Tavolara
An imposing limestone mountain rising from the sea, with vertical cliffs, brilliant white beaches, and waters protected by the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Park.
Discover Tavolara
Tavolara is one of the most recognizable silhouettes along the entire northeastern coast of Sardinia: an island-mountain that rises almost sheer from the sea, with pale limestone cliffs that change color throughout the day, shifting from white to pink and ochre depending on the light. At the base of the massive rock face, a narrow ribbon of light-sand beaches and small coves breaks the verticality of the cliffs, offering views that feel almost painted.
The sea surrounding Tavolara is part of the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area and is renowned for its clarity and the diversity of its seabeds: seagrass meadows, sandy patches, and emerging rocks. On calmer days, the water takes on shades ranging from emerald green to deep blue, with such transparency that the underwater landscape is clearly visible. Seen up close, the island also reveals its greener side, with bands of vegetation climbing the gentler slopes.
A dinghy tour around Tavolara is an experience that highlights the island’s verticality and the vastness of the sea that surrounds it. Following the areas open to navigation and stopping, wide panoramas—where the island dominates the horizon—alternate with closer views where rock and water seem to touch. Stopping in designated areas, with the dinghy floating in front of the towering limestone wall, allows you to fully grasp the power of this landscape, feeling both protected by the calm waters of the Marine Park and immersed in a dinghy excursion that leaves a lasting impression.
What to expect in this paradise
A mountain of pale rock rising from the sea, a strip of white beaches at its base, and waters protected by the Marine Park: Tavolara is the most majestic and unmistakable profile along the coast between Olbia and Gallura, reachable on dinghy tours connecting Portisco, Golfo Aranci, and the nearby islands.
Tour Tavolara by dinghy
Fun Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tavolara located?
Tavolara is located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, off the Olbia shoreline, within the Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area. It is a massive limestone island that rises sharply from the sea, with an elongated shape and vertical cliffs that make it immediately recognizable even from a great distance.
Its position is extremely strategic, as it lies between two highly frequented areas, the Costa Smeralda and the Gulf of Olbia, while maintaining a strong natural and wild identity. Tavolara is not just an island, but a true geographical and visual landmark for the entire surrounding navigation area.
During a day at sea with Flag Sardinia’s luxury RIB boats, Tavolara represents one of the main destinations, easily reachable both in bareboat rental without skipper and in charter with skipper, thanks to its close proximity to the coast.
How to reach Tavolara?
Tavolara can only be reached by sea, and this characteristic plays a key role in preserving its charm and integrity. The most common departure points are Porto San Paolo and the marinas around Olbia, from which the navigation is short and direct.
From the water, the approach to the island is particularly impressive. Its massive silhouette gradually grows on the horizon until revealing the full height of its vertical cliffs. This makes the arrival at Tavolara a defining moment of the entire day.
With Flag Sardinia, Tavolara is one of the most requested stops. It can be reached independently with luxury RIB boats in bareboat rental for those with experience and a boating license, or by choosing a charter with skipper to enjoy the journey without concerns, guided to the best spots for swimming and relaxing.
What is Tavolara famous for?
Tavolara is famous for its unique and imposing shape, which distinguishes it from any other island in Sardinia. Its vertical cliffs rise directly from the sea, creating a striking visual impact and making it one of the most iconic locations along the entire northeastern coastline.
Beyond its landscape, Tavolara is known for the exceptional clarity of its waters, with intense colors ranging from turquoise to deep blue depending on depth and light. The island is part of a marine protected area, which helps preserve its natural environment and biodiversity.
It is also known for its unique history and for having been considered in the past one of the “smallest kingdoms in the world”, adding an additional layer of curiosity and charm.
During a day at sea with Flag Sardinia, Tavolara is often one of the main highlights, appreciated both by those choosing bareboat rental and by those opting for charter with skipper to fully enjoy the experience.
What to do in Tavolara?
Tavolara offers an experience strongly connected to the sea and nature. The main activities revolve around anchoring, swimming in crystal-clear waters and snorkeling along the shallower areas, where the seabed allows easy observation of marine life.
One of the most frequented areas is the main beach, characterized by transparent waters and a still authentic natural setting. Here it is also possible to go ashore, respecting the rules of the protected area, and experience the island from a different perspective.
Tavolara is also an ideal stop for a lunch break during a day at sea. Some choose to spend more time here, alternating moments of relaxation in the water with quiet breaks on board.
With Flag Sardinia, the experience can be fully customized. In bareboat rental, you can independently manage how much time to spend on the island, while in charter with skipper it is possible to discover the most scenic and less crowded spots, making the most of the day.
What is the best time to visit Tavolara?
The best time to visit Tavolara is from May to September, although each month offers different conditions.
June and September provide the best balance, with pleasant temperatures, generally calm seas and fewer crowds. These conditions allow you to fully appreciate the clarity of the water and the peacefulness of the environment.
July and August represent the peak season, with very warm days and a higher number of boats. During this time, Tavolara becomes a very popular destination, while still maintaining its charm thanks to the size of the area and the variety of anchoring spots.
From a nautical perspective, it is important to consider the wind, especially the mistral, which can influence sea conditions. With Flag Sardinia’s luxury RIB boats, it is possible to plan the outing flexibly and choose the best moment to visit Tavolara, both in bareboat rental and charter with skipper.
Why visit Tavolara during a RIB tour?
Visiting Tavolara during a RIB tour allows you to fully experience the spectacular nature of this place, which reveals its greatest beauty when seen from the sea. The size of the island and the verticality of its cliffs create a perspective that is unique and completely different from any other viewpoint.
A RIB boat also allows you to move freely along the island, choosing the best spots for anchoring based on sea conditions and crowd levels. This makes it possible to avoid the busiest areas and find quieter spots to enjoy.
With Flag Sardinia, Tavolara becomes part of a broader and more dynamic itinerary. In bareboat rental, you have full autonomy in managing your day. In charter with skipper, the experience is enriched by local knowledge, allowing you to discover less obvious spots and enjoy a more complete day.
In both cases, visiting Tavolara by RIB transforms a simple destination into an immersive experience made of navigation, stops and continuous discovery.
