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.