Villas in Costa Smeralda for rent

With a history that goes on for more than sixty years, the Costa Smeralda keeps fascinating thousands of tourists from all over the world who choose the northeast of the island to live the dream. Irregularly shaped architecture, pastel-coloured beaches and the scent of flowering junipers: these are the ingredients that have made this part of the Sardinian coast the ideal place to spend a holiday or even to invest in luxury real estate.

In this article, we share with you all the secrets of the Costa Smeralda, from its foundation to the main attractions, including the best villas where you can stay and experience a real fairytale.

It is 1958 and John Duncan Miller, a wealthy English banker, on board his yacht reaches the natural harbour of Cala di Volpe, remaining fascinated by that wild corner of Mediterranean maquis. Back in London, Miller already had a clear vision: to find a group of partners ready to invest in the creation of a private elite holiday destination. Among them, however, there is one character in particular whose enthusiasm will forever be linked to the birth of such an icon: the Ishmaelite prince Karim Aga Khan. It was at his behest that, in 1962, the Consorzio Costa Smeralda was officially established.

The main purpose of the Consorzio was the control and approval of all construction projects for the development of a new tourist destination, to be located between the territories of Porto Cervo, Liscia di Vacca, Capriccioli and Romazzino. But the absolutely innovative aspect for that era was the strict respect for the environment and the natural landscape that every new construction had to comply with. Thus were born the first hotels, golf courses, the striking Stella Maris Church and, above all, the first luxury villas, built according to local materials and design.

From then on, the Costa Smeralda became a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, growing both in terms of territory and services, but without damaging the surrounding local ecosystem. Even today, environmental sustainability is one of the main objectives of the Consorzio.

Beyond the architecture and boutiques, it is no surprising that this corner of Sardinia has topped the list of the world's most desirable tourist destinations. Indeed, its main feature is the beauty of the natural and architectural attractions that form part of Gallura's cultural heritage.

One of the must-see beaches is Spiaggia del Principe (Prince’s beach), so named because it immediately became the favourite of the Ishmaelite prince. A cove surrounded by wind-smoothed granite rocks that protect and watch over the crystal-clear turquoise sea. Not far away, we find the Cala Granu beach, a small bay of fine sand with waters that encompass all shades of blue.

Another natural wonder is Marinella beach, near Porto Rotondo. A spacious and well-equipped beach of soft, white sand. The shallow sea takes on an intense emerald green colour as you move further away from the shore.

For an evening walk, perhaps after a day at the beach, this area includes some of the spots that are synonymous with elegance and glamour. For example, Poltu Quatu, a small village of white houses and villas set on rocky cliffs and around a romantic little harbour. Or San Pantaleo, a traditional Gallurese village full of local craft shops, picturesque alleyways and a panoramic view of the impressive granite rocks. A must for all visitors is the traditional Thursday market, attracting thousands of tourists in search of the perfect souvenir, from handicrafts to gastronomic products.

It is difficult to quantify the number of villas for rent spread all over Costa Smeralda, considering the exclusivity of the properties themselves and the continuous increase of properties under construction. Stazzo gallurese or villa with pool? Villa near the beach or in the middle of nature? The uniqueness of the Costa Smeralda is precisely its variety in offering real estate solutions for all tastes.

To help you plan your next stay in Porto Cervo and its surroundings, we have made a list of the most beautiful Costa Smeralda villas for rent, which can be easily booked online on our website:

• Villa Cercueil: located just a few minute's drive from the Gulf of Pevero, this prestigious villa has a private pool set amidst walls of Sardinian granite. The property is spread over two levels: on the ground floor, there is a modern, fully equipped kitchen and a bright living room with a dining area. The master bedroom overlooks the pool and features an en-suite bathroom. A further two bedrooms and three bathrooms complete the property, all decorated according to the Smeralda style.
• Villa Antares: a detached villa set in the nature of the charming village of San Pantaleo. The property is perfect for accommodating up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms and is refined in the traditional Gallurese style, from the exposed beams to the furniture. Its distinctive touch is the outdoor veranda that surrounds it and sets it in a context of absolute privacy and tranquillity.
• Villa Naityri: a villa that is just a few meters from the sea and is the ideal solution for those looking for a holiday of relaxation and privacy, immersed in a unique and enchanting setting with a wonderful panoramic view. 
• Villa Jaqueline: a wonderful villa with a view over Cala di Volpe, one of the very first locations of the Costa Smeralda. Inside, the villa has five bedrooms, 4 with double beds and one with twin beds. Moreover, it includes a large living room with a television and a kitchen for every need. Outside, there is an explosion of colors: from the bright green of the lawn to the blue of the sea, as well as the bright pink of the bougainvillea. 

Now that you know all the secrets of the Costa Smeralda, to fully experience it, all you have to do is contact us (we are also available via Whatsapp or e-mail) and get a quote for a dreamy villa rental in Sardinia.

Or are you the owner of a villa in Costa Smeralda? Sardinia Unlimited is a real estate agency that has specialized in the property management of medium-high-standing estates for more than ten years. For a flexible management plan, you can contact our professionals by phone or e-mail.

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