How to Visit Tavolara: 5 Ways to Reach the Island
Many travellers planning a holiday in north-eastern Sardinia wonder how to get to Tavolara and what the best ways are to visit the island. It is not uncommon, in fact, for some people to even think they can reach it by car: this shows how often the geographical location of the islands that are part of the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area is not clearly understood.
In this guide, we will therefore discover all the options for visiting Tavolara, from boat tours and ferries to the simplest alternatives for organising your experience in the best possible way.
We will take Porto San Paolo as the starting point, as it is the closest and most strategic place to begin your adventure.
Table of Contents
Why visit Tavolara?
Tavolara is one of the main attractions along this stretch of coastline, especially because it appears as a true mountain rising from the sea. Its imposing shape makes it visible for dozens of kilometres along the coast and even from inland areas. Many people relaxing on the beach or driving along the SS125 state road are struck by its silhouette and wonder what it is.
The island is also famous for being considered the smallest kingdom in the world, a detail that sparks great curiosity among visitors. Tavolara becomes even more fascinating thanks to its clear, turquoise waters, often compared to those of the Caribbean, and its seabed rich in marine life, which attracts lovers of the sea and snorkelling.
Where is Tavolara located?
Tavolara is located in Gallura, in the north-eastern part of Sardinia, just a few kilometres south-east of Olbia. The island lies less than 2 nautical miles (about 3.5 km) from the coast and is situated directly opposite the village of Porto San Paolo.
By sea, Tavolara is about 9 nautical miles (15 km) from both Olbia and Golfo Aranci, and around 10 nautical miles from San Teodoro. Thanks to its strategic location, Porto San Paolo is generally considered one of the most convenient starting points for visiting the island.
The best ways to visit Tavolara
There are several ways to visit Tavolara, and the best choice depends on various factors such as the time available, the budget, the type of experience you wish to enjoy and the level of independence you prefer. Some options simply allow you to reach the island, while others give you the opportunity to explore different areas of the Marine Protected Area and enjoy the sea in a more relaxed way.
Below you will find an overview of the main options to help you organise your visit and choose the solution that best suits your needs.
Boat Tours
Boat tours are the simplest and most complete way to visit Tavolara and discover the wonders of the Marine Protected Area. In addition to reaching the main island for walks and swimming, you can sail along the cliffs, enter bays accessible only by sea and enjoy a truly authentic experience.
During a boat tour, there are usually stops for swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, time to relax in the sun or simply admire the coastline from the sea. Iconic spots such as the natural pools of Molara or the bays at the foot of Tavolara make this type of visit especially popular among those who wish to combine nature, sea and relaxation.
Excursions can last for a half day or a full day, with shared tours in small groups or on a private boat. It is an ideal solution for those who want to visit Tavolara in an organised way, without having to worry about navigation or logistics.
You can learn more about the different options for boat tours to Tavolara and choose the experience that best suits your needs.
Organised trekking
For those who love adventure, another way to visit Tavolara is to take part in a guided trek to the summit. The excursion usually includes a boat transfer from Cala Finanza or Porto San Paolo and the support of an experienced guide, allowing visitors to reach some of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island.
This is a demanding activity that is not suitable for everyone: the route involves an elevation gain of around 600 metres, with steep sections and uneven terrain. It is therefore recommended for people who are fit and used to walking in natural environments.
Those who wish to enjoy this experience can find more information about tours offered by specialised local operators, such as Sardinia Exploring, who organise guided outings on the island.
Ferries
Another way to visit the island is to use one of the ferries to Tavolara, which connect the mainland to the island during the tourist season. This option provides simple passenger transport rather than a complete experience. We recommend it for those who wish to reach the main beach and spend a few hours on the island independently.
The service operates with fixed departure and return times, which may vary depending on the season, generally from Easter until early October. Once on the island, visitors can relax on the beach, go for a swim or take a walk along the coastline at the foot of the mountain.
Compared to boat excursions, the ferry does not include a dedicated guide and does not allow you to explore the more hidden bays or the other islands within the marine protected area. However, it still represents a valid alternative for those who want to reach Tavolara directly.
Water Boat
Another option for reaching the island is to use a water taxi, a sea transfer service that allows you to move quickly from one point of the coast to another, for example from Porto San Paolo to Tavolara. It is a practical solution for those who want to arrive directly on the island without joining a guided excursion.
However, it is important to keep in mind that a water taxi is simply a transfer service: it usually allows passengers to disembark only at authorised points and does not make it possible to visit places such as the natural pools of Molara or other bays without jetties or designated access channels. Within the Marine Protected Area, in fact, access and landing are regulated in order to protect the environment.
RIB rental
Inflatable boat rental is a very common way to visit Tavolara and explore the Marine Protected Area independently. It allows you to plan your day at your own pace, stop in different bays and enjoy the sea with complete freedom.
It is important to keep in mind that this area is characterised by the presence of emerging or barely visible rocks, which require particular attention while navigating.
As it is a marine protected area, there are specific regulations regarding access, anchoring and navigation. Before setting off, it is therefore advisable to check the restrictions and sea conditions carefully in order to avoid any inconvenience and enjoy the experience safely.
There are several inflatable boat rental services along the coast, especially in the main tourist resorts. It is easy to find information and contacts with a simple online search.
As you may have understood, visiting Tavolara independently is possible, but it requires a good knowledge of the area and of the regulations within the Marine Protected Area. The island’s particular geographical features, the presence of shallow waters and cliffs, and the environmental restrictions often make it easier to choose an organised solution.
Taking part in a guided excursion allows you to enjoy a more complete experience, go snorkelling in the most secluded bays, and discover not only the most scenic spots, but also the history, biodiversity and natural importance of this unique area of Sardinia.
How much time do you need to visit Tavolara?
Although Tavolara is an island rich in history and natural beauty, half a day can be enough to visit the main beach and enjoy a swim. Especially during the hottest summer months, this option allows you to experience the island without spending too much time under the sun, particularly if you are travelling with young children or do not have a beach umbrella or access to shaded areas. If you are planning your visit as a family, you can also read our guide on visiting Tavolara with kids, with useful tips on choosing the most suitable tour.
By joining a organised half-day excursion, it is usually possible to visit other parts of the marine protected area as well, with one or two additional stops that often include the natural pools of Molara. Choosing a full-day trip, on the other hand, gives you more time to explore different bays, relax at your own pace and, in many cases, enjoy extra services such as lunch on board or longer swimming stops.
Conclusion: what is the best way to visit Tavolara?
As we have seen, there are several ways to visit Tavolara: from simple transfers by water taxi or ferry, to independent inflatable boat rental, shared or private boat excursions, and more demanding experiences such as trekking to the summit. The best choice depends on the time available, your level of experience and the type of service you are looking for.
For most visitors, taking part in an organised boat excursion is the simplest and most complete solution. It allows you to discover not only the island itself, but also the most scenic bays of the Marine Protected Area, with stops for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing moments surrounded by nature.
FAQ
How to get to Tavolara?
Tavolara can be reached only by sea, by joining boat excursions, using water taxi services or, during the summer months, by ferry connections or inflatable boat rentals. The most strategic departure point for reaching Tavolara is Porto San Paolo.
How much does it cost to visit Tavolara?
The cost varies depending on the type of service chosen: in general, prices start from a few tens of euros and increase according to the duration and the services included.
- Boat excursions: from €70 for a half-day tour with everything included
- Water taxi: depends on the route, but usually around €30–40 depending on the size of the group
- Ferries: from €22 return
- Inflatable boat rental: the price can vary greatly depending on the type of boat, engine and season. Prices start from around €200 plus fuel consumption for a 5-person, 40 hp inflatable boat for a half day in March, April or May, and increase during the high season.
Prices are indicative. Please check with the different operators for detailed information.
What is the best time to visit Tavolara?
The ideal period generally runs from April to October. In summer the sea is warmer but visitor numbers increase, while spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Can you go to Tavolara by car?
No, Tavolara is an island and it is not connected to the mainland by roads or bridges. It is therefore necessary to use a boat or join an organised tour.
Written by:
Massimiliano Pedrolini
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