Costa Smeralda of Sardinia

Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast, is a renowned resort that attracts the rich and famous, along with normal travelers. The exclusive resort area was developed in the 1960s and quickly became the place for the jet set to relax amidst the natural splendor and uncrowded beaches.

Located on the north coast of Sardinia, the Costa Smeralda wraps around the cape from Cannigione to Porto Rotondo. Its swanky epicenter is Porto Cervo, with its designer shops, yacht harbor, and upscale eateries. All along the cape are coves with beaches tucked amidst granite outcroppings.

Beaches are often outfitted with colorful umbrellas and deck chairs, but you can find stretches of free beach, or you can take a boat (or walk a trail) to secluded coves. One of the most popular is La Cinta, which is a strip of land between the sea and a lagoon that is populated with migratory birds, including the pastel flamingoes. The Capo Ferro lighthouse is a nice sight worth seeing, both for its lovely building and the views it offers of the sea.

While there are shops and restaurants in the towns, the main attraction of the Costa Smeralda is the beach. If you want sparkling seas and a relaxing spot of sand with beautiful scenery, this is the place for you!