Villas in Porto Istana
Porto Istana is a strong villa base for young children: four white-sand beaches, a gently shelving seabed and Tavolara across the water. Homes are modest, mostly two-bedroom, and few have a pool. It is a beach area within Olbia's municipality rather than a village with its own square, and the coves catch the wind.
- Villas
- 9
- From, per week
- £446
About Porto Istana
Porto Istana is a beach area in the Murta Maria district of Olbia, under the granite headland of Capo Ceraso. The bay is four beaches divided by low rocky strips, with very fine white sand, pink granite and scrub behind, and a seabed that slopes gently into green water. Tavolara's sheer bulk fills the view offshore, and the bay marks the northern edge of the Capo Coda Cavallo marine reserve, which brings snorkellers and divers. Our homes are grouped close together; most have air conditioning and about half have a garden. Evenings mean a nearby bar or restaurant, or the 20-minute drive into Olbia.
Is Porto Istana right for you?
- Best for
- Families with small children who want shallow water and white sand
- Not for you if
- You need a private pool or a village square to stroll to after dinner.
Near Porto Istana
Olbia
About 20 minutes by car; San Simplicio church dates from the late 11th or early 12th century, and the archaeological museum holds a hoard of gold coins.
Tavolara
The tall island offshore from Porto Istana; Tavolara Traghetti e Gite runs boats to it from Porto San Paolo.
Pittulongu
Olbia's Lido di Pittulongu, where La Playa is the beach local people favour, with the Squalo and Pellicano beaches beside it.
Getting to Porto Istana
Olbia Costa Smeralda airport is about 13 minutes away by car. Local bus 514 runs between Murta Maria and the airport, but a hire car is the practical choice for other beaches and shopping. By road, take the SS125 from Olbia towards Siniscola and turn off after kilometre 307.
Villas in Porto Istana
3-star property
3-star property
3-star property
3-star property
3-star property
3-star property
3-star property
4-star property
Lidia Capo Ceraso resort
Porto Istana, Sardinia, Italy
4
2
0
Air ConParkingPool+8 more
from£86
per night
5-star property
3-Bedroom Home, Porto Istana
Porto Istana, Sardinia, Italy
6
3
0
Air ConBBQParking+9 more
from£271
per nightPorto Istana villa holidays: questions answered
Is Porto Istana beach good for children?
Very. The seabed slopes gently, the sand is fine and white, and beach equipment can be hired. The shoreline is accessible for wheelchairs, and there is a large car park close to the sand.
How far is Porto Istana from Olbia airport?
Around 13 minutes by car, a little over 10 km. Bus 514 also links Murta Maria with the airport, which helps on arrival day if you plan to collect a hire car later.
Is Porto Istana windy?
It can be. The coves are exposed to the wind, which is why sailors and windsurfers come here. With small children, check the forecast before settling in for a full beach day.
Can you visit Tavolara from Porto Istana?
Yes, by boat from Porto San Paolo, where Tavolara Traghetti e Gite runs crossings. From the sand at Porto Istana you look straight at the island's sheer flank, so it is hard to resist.
Nearby towns to Porto Istana
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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