The attractions and beauty of Porto Rotondo and its surroundings

Porto Rotondo is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, characterised by elegant houses that unfold along its circular bay, from which it takes its name.

Enchanting beaches and breathtaking views attract countless holidaymakers each year, including loyal visitors and members of the international jet set.

Porto Rotondo was founded thanks to the vision of two Venetian brothers, Nicolò and Luigi Donà delle Rose, who in 1964, captivated by this still unspoilt area, decided to design a modern village with villas, residences, and boutiques.

Initially, the motivation behind the Donà delle Rose brothers’ project was to create a meeting place for the intellectuals and artists of the time, offering them a natural setting that could inspire their creativity.

The first to embrace this project were the sculptors Giancarlo Sangregorio and Andrea Cascella.

The latter was the creator of the famous “Piazza San Marco” which, with its circular shape and distinctive outline, is the focal point of city life in Porto Rotondo.

Only in the following years was the beauty of the architecture and the crystal-clear beaches fully recognised and appreciated, to the point that it became one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

Maximum convenience is guaranteed by the mere 15 km separating Porto Rotondo from Olbia’s international airport, the port, and the many small villages and hamlets that can be visited within a 20 km radius.

Things to See in Porto Rotondo

The Church of San Lorenzo, located in the centre of Porto Rotondo, features two entrances, one of which leads to Piazza San Marco via a staircase surrounded by greenery. Built in 1971, the church interior houses splendid wooden sculptures by the renowned artist Mario Ceroli, depicting significant scenes such as The Last Supper, The Tree of Life, The Last Judgement, as well as simple yet cherished figures from everyday life in Porto Rotondo at the time. Outside, there is a marble square portraying the profiles of the last six Popes, an impressive 24-metre bell tower, and a rose window with glass rays.
The Punic Tower, located at Punta Nuraghe—one of the three points of Porto Rotondo—was a signal tower, where a sentry would watch for approaching enemy ships or fires and alert another tower in the Olbia area. It was used from 300 BC until the Augustan Age, at the end of the civil wars, when Rome became the ruler of the Mediterranean.
The Open-Air Theatre, with 700 seats, consists of a semi-circular granite staircase, a wooden stage, and a backdrop characterised by Serlian windows. Inspired by Roman traditions, it frequently hosts performances and cultural or sporting events of various kinds.
Via del Molo, one of the main streets in the centre of Porto Rotondo, offers the chance to stroll along the remarkable artwork The Food Chain, by Breton artist Emmanuel Chapalain.
Piazza San Marco, the heart of Porto Rotondo, is a true work of art. Circular like the port and oriented to the north, it is entirely paved with local granite. A basin-shaped sculpture sits at its centre, surrounded by greenery and the charming, old village houses that overlook it.
Piazzetta Darsena, accessed by a small staircase, looks out onto one side of the tourist port—the fishermen’s harbour.
Piazza Rudalza, a “hidden gem” thanks to its elevated position, offers breathtaking views, the sight of boats sailing past, and the relaxing scent of the sea.

Things to Do in Porto Rotondo

Breakfast and aperitif at the Bar della Piazza, located in Piazza San Marco, a popular meeting point for devoted and tireless lovers of Porto Rotondo. The breakfast is arguably the best in the whole village—offering a variety of sweet and savoury items that are incredibly fresh. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a top-quality breakfast while feeling right at home. The aperitif, on the other hand, offers irresistibly delicious drinks accompanied by fresh, often local, products, impeccable service, and the warm hospitality of dear Gianni—all surrounded by children playing, twinkling shop lights, and people chatting around the square.
Visit Hruska Beach, reachable with a short 10-minute walk, passing over the rocks of the previous beaches (I Sassi and Shirley Bassey) to then enjoy the silence, scent, and colours of a still-unspoilt beach, with pure white sand and crystal-clear water.
Browse the stalls of the Via Riccardo Belli Market, where you can buy a wide range of handcrafted products, make friends, and enjoy lively conversations every Wednesday morning.
Take a stroll through the tourist port at sunset or after dinner, to admire the boats, visit shops and boutiques, walk along Via del Molo to see the glowing eyes of the fish, and maybe enjoy an ice cream at the “Gelateria del Molo” or a quick dinner at sunset in Piazza Darsena at “Assaggia”.
Scuba diving and snorkelling in the area or on nearby islands, where you can swim in our marvellous waters, observing a variety of fish, rocks, and other forms of marine life. The best place for these activities is certainly the “Centro Sub” in Porto Rotondo.
Cycling or trekking tours on foot starting from Porto Rotondo, exploring not just the sea but also hills, mountains, local vegetation, history, and archaeology—guided by specialised tour operators.
Boat or dinghy excursions, perfect for discovering beautiful islands only accessible by sea, in total relaxation—whether alone or with company.

The Surroundings

San Pantaleo: Located about 20 km from Porto Rotondo, this is a small village nestled in nature and surrounded by granite rocks, characterised by the three peaks of Sant’Andrea, Pelchia Manna and Pelchia Minori. The village is rich in water and woodland, its town centre streets are quaint and picturesque, and it offers the chance to take walks or enjoy real trekking in the mountains. Not to be missed is the wonderful market, which fills the streets of the centre every Thursday.
Golfo Aranci: Only 15 minutes from Porto Rotondo, it boasts a seafront promenade with shop windows and stores selling local products, among which fresh fish – just caught – is a must. Walking along this seafront path at the right time of year, you may come across the appearance of the “Mermaid”, a 3.5-metre-high bronze statue by Pietro Longu, a tribute to myth and Sardinian women. During the summer, the statue emerges from the sea twice a day (at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.). In this village you can also visit the magnificent and unspoilt beach of Cala Moresca, from where you can set off on various trekking routes, encounter mouflons, and reach the Guglielmo Marconi tower, which offers an unforgettable view.

Olbia is only 15 km from Porto Rotondo, the economic engine of Gallura. It is an interesting city from a cultural perspective, rich in archaeological sites such as the Riu Mulinu nuraghe (Cabu Abbas), the Giants’ Tomb of Su Monte de S'Abe, the Sacred Nuragic Well of Sa Testa, the Punic Walls between Via Torino and Via Acquedotto, Pedres Castle and Sa Paulazza Castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the Roman farm of S'Imbalconadu along the road to Padru.

The most important churches are San Simplicio and San Paolo, both beautiful, but there are many others scattered throughout the town and on the outskirts, where you can find examples of typical country churches. The historic centre is full of shops and venues of all kinds, along with a charming street market, a major library, a quay with an adjoining museum, and a panoramic wheel.