Emerald Coast in brief – travel information and more

The Emerald Coast, a popular and very glamorous holiday destination in the north east of Sardinia, is known for its high density of luxury hotels and very exclusive villas with pool. Olbia’s airport is about 22 miles away, so the coast stretch can be reached in just over 30 minutes by car.

Useful information for the Emerald Coast

Part of the province of Olbia-Tempio, this famous coast stretch extends over a length of 34 miles and covers an area of ​​14 square miles. This area is characterized by magnificent clear green and turquoise sea waters (therefore the name Emerald Coast) and amazing sand beaches and bays, surrounded by a lush and fragrant mediterranean vegetation.

The Emerald Coast was “born” in 1962 from an idea of ​​the Ishmaelite prince Karim Aga Khan who, together with a consortium, expertly took care of its architectural development by inserting it perfectly into the Mediterranean landscape. The buildings of the Costa Smeralda were designed in collaboration with famous architects such as Busiri-Vici, Jacques and Savin Couëlle and Luigi Vietti: as a result they were built using local materials, such as granite and wood, painted simply in white and warm terra-cotta colours and have not more than three floors. A very representative example for this elegant architectural style is the white-painted Stella Maris church in Porto Cervo with its sinous forms.

The most important locations are Porto Cervo, Liscia di Vacca, Capriccioli and Cala di Volpe. Porto Cervo provides numerous restaurants and bars, luxurious designer boutiques and in central position the famous “Piazzetta del Principe”. Especially in summer, the exclusive holiday destination offers a lively and dazzling nightlife and there are many dance clubs and discos, such as the famous Billionaire of Flavio Briatore.

The best beaches on the Emerald Coast

The coast is known for its amazing sea water and the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

The adiacent beaches Grande Pevero and Piccolo Pevero, overlooking the Li Nibani islands, are also suitable for families. Other famous beaches are Capriccioli, Principe, Romanzzino, Cala di Volpe, Liscia Ruia, Rena Bianca, Cala Granu and Celvia Beach.

Of course, there are beach service for umbrellas, sunbeds, pedal boats and much more. Kiosks and bars on the beach offers refreshing beverages, ice cream and delicous snacks.

What are the top attractions to see in Emerald Coast

In july and summer some of the most luxury yachts of the world are moored in the marina of Porto Cervo, so we recommend to take a stroll to admire these amazing boats.

In the north is situated the archipelago of La Maddalena, known for its small uninhabited islands and beautiful beaches. There is a daily ferry service from Palau to the main island of the archipelago, called La Maddalena. This island is the only one inhabited, and the village has the same name. By car or motor bike you should take a round trip discovering an unspoilt landscape and some really nice beaches and bays.

A small bridge connects the main island with the smaller Isola Caprera island with the Museum Memoriale Giuseppe Garibaldi. Garibaldo, also called Hero of the Two Worlds because of his enterprises in South America and Europe, was an Italian general who contributed to the Italian unification. He spend his last years on a farm on the Caprera islands, where he was also burried.

You can also discover the archipelago with a diverting boat trip. The tours also lead to the smaller islands, such as Spargi Island, Budelli Island, Razzoli Island and Cala Santa Maria. Of course, there are several stops to enjoy the beauty of the sea, to take a bath, and for snorkeling and diving.

About 20 km south-west of Porto Cervo is San Pantaleo, a lively and charming village in the interior of Sardinia. In the center there is a small square with a church. In summer a farmer’s market is held here regulary, where fruit, vegetables, jams and honey, wine and olive oil, cheese, sausages and ham, and also Sardinian handicrafts like baskets, drapperies and carpets, Sardinian knives and cork products are sold. San Pantaleo is also a good starting point for trekking excursions and cycling tours: especially in off season it is a relaxing vacation destination for activity holidays in Sardinia.

Another fascinating trip along the coast in north-east direction is through Baja Sardinia and Cannigione to reach Capo d’Orso in front of the Maddalena archipelago. The promontory represents imposing granite rock formations, sculptured by wind and water, with some suggestive forms that remind, among other things a bear, which gave the promontory its name. There is also a light house, and the cape offers a spectacular view to the La Maddalena islands and Corsica. To return we recommend to drive through Arzachena, a town half way between the Costa Smeralda resort and Porto Rafael.

Around Arzachena there are numerous archaeological sites of the Nuragic civilization in Sardinia, with imposing tower structures and giant tombs. The main attractions are the nuraghe of Albucciu and La Prisgonia, the necropolis of Li Muri, the nuragic settlement of Malchittu with huts and a small temple and the giant tombs Coddu Ecchju and Li Lolghi.