Porto Istana: Four Coves Facing Tavolara Island
Porto Istana: 4 coves with pink granite and Tavolara views. Paid car park. 2 min from Murta Maria. KS Rent delivers cars from Olbia — no credit card.
Framed by the rosy hues of Gallura granite, Porto Istana's four distinct sandy inlets offer the most dramatic, front-row panorama of Tavolara Island. Paid car park on-site. Just 2 minutes from Murta Maria. KS Rent delivers vehicles from Olbia in 10 minutes.
A Quartette of Granite-Framed Coves
What makes this stretch of coast exceptional is its natural division into four separate pockets of fine white sand, partitioned by smooth, wind-sculpted pink granite outcrops. Here, the shallow shoreline transitions from a luminous turquoise to deep emerald, sitting directly in the shadow of the limestone colossus of Tavolara.
Getting to the Shore
Positioned just off the SS125 coastal route, the bay is highly accessible. If you are starting from the nearby village of Murta Maria, the drive takes barely 2 minutes, while the journey from the KS Rent office in Olbia spans just 10 km (roughly 12 minutes). A paid parking area serves the entire site, granting quick walking access to each sector.
The Four Coastal Sectors
- First cove: the most active stretch, hosting a beach kiosk, sunbeds, and rental umbrellas
- Second and third: unspoilt stretches of free sand, ideal for those seeking a quieter spot
- Fourth cove: a secluded pocket hemmed in by rocks, offering maximum privacy
- Gently shelving, shallow sandy seabeds run consistently across all four areas
Coastal Exploration and Island Crossings
A short 10-minute drive south leads to the marina at Porto San Paolo, where daily boats depart for Tavolara Island to visit Spalmatore beach and the legendary "smallest kingdom in the world". For navigating the smooth tarmac down to the waterfront, a nimble Fiat Panda is highly practical, though choosing a robust Jeep Avenger lets you effortlessly extend your journey to the panoramic headland of Capo Coda Cavallo.
Parking & Access Info
Paid car park with easy access to each of the four coves; short paths from the parking bays.
The ideal vehicle for this destination
Where it is
Plan the route from our Olbia offices to this stunning beach.
