Costa Smeralda — The Emerald Green Paradise

The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) owes its name to the incredibly green hue of its waters — a result of the granite substrate and white sandy bottoms that reflect the sunlight in all shades from turquoise to emerald. The nearly 20-kilometer-long coastal section between the Gulf of Cugnana and the Bay of Arzachena was developed as a luxury destination in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan and has since become synonymous with Mediterranean glamour.

What sets the Costa Smeralda apart from other jet-set destinations: Here, concrete fortresses were deliberately avoided. A strict building code requires that hotels and villas blend into the landscape — low buildings, earthy colors, natural stone, and macchia vegetation. The result is a coastal strip that, despite the luxury, appears surprisingly natural. The granite rocks, shaped by wind and water into bizarre sculptures, form the backdrop for some of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean.

Porto Cervo is the heart of the Costa Smeralda: A designer village with exclusive boutiques (Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana), the famous Piazzetta, the marina full of superyachts, and restaurants where a bottle of water easily costs 10€. In August, international celebrities stroll here — but outside the high season, Porto Cervo is surprisingly relaxed and almost deserted. The neighboring Porto Rotondo is somewhat more reserved but no less elegant.

The best beaches of the Costa Smeralda are Spiaggia del Principe (the "Prince's Beach" — fine white sand, crystal-clear water, framed by juniper), Liscia Ruja (the longest beach of the Costa Smeralda, ideal for families), Romazzino (in front of the luxury hotel of the same name, but publicly accessible), and Capriccioli (a double bay with postcard panorama). All beaches are freely accessible — only loungers and umbrellas cost (20–40€ per set in high season).