Discover Sardinia’s Beautiful Costa Smeralda

Rising majestically from the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Italy’s second-largest island captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains that stand dramatically from the interior to long white sand beaches that stretch for miles along its coastline.

One fabled stretch of shoreline lies on the north-eastern tip of Sardinia – the Costa Smeralda or more familiarly the Emerald Coast in English. Here, crystal-clear emerald-green waters lap pristine sandy beaches framed by pink granite rock formations.

This glamorous destination is a magnet for the rich and famous. Marinas glitter with superyachts, exclusive resorts nestle into the hillsides, and streets are lined with designer boutiques.

Yet despite its reputation for opulence, Costa Smeralda still reflects Sardinia’s natural splendour and rich history. This is also a place of quiet coves, granite peaks, Bronze Age ruins and fishing villages that still feel rooted in tradition. It’s also home to some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches.

Can’t wait? Discover our Sardinia’s Emerald Coast holiday.

The Allure of Costa Smeralda

Picture yourself on the Costa Smeralda, where a gorgeous coastline unfolds before you, dotted with charming bays and dramatic headlands. The air is fragrant with the scent of wild juniper, rosemary, and myrtle. The natural beauty here is breathtaking, with views that have attracted visitors to these shores for generations.

While various cultures have left their mark on this region over time, the Costa Smeralda as we know it today is relatively new. It wasn’t until the 1960s that this area was transformed from a quiet, rural landscape into an exclusive destination. The visionary behind this change was Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who carefully developed Porto Cervo as a discreet upscale retreat while leaving the raw beauty of the coastline largely unspoilt.

Costa Smeralda Beaches

The Costa Smeralda’s real stars are its stunning beaches.

Spiaggia del Principe, said to be the Aga Khan’s favourite, curves around a bay where turquoise waters gently wash granite rock coves and a soft sandy beach.

Capriccioli, split into four small coves, charms with its sheltered, calm shallows. If you’re looking for incredibly clear water, head to Romazzino beach. For those who enjoy beach walks, Liscia Ruja offers the longest stretch of sand in the area. And when you want a peaceful spot to relax, Cala di Volpe Beach provides a quiet retreat with its gentle sandy slopes.

Each bay has a unique character, but they all share amazingly clear water, beautiful pale sand and a wonderful feeling of natural, undeveloped space. No wonder these beaches are considered some of the best not just in Sardinia but all of Europe.

Looking for an alternative to Sardina? Discover Sicily – Italy’s other evocative island – with our guide to Sicily, or explore our Sicily tours with our Best of Sicily holiday.

Chic Towns and Glamorous Harbours

You’ll fall in love with Porto Cervo, the main town on the Costa Smeralda.

You can wander through streets paved with cobblestones, browse in sophisticated boutiques, and sip an espresso at a charming café. Walk along the marina for a chance to spot a celebrity or two aboard the many luxury yachts moored here.

Don’t miss the peaceful Stella Maris church, which offers beautiful views and a cool, white interior that provides a quiet break from the bustle of town.

If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, head to Baja Sardinia nearby. Its lovely beach and waterfront bars are perfect spots for catching the sunset.

Venture inland to San Pantaleo for a taste of local life. This mountain village has a lively Thursday market selling ceramics, soft linens and jewellery made by local artisans. In Olbia, you can trace Roman paths through ancient ruins before strolling through modern boulevards.

Travelsphere tours also include Alghero on Sardinia’s north-west coast, where you can explore medieval walls and distinctive Catalan architecture – another layer of the island’s rich history.

When night falls, the Costa Smeralda comes alive with plenty of places to enjoy yourself. You can find everything from upscale cocktail bars to fun beach clubs where you can dance the night away. Whether you want a quiet evening drink or a night of dancing, there’s something for everyone.

Want to go further? Explore everything Italy offers on our Grand Tour of Italy – an incredible 15-day voyage from Venice in the north to Carania in Sicily’s south.

Outdoor Activities on the Costa Smeralda

Beyond the beautiful beaches and towns, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Walking trails lead along the coast and up into the hills, with the Monte Moro offering sweeping views towards Corsica.

The clear waters make this area perfect for snorkelling, especially around Capriccioli and Romazzino beaches. You can float above shallow bays and discover underwater meadows of seagrass teeming with fish. If you’d like to venture further along the coastline, you might try kayaking or pedal boating.

One of the best things to do is take a boat trip to the La Maddalena islands. This group of small offshore islands has some of the clearest, most beautiful blue water you’ll find anywhere in the Mediterranean. It’s definitely worth setting aside a day to explore these stunning spots.

Ancient Heritage

Long before tourists discovered Sardinia, it was home to the Bronze Age Nuragic people, who built stone towers and villages across the island. Many of these old ruins are still standing today, and several are just a short drive from the Costa Smeralda.

In nearby Arzachena, you can wander among the ruins of the village of La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Tomb of Coddu Vecchiu, where weathered stones still stand. These sites offer a window into an island culture that flourished long before Roman times.

You can also see Nuraghe Albucciu, an interesting stone tower built from local granite, along with two similar structures partially tucked under rock outcroppings. Another notable site is the Tomb of the Giants of Li Lolghi, a large stone monument that shows how these early islanders honoured their dead.

As you travel around the Costa Smeralda, you’ll notice small countryside churches and might catch local festivals that bring village squares to life with music, food, and celebration. These traditions are still an important part of daily life for the people who call this beautiful place home.

Sample Sardinian Wine and Cuisine

You’re in for a culinary treat on the Costa Smeralda with dishes that reflect land and sea.

Seafood is a big part of the menu – try the grilled fresh fish, pasta with clams, or pasta topped with bottarga (dried fish roe, a local speciality). Culurgiones are a traditional Sardinian pasta dish stuffed with potato, pecorino cheese, and mint.

When you head inland, you’ll find delicious roasted meats, especially porceddu – tender roasted young pig, a famous Sardinian dish. Don’t miss the sharp, tangy pecorino cheese that pairs perfectly with local honey.

With almost every meal, you’ll be served Pane carasau, the island’s delicate flatbread. Save room for dessert, too. Seadas – crispy pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey – are a perfect sweet ending to your meal.

The local wines are delicious too. Vermentino di Gallura is the most famous, a refreshing white wine with a clean, mineral taste that comes from vineyards with ocean views. It pairs perfectly with the local seafood dishes.

Shopping in the Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda offers great shopping options for everyone.

Whether looking for handmade crafts or designer buys, you’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to artisanal treasures here.

In Porto Cervo’s marina district, you can shop the latest collections from both Italian and international high-end designers as well as local boutiques selling unique textiles, jewellery and accessories.

For a more authentic shopping experience, don’t miss the lively market in San Pantaleo every Thursday. Also worth visiting are the workshops around Arzachena, where you can watch local craftspeople make traditional Sardinian items from materials like cork, clay, and silver.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The weather on the Costa Smeralda is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and hot summers. The area is busiest during the summer months when most tourists arrive.

If you wish to avoid the crowds, visit in May, June, September, or October. During these months, you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming.

We time our tours carefully to take advantage of these seasons so you can enjoy the coast at its very best.

Italy on your mind? Read our guide to the best time to visit Italy.

Discover Costa Smeralda with Travelsphere

Discover the allure of the Costa Smeralda yourself with Travelsphere’s 8-day Emerald Coast tour.

Along with expert-led tours of the must-see sights and optional excursions, the itinerary includes three full days at leisure, allowing you to explore this paradise for yourself.