How to plan a trip to San Teodoro
The small town of San Teodoro certainly needs no introduction and is well known for its pristine beaches and clear sea with a thousand shades of blue, a true paradise for summer lovers. In winter it is a quiet town of about 5000 inhabitants, but during the summer it turns into a lively seaside resort taken by storm by thousands and thousands of tourists from all over Italy and Europe. It is also the favourite destination for young people thanks to the many bars and cafès in the city centre and a couple of clubs where you can spend a pleasant night full of fun.
Important note: From 15 June 2022 to 15 September 2022, the number of tourists x day on the beaches of Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu will be limited. The beaches will respectively host a maximum of 1447 and 3352 people. The customers of the bathing establishments are included, and children up to 5 years will not be counted. Payment will be made via Smartapp (currently not working yet). Those staying in a regular structure in the San Teodoro area will pay less.
How to reach San Teodoro
San Teodoro is only 25 km from Olbia Costa Smeralda airport and 30 km from the port of Olbia (45 km from the port of Golfo Aranci). There are several daily flights from Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino and other cities, mainly with low-cost airlines during the summer. The airport is also served by flights from European destinations like the UK, Germany, France and Spain. Ferries depart daily from Livorno, Genoa and the port of Civitavecchia. Once at the airport or port of Olbia, you will find long-distance buses to San Teodoro. You can download the “Moovit” smart app and check the buses timetable. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, although the fare is quite expensive, or rent a car at the airport.
How to move around in San Teodoro
The best choice to move around is by car (or motorbike) as there are no public transports to reach the beaches. The vehicle allows you to visit San Teodoro and other beautiful beaches near Olbia, Costa Smeralda, Siniscola and Orosei without wasting time. The local buses are very few and link the towns only. A pay-fee specific service named Summer Beach bus connects the town to its main beaches (see below). There is also a new bus service called “city bus” to move around the town and its hamlets. Currently, the bus service offers only 2 routes and 8 daily rides.
If you don’t have your vehicle, you can rent it at Olbia Costa Smeralda airport or in San Teodoro, where you’ll find small rental car/scooter companies like SardaRent (via Nazionale, 34), Hobby Car (via Nazionale), Planet Car (via Nazionale), Tani’s Rent (borgo Traversa) and ST Rent (via Sardegna – also bikes). If you need a private transfer (24H), it’s possible to contact Autonoleggio Camuso (via Traversa, 33) or Giuliano Ventroni NCC (via Sardegna, 35)
Summer Beach Bus
San Teodoro offers a summer bus service that stops close to its most famous beaches despite the lack of public transportation. Departing from San Teodoro, it stops at La Cinta (stop 200 meters from the entrance to via Gramsci), Lu Impostu (stop 100 meters from the beach), Cala Brandinchi (stop 1200 meters from the beach), Porto Capo Coda Cavallo (stop 600 meters from Salina Bamba and about 850 meters from Cala Suaraccia). It usually runs from 9 am to 8 pm.
Rates
Single ride ticket (urban route) = € 2.00
Single ride ticket (on the whole route) = € 3.00
Day ticket = € 5.00.
Note: with the day ticket, hop on and off as often as you like throughout the day.
Subscriptions
4-day pass = € 15.00
7-day pass = € 25.00
- Click here to find out the best beaches in San Teodoro;
- Click Here to read about the marvellous boat cruise in Orosei Gulf.
City bus
This new bus service ran from August 2021 to December 2021 and allowed the town and its hamlets to move around. At the moment, the service is suspended. As soon as it is restored, we will update the article.
Where to sleep in San Teodoro
San Teodoro offers accommodation for all the travellers, from campsites to B&Bs, from apartments for rent to hotels and resorts with all comforts. If you don’t have a car, the best choice is to find accommodation in the city centre close to the beaches. August is the most expensive month to find accommodation, while June and September are the cheapest. You will also find some resorts and apartments for rent along the Coda Cavallo peninsula, near the most beautiful beaches, and in the neighbouring towns of Budoni and Porto San Paolo.
Where to eat in San Teodoro
You’ll find a great choice of restaurants, pizzerias, and takeaway in the city centre. Some” Agriturismo” in the surrounding local farms are managed by a family that offers Sardinia’s typical dishes.
Our favourite restaurants:
- Il Giardinaccio
- Da Nardino
- L’Artista
- Bal Harbour
- Pizzeria il Salsero
- La Metropizzeria
- Miriacheddu
- Agriturismo l’Alculiciu
- Agriturismo Suara Longa
- Click here to find out the best restaurants in San Teodoro with TripAdvisor.
Nightlife
San Teodoro is the only town in the area that boasts several clubs, bars and cafès to enjoy the night sipping a drink and listening to music. Most of the cbars and cafès are in the city centre, while the two open-air discos, Ambra Night and Luna Glam Club, are located in Cala d’Ambra and near the small pitch. Ambra Night is more frequented by the youth, while the Luna Glam Club disco is perfect for everyone. Among the most popular bars in the centre are Ambra Day, Bollicine, Bar La Posta, Buddha del Mar, Punto Zero Caffè. Don’t miss the beautiful Bal Harbor restaurant during summer afternoons, which offers aperitifs by the pool with music.
Note: due to covid restrictions, the clubs are still closed. Ambra night has been turned into a cool oper bar.
Other information
In the small centre, you will find all the main services such as the emergency medical service, a pharmacy and two para pharmacies, some medical offices, hairdressers, two churches, the City Hall and several supermarkets including Eurospin. In case of need, the nearest First Aid is in Olbia (San Giovanni hospital), about 30 km from San Teodoro. For those visiting San Teodoro to spend the evening, you will find a large car park at the end of Viale Sardegna. Keep in mind that, during the summer season, the centre’s streets become pedestrianised from 6 pm to midnight. An evening market sells typical local handicraft products, Sardinian products, and various objects for tourists in this area.
Safety: there are no safety threats in San Teodoro. However, as it’s a crowded town, do not leave your valuable object unattended, especially in your car.
