archeological park Nuragica Su Mont'e s'Abe, also called the tomb of the giants for the gigantic slabs or rock used. It was built around 1600 BC. Sort of like a Sardinian Stonehenge, there is much mystery surrounding these sites. It is across from the Castello de Pedres, a medieval fortification built in stone. Both are north of Loiri, not far from the airport.

Monte Nieddu is a natural oasis of granite mountain covered in oaks and junipers, with hidden streams and waterfalls to explore along the paths. It is populated by mufloni, a wild breed of sheep, along with fox, wild boar, eagles and more, providing a luxuriant day in natural surroundings with stunning views.

In the hamlets are churches with artworks, intriguing alleyways, country restaurants, all waiting uncrowded for intrepid travelers to come along.

At the coast, the coves, like Cala Ghjlgolu, Cala Brandchi, Capo Coda Cavallo, and more all offer intriguing and beautiful seascapes with some of the most beautiful scenery you've encountered! (See our Beaches section for more information on specific coastal sights!)