Why Charter a Yacht from Olbia
Olbia's primary advantage is convenience. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is the main gateway to northeast Sardinia, receiving direct flights from London, Munich, Paris, Milan, Rome, Berlin, and dozens of other European cities throughout the charter season. The airport is 4 kilometres from Olbia Marina — a 15-minute taxi ride. No other charter base in Sardinia comes close to this level of airport proximity.
This matters because charter check-in is typically Saturday afternoon at 17:00. If you fly into Olbia, you can arrive on an afternoon flight and be aboard your yacht within an hour of landing. If you charter from Cannigione or Palau, the transfer adds 30–50 minutes each way. For guests arriving on evening flights, Olbia is the only base where same-day check-in is practical.
Olbia also has a genuine town atmosphere that the resort marinas lack. Good restaurants on the waterfront, a pedestrianised old town with bars and shops, a proper supermarket for provisioning within walking distance, and a ferry terminal connecting to mainland Italy. It is a real place with its own life, not just a marina car park.
The sailing from Olbia is excellent. Head north and you reach the Costa Smeralda within an hour. Continue north and the La Maddalena Archipelago is a full day's sail. Head east and Tavolara — one of the most dramatic islands in the Mediterranean — rises from the sea like a cathedral. Olbia is centrally positioned for all three major Sardinian sailing areas.
Getting to Olbia
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) receives 40+ direct routes in summer from across Europe. Budget carriers (Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea) and full-service airlines (British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France) all serve Olbia. Flight time from London is 2h 40m, from Munich 1h 50m, from Paris 2h.
Olbia Ferry Terminal connects to Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno, Genoa, and Piombino via Moby, Tirrenia, and GNV. The overnight ferry from Civitavecchia is popular with guests bringing their own car — you arrive at 06:00 and can provision before check-in.
From the airport to the marina: 15 minutes by taxi (€15–€20), or a pre-arranged transfer. Many charter companies offer airport pickup as part of the package. There is no practical public transport between the airport and the marina — taxi or transfer is the way.
Olbia Marina — What to Expect
Olbia Marina sits in the inner harbour, sheltered from all directions. The marina has modern pontoons, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, fuel dock, and a small chandlery. It is not as large or as polished as Porto Cervo or Portisco, but it is functional, well-maintained, and has everything a charter guest needs.
The surrounding area is the real draw. Within 5 minutes' walk: several waterfront restaurants (seafood at Da Nicolo is a local favourite), a Conad supermarket for provisioning, an ATM, a pharmacy, and the pedestrianised Corso Umberto with cafés, bars, and gelaterias. You can do your provisioning, eat dinner ashore, and be back aboard in time for an early start.
The main charter companies with bases at or near Olbia Marina include the fleets accessible through our platform. Check-in is typically Saturday 17:00, with a technical briefing from the base team and overnight aboard. Departure is Sunday morning.
Where to Sail from Olbia
North to Costa Smeralda (8–12nm): Porto Rotondo, then Porto Cervo, then Baia Sardinia. The glamorous coast — famous bays (Cala di Volpe, Romazzino, Liscia Ruja), world-class restaurants, and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. A natural first-day destination after departure from Olbia.
North to La Maddalena Archipelago (25–30nm): A full day's sail from Olbia, or a comfortable two-day hop via the Costa Smeralda. The archipelago's seven islands — Spargi, Budelli, Caprera, La Maddalena, Santo Stefano, Razzoli, Santa Maria — offer the clearest water in the Mediterranean and the best island hopping in Sardinia.
East to Tavolara and Molara (8–10nm): Tavolara is a 560-metre limestone monolith rising straight from the sea — visible from Olbia harbour. The anchorage on the south side (Spalmatore di Terra) has excellent snorkelling and a beachside restaurant. Molara, the smaller island to the west, offers sheltered anchoring and wilder scenery. A perfect day-sail from Olbia.
South to Golfo Aranci and Cala Moresca (5–8nm): The shortest sail from Olbia, good for a first afternoon or a day charter. Pretty coves, clear water, and fewer boats than the Costa Smeralda.
Week itinerary from Olbia: Olbia → Tavolara → Porto Cervo → Spargi → Budelli → Bonifacio (Corsica) → La Maddalena → Cannigione → Olbia. 70–90nm total. See our itinerary guide.
Yachts Available from Olbia
The Olbia charter fleet covers all yacht types. Catamarans in the 40–46ft range are the most requested — Lagoon 42, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. For couples and smaller groups, sailing yachts from Beneteau, Jeanneau, and Dufour in the 38–46ft range offer excellent value.
Motor yachts are available for both day charters and week hire — ranging from sporty 40ft cruisers to 70ft+ flybridge yachts with crew. RIBs are the day charter staple — 7–10m with skipper, ideal for a day at Tavolara or the southern Costa Smeralda.
Browse our full fleet on the search page and filter by Olbia departure to see what is available for your dates.
Yacht Charter Pricing from Olbia
Pricing from Olbia is comparable to Cannigione and Portisco — the main variable is yacht type and season, not the departure base.
Sailing yacht 38–42ft bareboat: €2,000–€5,000/week peak (July–August). Shoulder: €1,500–€3,500.
Catamaran 42–46ft bareboat: €4,500–€9,000/week peak. Shoulder: €3,000–€6,000.
RIB day charter with skipper: €600–€1,800 depending on size and duration.
Motor yacht day charter: €1,500–€4,000.
Skipper add-on: €180–€250/day plus meals aboard.
For a complete pricing breakdown, see our cost guide.
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Olbia Marina & Surroundings
Olbia Marina sits in the sheltered Golfo di Olbia — 15 minutes from the airport, with direct sailing access to Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena, and Tavolara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Olbia Airport from the marina?
4 kilometres — about 15 minutes by taxi (€15–€20). It is the closest charter base to an airport in all of Sardinia.
Is Olbia a good starting point for a week charter?
Excellent. Olbia is centrally positioned between the Costa Smeralda (north), La Maddalena Archipelago (further north), and Tavolara (east). You can reach all three major sailing areas within a day's sail.
What is there to do in Olbia before boarding?
Olbia has a genuine town centre — waterfront restaurants, a pedestrianised old town (Corso Umberto) with bars and shops, and a Conad supermarket for provisioning. It is more of a real town than most marina locations.
Can I charter just for a day from Olbia?
Yes. RIB and motor yacht day charters from Olbia are popular — Tavolara island is only 8nm away and makes a perfect day trip. Half-day and full-day options available.
Which is better — Olbia or Cannigione as a charter base?
Olbia is better for airport convenience (15 min vs 40 min) and for town atmosphere. Cannigione is better for immediate access to La Maddalena Archipelago (shorter sail north). If you have a late flight in, Olbia is the safer choice.
