Discover Italy: Great Travel Tips, Scenic Drives - Art Cities - Food & Wine

Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast) in Sardinia Island, is one of the most beautiful and famous coasts in the world. The emerald-green water of the sea (hence the name), the white-sand beaches nestled in countless bays, the unusual shape of the granite rocks and the craggy mountain ranges covered by centuries-old trees, are all natural features that make Costa Smeralda a charming and unique holiday destination.

Here, you will find elegant resorts and luxury hotels overlooking the beautiful sandy beaches and the crystal-clear sea. In the small marinas or on the sea near the coast you can admire wonderful luxury yachts idling that belong to the many international millionaires and famous movie stars who spend here their holidays.

In fact, this coastline, located north-east of Sardinia, is known as an exclusive summer holiday resort of the international jet set since Mr. Aga Khan discovered this wild land in the Sixties. However, the guidelines set up by a consortium ensure that the luxury hotels, the marinas, and the carefully-guarded private villas are not so prevalent to dominate the landscape, but rather adapt to their environment. As a result, almost all the houses along Costa Smeralda were built using its own local materials, such as rocks and granite.

The beautiful and picturesque villages of Porto Rotondo (pic n°3) and Porto Cervo (pic n°4) are the two cores of the social life in Costa Smeralda, with all their luxury villas, harbors, restaurants, cafes, elegant shopping centers, nightclubs and fashionable hangouts.

Near these two towns you will find the wonderful bays of "Baia Sardinia" (pic n°5) and "Liscia di Vacca" (pic n°6) you really should not miss!

Olbia is the main town of the area equipped with an airport, a large port, and all the facilities you may need. The hinterland in the background of Costa Smeralda is rich in archeological sites recalling the civilization of the past. Some examples are the sites of Coddu Ecchiu and Nuraghe.
More about Nuraghe

In Costa Smeralda, you will be certainly able to spend an unforgettable holiday enjoying secluded beaches with white sand and surrounded by granite rocks and green, shady woods, while bathing in transparent waters. You can even explore the area and find some wonderful cozy spots and beaches, such as Piccolo Pevero Beach, Cala di Volpe and Punta Capriccioli.

And, if you are lucky enough it may happen you will notice the person at the table next to yours drinking a nice cocktail in some elegant cafè... is your favorite movie star!