Le Vecchie Saline
A long beach facing Tavolara, bordered by sandy dunes and back-dune lagoons that preserve the memory of the ancient salt pans.
Discover Le Vecchie Saline
Le Vecchie Saline stretch along the southern coast of the Gulf of Olbia, between Marina Maria and Porto Istana, in an area defined by wide sandy expanses and a system of back-dune lagoons that testify to the former salt extraction activity. The beach is long and linear, composed of pale sand with golden hues, running parallel to the sea with a horizon opening toward Tavolara and Molara.
The seabed slopes gently and keeps the water relatively shallow near the shore, with shades ranging from light green to turquoise on clear days. Further out, the blue deepens, while the wind—often present in this area—creates light ripples that animate the sea surface. The combination of open sea and lagoons behind the dunes produces a dynamic setting where light and movement constantly shape the landscape.
Behind the shoreline, natural dunes and wetlands host typical Mediterranean vegetation and lagoon wildlife, contributing to a delicate yet well-preserved ecosystem. The atmosphere feels wide and airy, quite different from the smaller rocky coves further north, with a constant perception of openness toward the sea.
Reaching Le Vecchie Saline by dinghy means adding to your itinerary a stop that combines natural scenery and historical memory. Navigating along this stretch highlights the continuity of the sandy coastline and the proximity to the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area. Including Le Vecchie Saline in a dinghy tour allows you to alternate wide, breezy beaches with more rugged headlands, creating a balanced route between open sea and more intimate coastal sections.
What to expect in this paradise
A long beach facing Tavolara, bordered by sandy dunes and back-dune lagoons that preserve the memory of the ancient salt pans.
Tour Le Vecchie Saline by dinghy
Fun Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Le Vecchie Saline located?
Le Vecchie Saline are located along the coastal area south of Olbia, on the stretch of shoreline that extends between the Gulf of Olbia and the Capo Ceraso area. This place takes its name from the ancient salt pans that are no longer active today, which still shape the landscape behind the beach with water basins, lagoon vegetation and a particularly rich ecosystem.
Unlike the more iconic beaches of the Costa Smeralda, Le Vecchie Saline offer a wilder and more natural setting, where human presence is less dominant and the territory still preserves an authentic balance between sea and land. The beach stretches for several kilometers with light sand and more untouched sections, facing an open sea that looks towards the island of Tavolara.
During a day at sea with Flag Sardinia, Le Vecchie Saline represent an interesting stop for those who want to discover a less built-up Sardinia, navigating with luxury RIB boats both in bareboat rental without skipper and in charter with skipper.
How to reach Le Vecchie Saline?
Le Vecchie Saline can be reached by land from Olbia in just a few minutes, following the road that leads towards Capo Ceraso. However, direct access to the beach is not always immediate, as some sections require short walks and not all areas are fully serviced or structured.
For this reason, one of the best ways to reach Le Vecchie Saline is by sea. Sailing along the southern coast of Olbia, the beach appears as a long natural stretch, free from large constructions, with colors ranging from the green of the vegetation to the light tones of the sand.
With Flag Sardinia’s luxury RIB boats, it is possible to include Le Vecchie Saline within itineraries that connect the Gulf of Olbia with Tavolara and Molara. In case of charter with skipper, the route can be adapted according to sea conditions, while in bareboat rental the area is easy to identify and navigate independently.
What is Le Vecchie Saline famous for?
Le Vecchie Saline are famous for their still largely untouched natural landscape and for a wilder atmosphere compared to the more tourist-oriented destinations around Olbia. The name itself recalls the presence of the ancient salt pans, which help create a unique environment made of lagoons, reeds and local wildlife.
This area is especially appreciated by those seeking tranquility and contact with nature, away from more crowded beaches. Wind is often present, making the area popular among kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts, especially during less calm periods.
From a landscape perspective, what makes Le Vecchie Saline recognizable is the contrast between the open sea, the long coastline and the lagoon hinterland. During a tour with Flag Sardinia, this stop is chosen precisely for its authenticity, ideal for those who want to alternate iconic destinations with lesser-known spots, both in bareboat rental and charter with skipper.
What to do in Le Vecchie Saline?
At Le Vecchie Saline, the experience is mainly connected to nature and the freedom of open spaces. It is not a beach designed for mass tourism, but a place where the sea and the landscape become the real protagonists.
Here it is possible to enjoy long stops in the water, swim in a quiet setting and experience a sense of isolation that is difficult to find in more crowded areas. Wind conditions can make the sea more dynamic, offering ever-changing scenarios throughout the day.
During a RIB tour with Flag Sardinia, Le Vecchie Saline can be either a passing stop or a longer break, ideal for slowing down the pace before continuing towards Tavolara or other destinations. Those choosing charter with skipper can include this area within a customized itinerary, while in bareboat rental it represents an easily reachable point for an independent stop.
What is the best time to visit Le Vecchie Saline?
The best time to visit Le Vecchie Saline largely depends on wind conditions and on the type of experience you are looking for. Being a more exposed area compared to sheltered bays, the sea can change quickly and affect the quality of the stop.
June and September are particularly recommended for those seeking tranquility and more balanced conditions, with less crowding and a greater chance to enjoy the area in a relaxed way. During these months, the landscape maintains all its authenticity without the intensity of peak season.
In July and August, the area still remains less crowded than many other beaches, but it can be more affected by wind and sea movement. For this reason, during an outing with Flag Sardinia, including Le Vecchie Saline in the itinerary is always evaluated based on weather conditions, both for those choosing bareboat rental and for those opting for charter with skipper.
Why visit Le Vecchie Saline during a RIB tour?
Visiting Le Vecchie Saline during a RIB tour allows you to access the area in the most natural way, fully aligned with its wild character. By land, the experience can feel fragmented, while by sea you gain a complete view of the coastline and its development.
While navigating this stretch, you clearly perceive the transition from a more urban environment to a more untouched one. The long beach, free from invasive constructions, offers wide open spaces where it is possible to stop without the typical pressure of more touristy destinations.
With Flag Sardinia, Le Vecchie Saline become an ideal stop to enrich the sea experience with a more authentic dimension. In bareboat rental, it represents a simple and freely manageable stop. In charter with skipper, it fits perfectly within a route designed to alternate iconic locations with lesser-known areas.
Experiencing it by RIB means enhancing the most natural side of the Olbia coastline, transforming a simple stop into a moment of real connection with the territory.
