TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Porto Cervo

The beating heart of the Costa Smeralda, this village serves as a high-design retreat for the global elite. Built from almost nothing in the early 1960s, its terracotta-hued architecture features soft Mediterranean lines in warm stone and stucco, designed to grow seamlessly from the rock itself. Its iconic Marina, active Piazzetta, and the curving Promenade du Port attract a constellation of prestigious boutiques, galleries, and lounges that rival any capital. 

La Maddalena Archipelago

A protected national park consisting of a cluster of sixty islands and islets rising from a seabed of blindingly white sand and turquoise shallows. This pristine marine sanctuary yields a rare escape into raw coastal purity, where hidden coves like Cala Coticcio are framed by wind-sculpted granite. It remains a world of absolute serenity, best accessed via private vessel far from the mainland.

San Pantaleo

Located twenty minutes inland, this picturesque village sits in a natural amphitheater of jagged granite peaks, offering an authentic contrast to the coastal sheen. Characterized by its whitewashed houses, artisan studios, and a celebrated Thursday market, it exudes a sophisticated, bohemian charm. It is the definitive place to slow down, browse local crafts, and experience the traditional rhythm of the island.

TOP ACTIVITIES

A Private Charter Through La Maddalena

The defining experience of the Costa Smeralda begins at the dock. A private yacht or catamaran threads through the protected islands of the archipelago, bypassing the mainland for a view reserved for the few. The day balances secluded stops to swim and snorkel in waters of startling clarity with a chilled Sardinian aperitivo and lunch served on board as the dramatic granite coastline drifts past. 

The Sunset at Phi Beach

As the afternoon light softens, the elite crowd gathers above Baja Sardinia at Phi Beach. Set around the historic granite ramparts of Forte Cappellini, this open-air venue combines premium cocktails and a resident DJ with one of the most celebrated sunsets in the Mediterranean. It represents the quintessential Costa Smeralda aperitivo—glamorous, unhurried, and perfectly timed to the descending sun. 

Archeological Journey to the Nuraghi

A short drive inland into the Gallura interior reveals a Sardinia thousands of years older than the modern resort. The prehistoric monuments scattered around Arzachena, including the Giants' Tombs of Coddu Vecchju and Li Lolghi, stand as the most evocative remnants of the ancient Nuragic civilization. Led by a specialist historian, exploring these monolithic granite stones offers a profound historical contrast to the coast's contemporary myth.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Italo Bassi ConFusion

Holding a prestigious Michelin star—the first ever awarded on the Costa Smeralda—this venue defines modern luxury in the heart of Porto Cervo. Chef Italo Bassi focuses on technical precision, masterfully weaving fine Italian traditions with exotic influences. The menu highlights superb Sardinian produce, raw seafood, caviar, and oysters, making it the definitive address for high-level gastronomy. 

Zuma Porto Cervo

Perched on a contemporary rooftop overlooking the marina, this vibrant retreat brings a global standard of Japanese excellence to the coast. The space pairs an open-view kitchen with staggering Tyrrhenian Sea vistas, serving as a premier destination for golden hour cocktails and refined dining.

Il Fuoco Sacro

Tucked into the Petra Segreta resort high above the village of San Pantaleo, this Michelin-starred sanctuary offers a masterful study in refined, fire-driven cooking. High-quality Sardinian ingredients are treated with absolute precision and creativity, served on an intimate terrace with sweeping views over the rugged granite hills.