Holiday in Costa Smeralda
Beach in Italy — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇮🇹
Country
Italy
Type
Beach
Best time to travel
May–June, September–October
Budget/day
150–300 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights to Olbia (15 min. to Costa Smeralda) from Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf.
About Costa Smeralda
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.
Top 5 highlights in Costa Smeralda
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Spiaggia del Principe
The 'Beach of the Prince' is considered the most beautiful beach of Costa Smeralda – fine sand and crystal clear water.
Porto Cervo
The luxurious marina with designer boutiques and superyachts is the social center of the Emerald Coast.
Cala di Volpe
The bay with the iconic luxury hotel is one of the most photogenic spots in Sardinia.
Archipelago La Maddalena
The nearby island group by boat offers even more untouched beaches and snorkeling paradises.
Liscia Ruja
The longest beach of Costa Smeralda offers relaxed beach life and calmer waters.
Hotels in Costa Smeralda
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Costa Smeralda
Recommended travel time
May–June, September–October
Summer
Hot, 28–34 °C, Mistral wind cools
Winter
Mild, 10–15 °C, most hotels closed
How much does a holiday in Costa Smeralda cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
70–100 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
150–300 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
500–2,000 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Costa Smeralda
Compare thousands of package holidays to Costa Smeralda and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Costa Smeralda
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Costa Smeralda is extremely expensive in August (beach loungers up to 200 €/day) – June or September are much cheaper.
There are also free beach accesses – not all beaches are privatized.
Porto Cervo is nice for strolling, but it's better to eat in the villages in the hinterland.
Renting a boat (with or without a license) is the best way to reach hidden coves.
Combine the luxury coast with the authentic interior of Sardinia – a fascinating contrast.
Food & drink in Costa Smeralda
These specialties you must try!
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