About Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda, as the name implies, is a coastal area about 20 kilometres long. Located in northern Sardinia, holidays here are depicted in travel and lifestyle magazines as the last word in luxury – complete with white sand beaches, golf clubs, private jet and helicopter services, and exclusive hotels. Regular clientele include celebrities, business leaders and high-profile European politicians. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, untouched nature reserves and luxurious accommodations, Costa Smeralda is definitely a high-end resort, with facilities including designer boutiques, high-end spas, golf clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Porto Cervo
Built in the 60s as a retreat for the rich and famous, Porto Cervo, the premier town of Costa Smeralda, can be rather expensive, but it’s the best place to enjoy the ambience of this jewel of Sardinia. Holidays spent here may set you back quite a bit, but if you’re looking for coolness, glamour and luxury, it’s well worth it.
The spectacular Cala de Volpe Hotel is one of the best places to stay if you’re looking for the full on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” experience and you’re willing to pay the price – especially during peak season. But there are plenty of other, less pricey, alternatives.
Where to Go
The Porto Cervo marina is a great place to start your exploration of the sights. You’ll have to do a lot of walking, as public transport is almost non-existent, though a few taxis can be had – at a price. Other sightseeing points of interest are Abbiadori, a café high above the water at Cala di Volpe, or the open-air Nikki Beach, where everyone goes to see and be seen. Souvenir shopping can be quite expensive in this area, but there are plenty of affordable gifts like fabrics, crafts and food that can be found away from the centre of expensive Porto Cervo.
Arzachena’s Costa Smeralda Archaeological Park is one of the largest and most significant parks in Sardinia. Holidays to the island are not complete without enjoying some art, history and culture, and this region will afford you all three. Costa Smeralda Archaeological Park exhibits includes eight monuments of pre-historic age, covering almost 5000 years of history, starting from the middle Neolithic Age to the Bronze Age. You should also seek out the Albucciu Nuraghe, the Giants’ tombs and the many temples.