Holiday in Costa Smeralda

What makes Costa Smeralda special as a destination?

The Costa Smeralda in northeastern Sardinia owes its name to the emerald green water that washes over the granite rocks and white beaches. Since Aga Khan IV. developed this coastal strip as a luxury resort in the 1960s, Porto Cervo has become the epicenter of the Mediterranean jet set: mega yachts, designer boutiques, and beach clubs where a sunbed costs three digits. However, the true beauty lies away from the glamour: Spiaggia del Principe (Prince's Beach) offers a Caribbean flair with crystal clear water and fine sand — without resort infrastructure. Spiaggia di Capriccioli and Romazzino are among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. The hinterland surprises with cork oak forests, Nuraghe ruins, and authentic Sardinian villages. The Maddalena Archipelago off the coast is a national park with pink granite beaches (Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli) and turquoise water reminiscent of the South Seas. Boat trips through the archipelago are a must. Sardinian cuisine is hearty and honest: Porceddu (suckling pig on a spit), Fregola con Arselle (pasta with clams), Pane Carasau, and the robust Cannonau wine. In the off-season (May/June, September/October), prices are manageable and the beaches are deserted. Costa Smeralda is pure luxury — or, with some planning, also accessible for normal budgets.