The Costa Smeralda
The most fascinating destination in Sardinia
Costa Smeralda, the most fascinating and exclusive destination in Sardinia, is a part of the north-eastern coast of Sardinia from Capo Ferro to the Golfo di Cugnana, with plenty of beaches and romantic hidden coves. It is considered the most beautiful part of Sardinia, of the Mediterranean Sea and even of the whole world.
The colour of its sea is emerald green, as the precious stone, and you will find amazing coves such as Cala Granu and Cala Petra Ruia and also the most beautiful beaches of the world such as Capriccioli, Cala di Volpe, Piccolo- and Grande Pevero and Romazzino. The enchanting beach of Il “Principe” is located just in the heart of this coast, near the famous town of Porto Cervo.
It is not easy to think about how this land used to look before the sixties of the last century: it was a wild deserted land, mostly countryside and uninhabited. Today it represents, thanks to the investments made by prince Aga Khan and the setting up of the Consorzio Costa Smeralda, one of the most popular places for the international jet set.
This area still dictates fashion and trends and represents at the same time the holiday destination for excellence, full of magic and of unique places.
Despite the construction and its sudden population, the Costa Smeralda has maintained the distinction of original and evocative area: the landscape, marked by smooth granite rocks sculpted by time and the emerald sea.
Also famous for its nightlife and gossip, the Costa Smeralda hosts one of the most famous clubs in the world, frequented by celebrities and wealthy entrepreneurs from all sides: The Billionaire, which is a sumptuous club where everything is full of unbridled luxury; the Ritual, a discotheque carved inside a rock, according to a plan of an eclectic architect.
If Porto Cervo is the most important point in Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo, just a few kilometres away from Olbia, with its squares and prestigious shops is the perfect place for people who love shopping.
The best villas to explore the area of Costa Smeralda are:
- Villa Naytiri;
- Villa Esmar.
The Costa Smeralda is absolutely a place to visit during your vacation in Sardinia. See to believe!
Villas for wedding in Sardinia
If you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a luxury reception in a unique venue, a wedding in villa in Sardinia will add a magical scenery to your wedding.
Our locations are all very charming, whether you choose our villas close to the sea (La Bitta) or our villas with amazing sea view (Sogno Indaco), surrounded by olive grove and Mediterranean bush. The sea with its emerald green nuances and its white sandy coves will make your special day unforgettable creating a dreamlike atmosphere!
We can assist you in choosing the right location for your wedding, with lots of flowers and scents, and typical food and wines, to create a unique moment of joy. We can also suggest some photographers that can help you take back home some great memories.
In Sardinia there is an ancient tradition of backing wedding bread and sweets, strictly home made and richly decorated with birds, flowers and leaves patterns: all symbols vowing a long, healthy and happy life. Decorating your wedding banquet will surely improve the atmosphere at your ceremony.
Inviting guests for a wedding in villa in Sardinia means in fact to present a vacation to your loved ones. We also can help you arrange lots of activities. Here are some ideas:
- wine and food tasting with a private sommelier to add to Sardinian sunset with your friends that cozy atmosphere to make it unforgettable;
- massage sessions by the pool with certified masseuse to relax all together;
- special excursions on private boat to the marine park of the Arcipelago de La Maddalena. You can choose between sailing- or motor boat. The tour will make you appreciate one of the most wonderful sea parks in the world, with lots of stops for swimming in stunning coves and a Sardinian meal on board;
- horse riding excursions by the sea during sunset; experience wild Sardinia on the horse back, like the ancients used to ride.
Here is our suggestion of villas for wedding in Sardinia:
- Villa few steps from the beach and private pool
- Villa with wonderful garden and pool
- Villa with wonderful view and privacy
Happy wedding wishes!
Boat trips in the North of Sardinia
Boat trips in the North of Sardinia are highly recommended, due to the presence of many little islands and an outstanding sea. Therefore, we would like to suggest you a few itineraries.
A boat trip within the Arcipelago de La Maddalena is a must for your holiday in Sardinia. You may start your tour from different places, like Palau or Santa Teresa di Gallura. The boats stop many times during the trip, in which you can dive directly into the water of the Archipelago or take a breath in some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches. Therefore, you can visit a few different places in a day trip, while your children have fun watching the fish that swim all around them. In most of the boats the lunch is served, but there is also the possibility to take something from home, if you wish. The water of the Archipelago is crystal clear with some peculiar shades of green and blue.
The Asinara Island is situated off the coast of Stintino, and has got the status of national park.
There are many tours of different length that enable you to visit the sea and the underwater world. Most of them start directly from Stintino, and touch all the most famous beaches, but also the hinterland. There you may find the famous white donkey, from which the island takes its name. This day trip is especially suitable for children.
Other boat trips could be organized starting from Cala Gonone, in order to visit the Bue Marino’s Cave. Moreover, it is often possible to join a combined tour, with a visit to the cave and a long break at the famous Cala Luna beach, to refresh yourself in its crystal clear waters. There you may also have an ice cream or a fresh juice, going to the restaurant behind the beach. From Cala Gonone it is also possible to visit other unique beaches, hardly reachable by foot, such as the paradise beaches Cala Goloritzè and Cala Mariolu.
For all the lovers of water mammals, we recommend a boat trip where they can observe the dolphins from Alghero or Golfo Aranci. Here, different tours are offered, even with biologists on board, who describe all the most important features of these water animals.
Here are some villas with private pool, that we recommend to discover our sea by boat:
- Villa Brandinchi;
- Villa Zaffran;
- Rifugio degli Architetti.
Enjoy our sea and... ship ahoy!
Traditional festivities in Sardinia
Not only spectacular beaches and wonderful nature, there are also many traditional festivities in Sardinia, and we will tell you some interesting details about some of them.
We recommend you to visit one of these unique events during your holiday.
Il Carnevale (Carnival) is a festivity which is known all over the world and in Sardinia this tradition is very popular. The carnival of Tempio-Pausania is one of the most popular in Sardinia. Different villages in Sardinia take part in this parade and you can see many traditional costumes and all the cars are decorated with care and love.
An old tradition of the carnival is to "sacrifice" the king Giorgio at the end of the carnival to propitiate a fertile ground and a good crop. Also one of the most famous costumes is the costume of the “mamuthones”, from a town named Mamoiada, with his bells which are always part of the carnival at Tempio-Pausania.
La Sartigila from Oristano is an old knight tourney which takes always place the last Sunday and Thuesday of the carnival. It has been celebrated since 1546. The knights in wonderful colorful costumes on their horses try to catch stars with their lance in full gallop. According to tradition, the more stars they catch, the better will be the crop of the year. After the tourney other horsemen in costumes show the public some spectacular stunts on horses, also done in groups riding very close to each other.
Pasqua (easter) in Alghero is also a very well known and important festivity. The religious parades take place almost every day during easter week and on Easter Sunday there is the most important parade. The whole city takes part of this very old tradition and of course in the evenings you find many people celebrating outside. They decorate the old city in a particular way with red lamps and we recommend you to participate at least once in this old ritual.
The cavalcata sarda is a wonderful event in Sassari that takes place at the end of May. The parade counts around 75 / 80 folk-groups who display the typical traditional costume of their Sardinian village. They bring also traditional food, like bread or sweets and offer them to the public. The participants wear also traditional handmade jewelles which often are more than 100 years old. Furthermore, at the end of the parade there are over 20 groups of horse-riders, all in traditional costumes, over 100 horses take part in the parade. In the evening in the center of Sassari there is a stage where it is possible to enjoy traditional Sardinian folk music and dances. Don’t miss it!
Le cantine aperte is an old traditional celebration of the new wines. Every village celebrates this festivity in a unique way, from August till December you can find such events all over the island. Usually, you should buy a wine of glass and then you can start your tour exploring the village and its new wines. In every wine cellar you can try the wines with your glass. Normally, traditional food and local specialties are offered in the wine cellars. In the streets you can hear local melodies and also see traditional dances. Moreover, in some of the wine cellars local choruses will sing for the public during the visits.
Don’t miss these unique Sardinian events while you are staying in one of our villas! Great ideas for a villa are:
- Villa White Elegance, with private pool in Capo Coda Cavallo;
- Villa Belle, with private pool in Portobello di Gallura.
- Il Rifugio del Bandito, holiday house in Stintino.
The most beautiful dog beaches in the north of Sardinia
It is important to know that generally the access to dogs to beaches in Sardinia is not allowed from 1. May to 31. October during the year. Dogs are allowed only during the winter or during a definite period, except from the dog friendly beaches, obviously. To allow our four-legged friends the access to the beach you should fulfill some conditions: the dog should have a chip and a valid dog passport and, of course, all mandatory vaccinations.
The beaches for dogs in Sardinia usually offer drinking water, games and a veterinary emergency service. It is important to be aware that pregnant dogs and aggressive dogs do not have access to the beaches. Only a definite number of dogs and holders are allowed which however varies depending on the beach size.
Here is a selection of the most beautiful dog friendly beaches in the northern part of Sardinia:
On the Costa Smeralda you will find the beach Poltu Liccia, which has been specially designed for your four-legged friends.
The beach Ira Beach Privé, located in the beautiful territory of Porto Rotondo is advised because of its white sand and crystal clear water.
In Palau we recommend the beach of Punta Nera and, if you have enough time, it is worth taking a trip to the island of Caprera to visit the beach of Porto Palma.
For all guests who are close to Badesi, there is the beautiful beach Baia delle Mimose, where you can spend a day at the beach with your four-legged friends.
To explore all these beaches for dogs with your faithful friend, we advice you to book a pet-friendly villa for rent in the north of Sardinia.
Our suggestion:
- Villa Incanto di Gallura, with private pool in Santa Teresa di Gallura;
- Villa Kalli Bloom, with private pool close to Golfo Aranci;
- La Dimora del Falco, with private pool in Costa Paradiso.
The most beautiful dog beaches in the north of Sardinia : Read More
10 spots to visit in Sardinia
10 unmissable places in Sardinia
We recommend you the following 10 spots to visit in Sardinia during your holidays. Explore the most beautiful places of this unique island!
Arcipelago de La Maddalena: this is a “must to see” place in Sardinia, thanks to its crystal clear water with all the degrees of blue colour and wonderful nature.
Alghero: this fascinating Catalan town hosts in its territory the prehistoric Neptune's Grotto, Porto Conte natural reserve, Capo Caccia promontory and plenty of typical restaurants.
Stintino: this town is located on the northern part of Sardinia in front of the Asinara Island and has the most famous beach of Sardinia, called La Pelosa which is just breathtaking!
Castelsardo: this characteristic Medieval town was originally a village of fishermen. It is located on a hill and has a wonderful castle on top of it.
Capo Testa: a suggestive promontory which seems to be a “mountain on the water” which offers unique landscapes and beaches such as Cala Spinosa, Rena di Levante, Rena di Ponente and Baia Santa Reparata.
Palau: it is a nice town by the sea with beautiful beaches and the famous “Roccia dell'Orso” (bear’s rock), shaped during the years by the wind and weather.
Isola dei Gabbiani: a small island which is connected to the mainland with a 50 meters long stretch of sand. It is a very windy place and that is the reason why it is a point of interest for kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over the world.
San Pantaleo: is a town in “Gallura”, located in the interior part of Costa Smeralda. It is very rich of tradition and is built in typical Sardinian style, with granitic stone a sight. A place where you are surrounded by nature and beautiful mountain landscapes but in the beautiful Costa Smeralda at the same time.
Cala Mariolu: located in the Gulf of Orosei. Unspoiled place, very difficult to reach on foot. Peculiar are the small white stones which compose this beautiful beach. Once you reach the bay, you will see a breathtaking view!
Cala Goloritzé: for bravest excursionists. It takes about 1 hour of walk to reach it, but when you arrive there you will be deeply impressed by the unspoiled nature and dramatic view, it is a unique experience!
The best way to visit these beautiful places is to rent an independent villa in Sardinia and on the northern coast, there are different types of villas you can rent. This kind of accommodation offers the possibility to take your time and enjoy the beauties of this fascinating Island.
Take a look at these villas in particular:
Villa Domus Ardea - can accommodate up to 12 people, in San Teodoro, the ideal base for visiting the entire northeast of Sardinia.
The property has a private pool and panoramic view;
Villa La Bitta - can accommodate up to 14 people, in Badesi, a great location to explore Castelsardo and its surroundings
The villa has a private pool and sea view;
Caves to visit in Sardinia
Sardinian caves
On this page we present the best caves to visit in Sardinia, ranging from north to south of the island, which are very valid and interesting alternatives to the beach.
Notoriously, the most famous marine caves in Sardinia are two: The Grotta del Bue Marino and La Grotta di Nettuno: both set in two marine contests of poignant beauty and great suggestion ... but there are many others.
Keep in mind the following spots when you come to visit Sardinia, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, especially out of season.
Islands of Sardinia: the ultimate guide
Sardinia’s smaller islands
In this article we will talk about the main minor islands of Sardinia, highlighting the peculiarities that make them unique and spectacular. For convenience we divide the islands into two categories: The southern islands, ideally located south of Oristano, and the northern islands, located north of this imaginary line.
Where to go to the beach in Sardinia?
Sardinian beaches
If we would ask you to close your eyes and imagine Sardinia, pretty sure the vast majority of you would see an iconic white beach, washed by a crystalline sea, with incredible transparencies and a thousand shades of blue.
Which destination best represents your idea of Sardinia? If you had to advise someone where to go to the beach in Sardinia, which location would you suggest?
We at Sardinia Unlimited did 30 seconds of brainstorming.
From north to south, in a quick review of the most beautiful beaches of the Sardinian coasts, we have listed: il Poetto, Cala Coticcio, Cala Luna, Porto Giunco, Tuerredda, Is Arutas, Le Bombarde, Capriccioli, Dune di Piscinas, Cala Sinzias, Porto Pino, Spiaggia del Principe, Cala Brandinchi, Bosa Marina, Isola dei Gabbiani, Spiaggia del Pevero, Spiaggia Rosa di Budelli, La Pelosa, Cala Mariolu, Platamona, Le Vasche, Rena Bianca, Spiaggia del Dottore, Cannesisa, La Celvia… to name just a few of the spots that still echo in the room, which we have visited in recent years.
But let's try to do some order.
The best thing, in our opinion, given the vastness of the island, is to divide it into four coastal areas. For each of them we will recommend at least one beach, among the less frequented, but still noteworthy... and not only.
We therefore divide Sardinia into four sectors. So that, depending on where you will spend your holidays, you can easily reach the suggested locations:
• North coast of Sardinia. Clockwise: from Alghero to San Teodoro;
• East coast of Sardinia. Clockwise: from the Island of San Pietro to Alghero;
• South coast of Sardinia. Counterclockwise: from the Island of San Pietro to Costa Rei;
• West coast of Sardinia. Counterclockwise: from Costa Rei to San Teodoro.
Catamaran Holiday in Sardinia
Catamaran Holiday. Here are our tips!
Why choose a catamaran for your next sea holiday? If the idea of waking up to the sounds of the sea lapping against the sides of the boat isn’t enough to convince you, there are some practical reasons to choose this type of sailing holiday. This type of boat has two hulls (compared to one hull of the traditional monohull sailboat), which makes it more spacious and comfortable for a longer holiday.
The stability offered by a catamaran makes it ideal for families with younger children or older members, or anyone looking for the most relaxing way to spend time on the water under sail. More living space below deck in the cabins, private bathrooms, galley and salon area allow for more privacy and personal space, something that can’t be said about the average monohull.
Storage space also gives you the option of bringing other gear on board to use during your holiday at sea - activities like exploring the coast on a SUP, scuba-diving to discover the incredible underwater world and kitesurfing on a breezy afternoon are excellent ways to get exercise while on board. Masks, snorkels and fins are always a must! All of this adrenaline-inducing activity will give you an appetite for an aperitif with delicious local Sardinian wine and cuisine.
Up on deck, at the bow, the two hulls are often connected by a hammock or trampoline which is possibly the best place in the world to spend a summer afternoon sunbathing with a good book.
Ample deck space also lends itself nicely to sunrise or sunset yoga sessions.