Tavolara is one of the most dramatic natural features visible from the Olbia coast — a massive limestone ridge rising 560 metres straight out of the sea, its flanks nearly vertical and its flat top shrouded in cloud on cooler days. The island is only about 5km long and barely inhabited, with a tiny community at the western end near the landing beach.
Summer ferries from Porto San Paolo (15km south of Olbia) make the crossing in about 20 minutes. The island sits within a marine protected area, and the snorkelling along the rocky shoreline is exceptional — particularly on the south side where the water deepens quickly and visibility can exceed 20 metres. The small restaurant at the western settlement serves freshly caught fish; book ahead in summer.