On weekends, Olbia locals drive 8 km south until they reach Murta Maria on the coastal road, turn left and 1 km further they pull into Porto Istana, a heavenly beach whose shore varies from rocky to grainy to ultra-fine white sands, the translucent waters undulating from emerald to turquoise to deep blue. No you’re not in paradise.
The only thing that clues you in to this fact is that there aren’t any palm trees. Bathing here when it’s not too crowded is almost a mystical experience. Just don’t expect your friends to believe you didn’t Photoshop the pictures.
