The founder of the most popular resort in Sardinia, Costa Smeralda. The most beautiful beaches of the Costa Smeralda. Stella Maris Church
Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), stretching 55 km along the north-eastern coast of the island of Sardinia, is a center of luxury tourism with excellent sandy beaches, quiet bays and spectacular mountain ranges. This is perhaps the most popular tourist area on the entire island, containing dozens of quality beaches and hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of insular Italy.
Additionally, Costa Smeralda has the highest concentration of yacht clubs and marinas per square kilometer in the entire world. The recently restored Porto Cervo marina is a clear proof of this - it houses a luxurious yacht club, where today exclusively the rich and mostly Italian oligarchs relax.
It’s worth saying a few words about the origins of the resort. Relatively recently, in 1961, the famous architect and businessman Aga Khan and his associates bought a strip of the picturesque coast of Sardinia. As you understand, it later became Costa Smeralda, the “emerald coast”, which appeared on the map of the island thanks to the joint work of the venerable architects Luigi Vietti and Busiri Vici.
How to get to Costa Smeralda
The easiest way to reach the resorts and hotels of the Costa Smeralda is through Olbia Airport. However, many prefer a slightly longer and more romantic route - on a white yacht (if funds allow) from anywhere in the world or by public transport - ferry - from Genoa or Livorno.
From there you will have to take a taxi or rent a car. Buses, of course, also run, but it’s somehow undignified to come to one of the most expensive and luxurious resorts in Italy, dragging a suitcase full of swimsuits from public transport, albeit clean and modern.
Panorama of Costa Smeralda
Beaches of Costa Smeralda
Fit football players and yachtsmen, and slightly less fit businessmen prefer to spend their holidays on one of the luxurious beaches of the Costa Smeralda. Choosing a suitable coast is not an easy decision; all the local beaches are beyond praise. You can start from your surroundings: for example, Capricciollo and Spiaggia Liscia Ruia are located next to the famous Muslim-style hotel Cala di Volpe, just 6 km south of the developed infrastructure of Porto Cervo. And the Spiaggia del Principe beach is 2 km from the picturesque Cape Romazzino. But excellent company can only be found in Baia Sardinia - it is always crowded here, and Porto Cervo is only 5 km away.
Other beaches of the Costa Smeralda:
- Budelli
- Cala Granu
- Celvia
- Cala di Volpe
- Dolce Sposa
- Mortorio
- Piccolo Pevero
- Piccolo Romazzino
Shopping, dining and entertainment
Costa Smeralda is home to the famous Sottovento disco club, the Sopravento Club disco - a popular establishment for those over forty, the American pub Portico and the Porto Rotondo Country Club - a very fashionable establishment, something between a music night bar, a restaurant and a disco.
Excellent shopping with the opportunity to bargain can be arranged right on the beach; local merchants offer all sorts of trinkets, clothes, music CDs and jewelry at a reasonable price. However, if you want to outdo everyone with your outfits from famous designers, you will have to go to Porto Cervo or Porto Rotunda, where there are a lot of expensive boutiques.
Most restaurants in Costa Smeralda are very expensive; it is better to look for authentic Sardinian cuisine in Olbia or where all the locals eat - small establishments in villages and surrounding areas.
Resorts of the Costa Smeralda
The most popular resorts on the Costa Smeralda are Porto Cervo, Cala Granu, Porto Rotondo and Pantocia.
Porto Cervo is the center of the coast, home to the most exclusive clothing and jewelry boutiques, as well as many restaurants, hotels, shops and a tennis club. The main pedestrian street, also known as the embankment, is Piazzetta degli Archi. From here you can get to the picturesque Old Port via an equally picturesque wooden bridge. There are beautiful yachts there, and sometimes just beauties who arrived at the resort on these yachts. Porto Cervo was designed by the architect Luigi Vietti and is considered something of a masterpiece in urban design.
Diving off the coast of Costa Smeralda
Porto Rotondo, the second most popular village on the Costa Smeralda, boasts the largest number of attractions on the entire coast. The resort itself was built around 1967 on the northern coast of the huge cape of Monte Lada, in the north of Olbia. Here it is worth visiting the amphitheater and the granite church of San Lorenzo, typical of the island, and swimming at the excellent beaches of Ira, Punta Asphodel or Marinella.
Pantocia is located on a hill with stunning views of the Gulf of Pevero. This resort is located just a couple of kilometers north of Porto Cervo and close to the islands of Li Nibani and Pevero Tavolara. Notable here is the dizzying Monte Moro mountain with waterfalls that don’t freeze even in winter, and thickets of juniper and strawberries. Beaches of Pantocia: Piccolo Pevero and Grande Pevero, Porto Paglia.
Baia Sardinia is a bay in the center of the Gulf of Arzachena. This is a developed tourist area with a lot of entertainment, a water park, numerous cafes and restaurants.
Petite and charming Cala Granu is another popular Costa Smeralda spot north of Porto Cervo. It is here that some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the region are located, the interiors of which were designed by the same famous architects Vietti, Jacques Quelle, Buratti Battiston and Bonicatti.
The Costa Smeralda also offers exquisite diving, just half an hour's sail from the coast in the Maddalena Archipelago.
This is a special coastline, stretching for 55 km, where people come from all over the world for an elite and fashionable vacation. This is where world celebrities from show business and politics like to spend their holidays. According to research published in the European Luxury Real Estate magazine, the Costa Smeralda is the most expensive place in Europe.
Geographically, the Costa Smeralda is located in the northeast of Sardinia, just 5 km from airport of the same name. The nearest cities are Olbia and Arzachena. Porto Cervo is considered the center of all the tourist luxury of this resort. Until the mid-20th century, the Costa Smeralda coast was unknown to many people. However, after the Arab prince Karim Aga Khan IV visited here in 1961, everything changed. He literally fell in love with this mesmerizing beauty of the Emerald Coast and decided to radically change and develop the north of Sardinia. At that time, the Costa Smeralda was of no value, and he managed to buy the resort for only 25 thousand dollars.
Together with his financial partners and first-class architects, he created the Costa Smeralda Consortium project, thanks to which the resort turned into a “reservation for millionaires”. The project involved the construction of luxury villas and hotels, a network of entertainment venues, an airport and roads, yacht marinas and golf clubs, sports grounds and many other amenities for resort guests. At the same time, strict rules were established, according to which the natural landscapes of the area should not be damaged. The architects working on this project did an excellent job.
Initially, the resort was intended only for a select public. However, gradually not only financial magnates and movie stars began to visit Costa Smeralda, but also lesser-known personalities and even ordinary tourists. The first villas were put into operation already in 1963. The Caladi Volpe (“Fox Bay”) hotel, built in the style of an ancient Italian village designed by the architect Jacques Quelle, deserves special attention. This hotel became the second home for Prince Aga Khan IV during his stay on the island. Also, in 1977, episodes of the tenth James Bond film, entitled “The Spy Who Loved Me,” were filmed there. In 2001, the hotel underwent restoration and today all rooms have a traditional Mediterranean look. Not long ago, the Emir of Qatar bought the Costa Smeralda resort for 600 million euros. He plans to further develop the Emerald Coast of Sardinia and build luxury buildings.
Many consider the sea off the Costa Smeralda the most beautiful in the world. It’s not for nothing that these shores are called emerald. The sea water here is amazingly clean and clear, shimmering with turquoise. No less picturesque are the white sands of the coast, turning in places into stones and majestic cliffs. And the magnificent aroma of Mediterranean vegetation and the sea puts tourists in a romantic mood. The coast of Costa Smeralda is strewn with many small islands, capes and bays. In the depths of the island there are many villages where archaeological sites such as nuraghe and necropolises are stored. In search of an interesting excursion, tourists go to the La Maddalena archipelago, a large marine reserve located on more than 60 islands.
Flight time:
from Moscow - from 4 hours 25 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 4 hours
from Kazan - from 9 hours 55 minutes. (1-2 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 9 hours 20 minutes. (1-2 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 10 hours 50 minutes. (1-2 transfers)
Current time in Porto Cervo:
(UTC +1)
As already mentioned, the center of social life on the Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo. The infrastructure is well developed here, the best restaurants and boutiques of the island are collected. Other frequently visited and interesting areas of the resort include Porto Rotondo, Bahia Sardinia, Cannigione, La Conia, Poltu Quatu, L'Abbiadori.
Photos of Costa Smeralda
Beaches of Costa Smeralda
Undoubtedly, the main reason for visiting the Emerald Coast is the beaches of unprecedented beauty. One of the most beautiful and popular beaches is Spiaggia del Principe, translated as “Prince's Beach”. This place got its name in honor of Prince Aga Khan IV, who loved to visit here. The coastline is an arc of fine sand, bordered by cliffs and lush vegetation. The depth here is shallow; the bottom of this beach consists of sand and granite, due to which the sea water is especially transparent and has a beautiful iridescent hue.
Attractions
Things to do
Costa Smeralda is a real paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. For example, many tourists come here specifically to catch a wave or explore the underwater world of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Surfing is especially enjoyable on the Emerald Coast. Waves in this area can reach 5 meters in height. Diving is no less interesting, as the coastal caves at a depth of 40 meters contain unusually beautiful flora and fauna.
Lovers of boat trips will appreciate yachting in Costa Smeralda. Particularly popular is the yacht club in Porto Cervo, which was created in 1967 by the Prince Aga Khan Foundation. The abundance of sun and wide expanses of sea make this place perfect for racing and regattas. Every year in September a large-scale regatta is held here, attracting crowds of fans.
One of the favorite activities of visitors to the Emerald Coast is golf. It is here that the famous Pevero Golf Club is located - the brainchild of the American designer Robert Trent Johnson. The club is open to visitors all year round. This is a wonderful course with 18 holes between the bays of Capa di Volpe and Pevero, and the entire territory of the club is surrounded by luxurious bushes of juniper and myrtle. The club also has a gourmet restaurant, bar, swimming pool, comfortable locker rooms and a professional equipment store.
Shopping lovers will especially enjoy the pedestrian streets of Porto Cervo, where you can find luxury boutiques of almost all famous fashion houses. There are Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Tiffany&Co and many other elite boutiques here. Discotheques are no less attractive in this area. The most fashionable club on the coast, Billionaire, is located in Porto Cervo. Other popular clubs such as Turtle and Black Moon are located in Porto Rotondo. These clubs guarantee exciting parties, excellent entertainment, and the possibility of meeting a celebrity.
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How to get to the Costa Smeralda
The Costa Smeralda is 55 kilometers of Sardinian sandy coastline at the very north-eastern tip of the island. The famous resorts of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Bahia Sardinia and several other smaller ones are located here. The resorts of the Costa Smeralda are famous for their developed infrastructure and stunningly beautiful coastline, which translated into Russian sounds like “Emerald Coast”.
The easiest way to get to the Costa Smeralda resorts is from Olbia airport, the largest city in northern Sardinia. The distance from Olbia to the coast is approximately 30 km. There are several direct flights per week from Moscow to Olbia in the summer. The flight time is 4 hours 15 minutes, flights depart from Domodedovo Airport. You can also fly to Olbia with a transfer in European cities on any day of the week. Flight schedules can be viewed on aggregators Aviasales , Buruki and others.
Olbia – Costa Smeralda: how to get there
Public transport is not very well developed on the island, but if you are determined to get to the Costa Smeralda in the most budget way, then buses run between Olbia airport and the coastal resorts, although you will need a transfer. First you will need to get from the airport to Olbia itself, and from there, from the Olbia Stazione ARST stop, regular buses run directly to the resorts of the Costa Smeralda. Transportation is carried out by the company ARST , On the website of which you can check the current bus schedule (in Italian). Buses on the island do not run very often, so this is not the most convenient way to get around.
Most often, tourists flying to Olbia use taxis or individual transfers to get to the desired hotel on the Costa Smeralda. This is the fastest way to get there; travel time is about half an hour versus an hour and a half by bus. You can find a taxi upon arrival, or order a transfer (individual or group) in advance. Information on transfers can be found on booking platforms , and others similar.
Another convenient option for getting from Olbia airport to the Costa Smeralda is to rent a car upon arrival. In the future, a car will be useful not only to get to the desired hotel, but also to move around the island, because... Communication between settlements is poorly developed. In addition, a car is almost the only way to see all the beauties of the Costa Smeralda, because... hotels are often located a fair distance from the beaches. Read more about . Olbia Airport and the Costa Smeralda resorts are connected by highways No. SP73 and SP94. Approximate travel time is about half an hour.
specchio.nero/Costa Smeralda Hotels Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
You can stay on the Costa Smeralda at various resorts. The most popular are Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Bahia Sardinia, La Maddalena, where the resort atmosphere is most developed. However, if you want privacy and a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle, then smaller resorts on the coast are also suitable.
Popular accommodation options on the Costa Smeralda include hotels of all star categories, apartments, bed and breakfasts; there are also more exotic options - holiday homes, guest houses, villas, boats.
For example, the following hotels receive consistently high ratings and good reviews:
- GrandHotelPoltuQuatu 5* (Porto Cervo resort, has a swimming pool, spa area, restaurant, fitness center, bar, private beach area, meals - breakfast);
- HotelLeGenestre 4* (Porto Cervo resort, has a swimming pool, restaurant, garden, fitness center, bar, free parking, private beach area, meals - breakfast);
- BagaglinoIGiardinodiPortoCervo 4* (a complex of apartments in the resort of Porto Cervo, there is a restaurant, free parking, a private beach, a volleyball and football court, rental of surfing equipment, the rooms have their own kitchen, it is possible to order continental breakfasts).
The following hotels also received high marks:
- HotelCalaLunga 4* (La Maddalena resort, has a swimming pool, restaurant, relaxation terrace, free parking, 2 private beaches, meals - breakfast or half board, Wi-Fi is free);
- HotelPiccoloPevero 3* (Porto Cervo resort, the hotel is located near the Piccolo Pevero beach of the same name, has a terrace, garden, free parking and free Wi-Fi, meals - breakfast);
- HotelVillaGemella 3* (Bahia Sardinia resort, family-type hotel with a swimming pool, close to the beach, a bar, free parking, free Wi-Fi, meals - breakfast).
Francesca Cappa/Views of Sardinia Sights and beaches of Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda is a 55 km long coastline on the north-eastern tip of Sardinia. Several famous resorts are concentrated here, such as Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Bahia Sardinia and others. All of them have developed infrastructure, not only hotel, but also entertainment. If you wish, you can always do active sports here - diving, golf, horseback riding and hiking, or go on excursions to neighboring resorts or even islands. But the main component of a holiday in Sardinia, and on the Costa Smeralda in particular, are the amazing long beaches. The beaches here are white sand, mainly concentrated in bays and bays, of which there are many on the coast of Sardinia.
Beaches Piccolo Pevero And Grande Pevero is a coastline of pristine beauty, consisting of fine white sand, surrounded by stone boulders and Mediterranean vegetation. The water in the local bay is the purest, emerald color (it’s not for nothing that Costa Smeralda is translated as “Emerald Coast”). On the beaches you can often see snow-white yachts and boats floating in the distance. The beaches are located in the Gulf of Pevero of the same name, 3 km from the resort of Porto Cervo, and can only be reached by car.
fry_theonly/Capriccioli Beach 8 km from Porto Cervo there is also a beach of amazing beauty, which is called Capriccioli. Its distinctive feature is the presence of picturesque rocks that go straight into the sea, while the coast itself is shallow, with clear, clear water. At a distance, the beach is surrounded by pine and olive trees. From the shore there are views of the nearby islets of Camere and Soffi. You can get there by car along highway No. SP59.
Beach Calo di Volpe is located in a secluded bay, 7 km from Porto Cerve. The area is also dominated by white sand, framed by juniper bushes and other Mediterranean plants. There is a luxury hotel of the same name nearby Cala di Volpe 5* .
Other equally picturesque beaches of the Costa Smeralda include Cala Grana, Chelvia, Dolce Sposa, Piccolo Romazzino, Mortorio and others. All of them stretch along the coast from the resort of Porto Cervo to the resort of Porto Rotondo, i.e. you can reach them by following road No. SP94.
specchio.nero/Beaches of Costa Smeralda At the resorts of the Costa Smeralda you can find many other attractions, for example, ancient monuments or state-of-the-art water parks, not to mention such traditional Sardinian entertainment as golf courses, sailing, horseback riding, and water sports. For example, in the resort of Bahia Sardinia there is aquaparkAquadream, where you can find various slides and pools, incl. and extreme, children's corner, relaxation zone and much more. A standard entrance ticket costs 20 euros. The water park is open in the summer every day from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm (the 2018 season starts on June 17 and ends on September 10).
Porto Rotondo is worth going to if you want to explore historical monuments. Thus, there is an ancient amphitheater and several medieval churches. Porto Cervo is more suitable for shopping and partying; for this purpose, an entire pedestrian street, Piazzetta degli Archi, is open here. The old port of the resort is also picturesque. Many attractions can be found in Olbia itself, there are archaeological sites, St. Paul's Cathedral, a Romanesque church and much more.
Manuel Bierbauer/Costa Smeralda Costa Smeralda (lit. “Emerald Coast”) is a magical combination of sea, sun and good mood. The resort is located on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, between the bays of Arzachena and Cugnana. The water in them is truly emerald in color, and the labyrinths of granite rocks washed by sea waves add special beauty to the landscape.
Costa Smeralda has dream beaches, secluded coves, and clear seas. Low houses are scattered among granite rocks and buried in thickets of Mediterranean bushes. There are many villas, golf courses, tourist ports, perfectly integrated into the local landscape.
Coastline of Costa Smeralda. Aerial photography / Shutterstock.com
The excellent infrastructure is complemented by the ancient history of the island, and in the evening social life is in full swing in the fashionable clubs, restaurants and shops of Porto Cervo, the pearl of the Costa Smeralda. In the summer, the world's elite gather here, competing in the luxury of their snow-white yachts.
Bay in Porto Cervo
The local coast holds many treasures that await their discoverers. Driving south from Porto Cervo, you will find picturesque beaches here and there between the Gulf of Pevero and Cala di Volpe (lit. Fox Bay). Opposite Cape Capriccioli, two islets are visible in the sea, Mortorio and Soffi, which are part of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Another trendy place is Porto Rotondo, located at the entrance to the spacious Cugnana Bay. The picturesque town consists of villas and small squares with a variety of shops against a backdrop of magnificent nature.
Pevero Beach
Pevero beach, also called Piccolo Pevero, is located in the central part of the bay and is separated from the larger Grande Pevero beach. The beach is located in the village of the same name, which is part of the Arzachena commune.
The coastline of the coast is covered with fine-grained light sand, surrounded by thickets of fragrant Mediterranean bushes. The landscape is made even more colorful by the ridges of stone rocks and reefs protruding from the clear azure water, playing with amazing tints.
Piccolo Pevero beach © Visit Sardinia / Flickr.com
This small beach also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque Li Nibani Islands.
The coast is full of tourist resorts typical of the Emerald Coast.
How to get there
The beach can be reached from Porto Cervo by heading south on Highway 59 (Strada Provinciale 59) to Golfo del Pero. After parking your car in the parking lot, walk about thirty meters.
Grande Pevero beach
Grande Pevero beach © Acciaio / Flickr.com
Grande Pevero beach, located in the town of the same name, forms a real crescent of snow-white, tiny sand washed by the azure sea. In some parts of the coast, steep cliffs rise from the sand, and low thickets of Mediterranean maquis (mainly juniper) frame the beach. In the farthest part of the beach from the sea there is the Patima pond, behind which there are golf courses that attract numerous fans of this sport to this corner.
How to get there
The beach can be reached from Porto Cervo along the SP 59 highway.
Cala Sabina Bay
Beach in the bay of Cala Sabina © Foto sardinianbeaches.com
The picturesque seaside is covered with light, fine-grained sand of a grayish tint, alternating with pebbles and rocks protruding here and there. The beach is framed by dense thickets of dwarf juniper, in the cool shade of which you can hide on particularly hot summer days. The beach offers views of a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Complementing this breathtaking picture is the ubiquitous Mediterranean maquis, with its rich palette of yellows and pinks.
How to get there
The beach can be reached by sea or by train from Olbia to Golfo Aranci. The train stops at a small train station near the beach from June 14 to September 14. The beach can also be reached via a one-kilometre hiking trail that connects it to Highway 82 (Strada Provinciale 82).
Capriccioli Beach
Rock on Capriccioli beach
Capriccioli Beach, whose name means “little goats” in Galluran dialect, is located in the municipality of Arzachena. Its coastline is covered with fine-grained, light-colored sand with a grayish tint, alternating with jutting massive granite rocks. A small bay, divided into two parts by huge granite boulders, is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, full of cistus flowers, evergreen pines, mastic and olive trees. Opposite the bay is the island of Mortorio - a picturesque natural oasis with rich vegetation, in some places covered with rocks of extraordinary shape and beauty. The island can be reached from the bay by small pleasure boats.
This picturesque landscape is complemented by a panoramic view of the islands of Soffi (isola Soffi) and Camere (isola delle Camere).
This beach has a shallow sandy bottom, making it great for families with children.
How to get there
From Olbia, take SS 125 towards Palau. At the 7.2 kilometer mark, turn right onto Highway 73 (SP 73) towards the Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda). Continue for 7.6 kilometers until you reach the San Pantaleo junction, then turn right onto SP 94. After driving 8 kilometers, at the fork turn towards the bay of Cala Volpe and Capriccioli.
Rena Bianca beach
Rena Bianca beach (lit. “White sand”) is located in the town of Portisco and geographically belongs to Olbia. It is covered with light soft sand. The beach, near which there are several dunes, offers a beautiful landscape - the light sand contrasts effectively with the pink rocks, lush greenery surrounding the beach, and the turquoise transparent sea.
White sand beach
Cala Martinella is a small beach near Porto Rafael in Palau. Its turquoise sea contrasts with the vibrant green of the surrounding Mediterranean vegetation. The sand here is white and fine. The small bay is bordered by noble granite rocks.
How to get there
You can get here by taking Highway 33 bis, turning left before reaching Palau. The beach is close to the more famous Porto Rafael beach.
Bay of Saline
The beach is located in the village of Capo di Orso (lit. “Cape of the Bear”), which is part of the commune of Palau. The wide coastline is covered with medium-sized cream-colored sand, alternating in places with stones, and is framed by dense thickets of evergreen maquis, giving the landscape a typical Mediterranean flavor. On the northern side, the beach is protected by the Capo di Orso promontory, and on the other side, a passing road separates the coast from the pond of the same name.
Orso di Palau (lit. "Bear from Palau") © Paolo Gislimberti
The tip of the cape resembles a bear in outline. The natural sculpture was created due to wind erosion. The figure of the bear is quite realistic: it is overgrown with legends passed down from generation to generation, according to which the Laestrygonians lived here - the fierce shepherds whom Odysseus encountered at one stage of his wanderings.
“Italy in Russian” - the largest information portal about ItalyCosta Smeralda or the Emerald Coast is a tourist destination, one of the most famous in the world and, without a doubt, the most famous in all of Sardinia. The Emerald Coast stretches 80 km from Olbia to Palau on the northeast coast of the island. This place is so rich in stunningly beautiful places and breathtaking landscapes that it deserves a separate story.
Map of the Emerald Coast. Photo: quicostasmeralda.it
Arzachena
Arzachena is the main city of the coast, it is located about eight kilometers from the sea. Arzachena was built in the second half of the 18th century at the foot of a large hill. During the Roman Empire, this town was called Turibulum Maior (Big Mushroom). It was later given the name Santa Maria di Arzachena and relatively recently shortened to modern Arzachena. In the city center you can still see examples of Gallura architecture, which is distinguished by the simplicity of its designs, the use of uncovered granite and the presence of internal courtyards. Today just over 13 thousand people live here.
Top view of one of the streets of Arzachena. Photo flickriver.com
Once in Arzachena, you should definitely look at the famous “Mushroom Rock” (Roccia del fungo) - a large block of natural granite in the shape of a huge mushroom, located in the northeast of Arzachena, on top of the Monte Incappiddatu (Mountain in a Hat) hill. The ancient Roman name of the place comes from this natural monument.
Rock- mushroom. Photocomune- italia. it
The mountains, as a natural protection, attracted settlers to these places long before the Romans: traces of human habitation were found in these places in 3500 BC. up to the Nuragic period of Sardinia.
History of the development of the Emerald Coast
The mesmerizing beauty of the coast and the clear sea of the Emerald Coast amazed even Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, then a 22-year-old student at an American university. Together with his financier friends, in 1962, Karim Aga Khan organized the Costa Smeralda Consortium and decided to give these areas tourism development.
From then on, the Emerald Coast began to take on a new look. The first hotels began to be built, which became summer meeting places for representatives of high society and the powers that be, and the press gladly described the details of celebrities' vacations. The clear sea, beaches, cliffs, ancient trees and Mediterranean thickets around the bays with their wild beauty attracted an increasing number of tourists.
One of the hotels in Costa Smeralda. Photo: flicjriver.com
The hotels, villas, restaurants, night discos and port that appeared were intended primarily for a select public. Construction was carried out in such a way as not to harm the surrounding nature, but, on the contrary, to fit into it as organically as possible. Later, not only industrial and financial magnates, movie stars and famous politicians, but also less famous personalities and even “mere mortals” began to visit these places. Most recently, the Costa Smeralda Consortium was bought by the Emir of Qatar for 600 million euros.
Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo can be called the heart of the Emerald Coast and the center of social life of the entire coast. The local population here is less than 200 people, but the port structures, numerous platforms, staircase descents, and porticos create the atmosphere of a tourist place, equipped with absolutely all types of services, ready to satisfy any requests and whims of the discerning public. It is in Porto Cervo that the best shops and the most prestigious restaurants and bars on the coast are collected. In addition to the traditional houses, closely stuck to each other, the landscape of this area is complemented by luxurious villas, immersed in Mediterranean vegetation on the hillside.
Traditional houses of Porto Cervo. Photo flickriver.com
In the area of the Old Marina (Molo Vecchio), a wooden bridge connects the port area with a small square, the so-called “piazzetta”, which serves as a meeting place and is adjacent to streets with the most fashionable shops. From here, with the help of passages, passages, and stairs, you can get to almost any point in the village or go down to the lower platform, which goes straight to the sea.
To the north of the bay is Porto Cervo Marina, a new port structure where the most luxurious yachts of the Mediterranean moor and where the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club is located. The northern pier is designed for large-sized watercraft; there are 650 places for yachts and ships from 6.5 to 55 meters in length. This is one of the best-equipped ports in the Mediterranean, and it is from here that some of the most famous international regattas start.
Porto Cervo. Photo: villaggioebianca.it
One of the yachts at the Porto Cervo pier. Photo flickriver.com
On the opposite slope from Porto Cervo there is the Stella Maris Church - an original curved shape, the canopy at the entrance of which is supported by two granite blocks. From the platform in front of the church there is a beautiful view of the entire bay.
Church "Stella Maris". Photo flickriver.com
Poltu Quatu
On the north-eastern side of the Emerald Coast, just west of Porto Cervo, there is Poltu Quatu, which means “hidden port” - a strategically convenient place, firstly, because it is easily accessible from anywhere in the Mediterranean, and -secondly, from here you can go explore the neighboring La Maddalena archipelago. Poltu Quatu, built in 1987, is truly “hidden” on the shores of the narrow and long Gulf of Stintino del Orso.
Poltu-Kvatu. Photo yachtpass.net
Poltu-Kvatu is an exact replica of an ancient sea fortified city among granite rocks, built around a traditional circular square, with cramped streets and houses stuck to each other. The surrounding rocks are a frame for the sea - so transparent that at a depth of 20 meters you can count a grain of sand on the bottom. The same crystal clear water is in the fjord itself, where you can often spot fish or octopuses calmly moving along the seabed.
Baja Sardinia
The tourist village of Bahia Sardinia is located around a wide sea bay - one of the pearls of the Gallura coast. All the comfort conditions make this place one of the most attractive and lively. From the heights behind the resort, you can admire the impressive panorama of the Emerald Coast and the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, which are easily reached by boat. From the western viewing platforms you can see the islands of Corsica, Caprera, Santo Stefano, La Maddalena, Capo d'Orso and Arzachena Bay.
Bahia Sardinia. Photo flickriver.com
Once upon a time, only naval ships came here to replenish fresh water supplies to deliver it to the islands of La Maddalena. And today, these same emerald-colored waters reflect numerous villas, hotels, and tourist centers. In addition to the measured daytime resort life, social activity begins here in the late afternoon and continues until late at night.
The small fortress of Forte Cappellini (fortress-chapel) was built here by the Piedmontese in the 18th century, trying to fit it into the surrounding landscape and make it invisible among the surrounding rocks.
Forte Cappellini. Photobajahotels. it
The Bay of Three Mountains (Tre Monti), whose name comes from three granite massifs symmetrically adjacent to one another, provides excellent shelter for boats and swimmers. Nearby is the bay of Cala Bitta with a tourist complex and a small port.
Cannigione
The resort town of Cannigione is located on the shore of a long narrow bay in the Gulf of Arzachena. The town is divided into two parts: the old one, closed by the embankment and adjacent to the pier of the tourist port, and the new one, located on a hill and consisting of newly built residences. In the center of the town there are centers with everything necessary for seaside recreation and navigation.
On the western and eastern sides of the bay you can find a large number of beaches, which are easily reached in a few minutes. The most beautiful of them is Ulticeddu.
Beach at Cannigione. Photovacanze. it
From here you can go by boat to any of the places on the northern coast of Sardinia.
The eastern side of the bay consists of many small lakes favored by waterfowl.
La Conia
About two kilometers from Cannigione are the village and beach of La Conia. The settlement itself consists of groups of villas that blend seamlessly into the surrounding picturesque nature. La Conia is located on the shores of Arzachena Bay. Among the numerous beaches, Barca Bruchata, Mannena and Ulticeddu stand out in terms of beauty, which can be reached along paths. A few kilometers from here there is a whole group of ponds and lagoons formed by the confluence of two rivers - the Rio San Pietro and the Rio San Giovanni. Herons, plumes and other water birds live here.
L'Abbiadori
The settlement of Abbiadori was formed around an ancient farm and today has about 250 local residents. Located at an altitude of 116 meters above sea level, the village is only two kilometers from Porto Cervo and 14 km from the center of Arzachena. Not far from here are the beaches of Liscia Ruja, Spiaggia del Principe, Capricciòli, as well as one of the best golf courses in the world - Pevero Golf Club, which is included in the elite list of the Association of Professional Golfers.
Pevero Golf Club.Photoflickriver.com
Porto Rotondo
Although Porto Rotondo does not technically belong to the Emerald Coast, it is very close to it and is similar to other tourist destinations along the coast. Porto Rotondo (Round Port) belongs to the municipality of Olbia and is located a few kilometers from Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Arzachena. This tourist village is of great importance for Sardinian, Italian and international tourism. The entire tourist complex occupies 500 hectares of area and has a well-equipped port with 800 places for boats.
Porto Rotondo. Photo marinas.com
This resort was founded in 1964 by the Venetians Luigi and Nicolo Dona dalle Rose, which is clearly visible in the Venetian direction in the local architecture, and it is no coincidence that the central square is called “Piazza San Marco”. Soon villas and hotels grew around the original structure, which now accommodate more than 20,000 guests at a time during the summer season. During the rest of the year, no more than a thousand people permanently live in Porto Rotondo.
Among the most famous local beaches, it is worth highlighting the Ira beach, named after the Italian actress Ira von Furstenberg, the Sassi and Punta Volpe beaches.
The sea near the Ira beach. Photo flickriver.com
Like Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo is one of the most prestigious holiday destinations in all of Italy: it is not difficult to meet VIPs here, especially in a late-night restaurant in the summer season. In the area called Punta Lada on the shores of the Gulf of Golfo di Marinella lies Villa Certosa - the luxurious summer residence of Silvio Berlusconi.
Beaches of the Emerald Coast
Beach "Piccolo e grande Pevero» located three kilometers from Porto Cervo, it consists of fine white sand and is washed by emerald-colored waves. This beach has a flat seabed; the sea here gets deep very slowly, making it perfect for families with children. VIPs and paparazzi tend to get here. There is ample parking, a hotel, a restaurant, a bar, and many facilities for people with reduced mobility.
Bay "Cala Bitta» and the tourist village of the same name are located approximately two kilometers from Bahia Sardinia and 6 km from Porto Cervo. Cala Bitta has its own small tourist port. The sand here is coarse, and the sea water is just as emerald-transparent. The seabed here also gains depth very gradually. Services offered include parking, rental of beach umbrellas and sun loungers, rental of pedal boats and boats. This place is ideal for families with children, lovers of scuba diving, surfing and snorkeling.
Prince's Beach(Spiaggia del Principe) is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast. Its name is associated with Prince Aga Khan, who preferred this particular corner of the Sardinian coast. The beach is a large arc of fine sand, bounded by rocks and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. The color and special transparency of sea water are due primarily to the seabed of sand and granite. The beach is divided into two parts by a group of coastal rocks near the water. The bottom here is shallow, and there is parking near the beach.
Prince's Beach. Photo flickriver.com
Beach "Capriccioli» located 8 km from the bay “Cala di Volpe” (Fox Bay) in the village of the same name. The beach is easy to reach, has a large parking lot, and its beauty attracts foreign tourists, the first place among which is occupied by the Germans. This beach is perfectly protected from the wind, and the sea gets deep very slowly, which is especially appreciated by families with children. The beach is also suitable for people with disabilities. Beach umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented.
Sea by the beach "Capriccioli" Photosardegna. marenostrum. it
Beach "Liscia Ruja» is located on the southern border of a wide bay, not far from Arzachena. The second name of this beach is “Long Beach”, as it is the largest beach on the Emerald Coast and one of the most beautiful in all of Sardinia. The finest pinkish sand “embraces” a bay with clear water for 500 meters, and on the other hand, immediately behind the beach, dense thickets of Mediterranean vegetation begin. The sea is shallow and comfortable for swimming. The beach is equipped with parking, umbrella and boat rentals. On Ferragosto Day (August 15), a big celebration is traditionally held on this beach.
Local gastronomic specialties
Costa Smeralda is typical Galluran cuisine, simple and tasty. Among the traditional dishes of these places, it is worth mentioning the Guata soup, Li Pulilgioni (ravioli with ricotta and cheese), Li Furitti (handmade tagliatelle), Li Cusoni (specially shaped gnocchi). And besides, fish, lamb, kid, suckling pig, cooked on coals with aromatic wild herbs.
The sweets that deserve special attention are “Li Papassini”, “Li Kasgiatini” (filled with ricotta and cheese) and “Li Acciuleddi” - fried in oil and soaked in honey.
The delicious dishes are complemented by excellent local wines, such as sweet Muscat and the famous Vermentino.
Costa Smeralda: restaurant with sea views. Photo flickriver.com