Loiri  Porto  San  Paolo​

Latest page update: 30 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Loiri Porto San Paolo
Loiri Porto San Paolo, on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, is a popular base for visiting Tavolara Island and the nearby beaches. The town itself offers several established hotels, with options ranging from modern resorts to smaller properties close to the sea.
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Hotel Don Diego is set in a panoramic position overlooking the sea, with a private beach, outdoor pool and consistently strong guest feedback for service and setting (€€€). In the centre of Porto San Paolo, Hotel Il Faro di Molara provides modern rooms within walking distance of the harbour and ferry point, often praised for cleanliness and convenience (€€). Another well-rated choice is Residence Hotel Porto San Paolo, which combines apartment-style accommodation with hotel services, regularly noted for comfort and location (€€).

Where is

Where is Loiri Porto San Paolo?
​The seaside town of Loiri Porto San Paolo is situated on Sardinia's eastern coast, within the Province of Sassari. It has a population of around 3,500 residents while the main highlights are the beaches and the port from which you can sail across to Tavolara island.

Nearby places of interest include Porto Istana, Porto Taverna, Molara and Cala Brandinchi.
Comune di Loiri Porto San Paolo
Province: Sassari

​Region: Sardinia

Population: 3,734 (in 2024 - source)

​​​​​​​​​Size: 118 km²

Highlights: beaches, ferries to Tavolara

​Close by: ​Porto Istana, Porto Taverna, Molara, Cala Brandinchi

​​​​Fly to: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - 13 minutes by car (12 km)​​​​​​​

What People Ask About Loiri Porto San Paolo

Is Loiri Porto San Paolo worth visiting?
Yes, Loiri Porto San Paolo is worth visiting for its stunning beaches, such as Porto Taverna and Cala Brandinchi, and its proximity to the Tavolara Marine Protected Area. The area offers opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and exploring traditional Sardinian culture.
What are the main attractions in Loiri Porto San Paolo?
Main attractions include the beaches of Porto Taverna, Cala Finanza, and Costa Dorata; the Tavolara and Molara islands; and historical sites like the Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari and Chiesa di Santa Giusta. The area is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
How do I get to Loiri Porto San Paolo?
Loiri Porto San Paolo is approximately 15 km south of Olbia. You can reach it by car via the SS125 road or by bus from Olbia. The nearest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights.
What can you do in Loiri Porto San Paolo?
Activities include relaxing on beautiful beaches, taking boat tours to Tavolara and Molara islands, snorkeling and diving in the marine protected area, hiking in the surrounding hills, and exploring local Sardinian cuisine and culture.
When is the best time to visit Loiri Porto San Paolo?
The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is warm and ideal for beach activities. July and August are peak tourist months, while May, June, and September offer a quieter experience with pleasant temperatures.
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Discover

Discover Loiri Porto San Paolo
Loiri Porto San Paolo is a coastal municipality in the Province of Sassari, set on the northeastern shore of Sardinia opposite the island of Tavolara. The territory stretches from inland rural hamlets around Loiri to the shoreline at Porto San Paolo, where beaches, small bays, and clear turquoise waters form the heart of local life. Rolling hills, Mediterranean scrub, and granite outcrops shape the inland landscape, while the coast offers wide sea views and easy access to the protected marine environment of the Tavolara area.
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Its identity is closely linked to the Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, with Porto San Paolo serving as one of the main departure points for visiting Tavolara by boat. Small churches, traditional houses, and long-standing rural customs reflect the character of Loiri inland, while the seafront at Porto San Paolo has developed into a lively coastal centre. Positioned between Olbia and the coastal route leading towards San Teodoro, the municipality forms a natural link between Gallura’s inland traditions and one of the most scenic stretches of Sardinia’s northeastern coast.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Loiri Porto San Paolo
  • Isola di Tavolara dominates the seascape and is easily reached by boat from Porto San Paolo. The island rises steeply from the sea and is part of a protected marine area. Visitors can explore its beaches, hiking trails and historic cemetery, or dine at the island’s small restaurant.
  • Spiaggia di Porto Taverna is one of the most popular beaches in the area, with fine sand and views of Tavolara. It offers calm, shallow waters suitable for families, and facilities include sunbed hire, beach bars and kayak rentals. A lagoon behind the beach attracts seasonal birdlife.
  • Chiesa di San Nicola in Loiri is a modest parish church set inland from the coast, reflecting the area’s rural traditions. The surrounding village is quieter than the coastal zone and is known for its summer festas and small-scale agricultural heritage.
  • Snorkelling and paddleboarding are common in the clear waters along the coastline, especially near the rocky areas around Cala Finanza and Punta Don Diego. Local rental centres offer equipment and lessons during the summer season.
  • Boat tours to the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Park include stops at hidden coves and beaches only accessible from the sea. Excursions often include swimming, snorkelling and occasional sightings of dolphins or seabirds, with departures from Porto San Paolo’s marina.

Tours and Activities

Loiri Porto San Paolo Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Sardinia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sardinia

1. ​Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. ​Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. ​​Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. ​Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. ​Gennargentu National Park
10. ​Tavolara

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Loiri Porto San Paolo
By Rail: Loiri Porto San Paolo does not have its own train station. The nearest station is located in Olbia, approximately 15 kilometres to the north. Olbia is served by Trenitalia regional and intercity trains, with regular connections to Cagliari, Sassari, and Golfo Aranci. The onward journey to Loiri Porto San Paolo from Olbia can be made by car or bus.

By Road: The town lies along Sardinia’s north-eastern coast, about 20 minutes’ drive south of Olbia via the SS125 road. It is well connected by regional roads to nearby towns and beaches. Public parking is available in various parts of the town and near the beach areas.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: Located just 15 kilometres north, it takes approximately 20 minutes by car to reach the town. The airport offers regular flights across Italy and to numerous European destinations.
  • Alghero-Fertilia Airport: Around 150 kilometres to the west, with a driving time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Private Transfers

Loiri Porto San Paolo Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and efficient way to travel to or from Loiri Porto San Paolo, with a professional local driver offering direct, door-to-door service. It’s a convenient option for travellers staying along the north-eastern coast, particularly those wishing to avoid car hire or the limited public transport options in the area.

Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which is located nearby and operates regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Loiri Porto San Paolo with destinations such as San Teodoro, Olbia, and Golfo Aranci, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace along Sardinia’s scenic coastline.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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