Costa Smeralda Attractions

Source www.strictlysardinia.com

For the sake of clarity, it is worth saying that while most people think of the wonderful Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast in English) as a geographical area, this is a consortium founded by Prince Karim Aga Khan in 1962 and the largest privately managed area in Europe.

You will find it in the north-east of Sardinia, in the sub-region of Gallura, mostly in the municipal area of ​​Arzachena, one of the nicest small town in the area, though some parts of the consortium also overflow into the boundaries of Olbia. The area that corresponds to the Costa Smeralda Consortium is filled with white sand, luxurious resorts, giant yachts, and divine wine.

Arzachena – Wine on the Mind?

Arzachena is a small city tucked just a handful of kilometers inland from Costa Smeralda. So while it’s technically not on the coast itself, it is a vibrant place filled with ancient architectural wonders and cannot be missed!

Brimming with charm, Arzachena simply bursts with colors— brightly-lit boutiques and flower-filled streets. Tons of their traditional farmhouses – called “stazzi” – have been renovated into chic bed and breakfasts and sites for agritourism.

Inside the town center sits the Monti Incappiddhatu, “mountain with a hat,” also called the “mushroom rock.” It’s a rock that was shaped and used in the Neolithic age.

Outside of the city, you can discover an expansive archaeological park with a bevy of ancient curiosities.

Li Muri necropolis is the oldest site, dating back to the late 4th millennium BC. It is the most famous of the sites in the region. Another name for the Li Muri is “Grave Circles.” There is also a nuraghe to see, as well as the Tomba Moru – a Tomb of Giants. Lastly, there is the temple of Malchittu to check out.

Arzachena is also famous for producing the highest quality Vermentino di Gallura wine. This dry white wine is delicate with strong floral notes, yet at the same time, it’s a bit zippy, balanced by acidity and minerality. Why not visit the vineyards and see the wine wizardry happen for yourself? I recommend visiting Surrau and Capichera.

Surrau will treat you like a king or queen! They’ll set out a table full of crackly flatbread (pani carasau) and homemade cheese, and you’ll learn the ins and out of Vermentino and sample a hefty amount of wine too!

Capichera Winery has played a significant role in the winemaking renaissance and revolution; sampling their Vermentino and handful of other reds and rosés they produce is a true delight.

Hungry for lunch? Jaddha is where to go if you want a Sardinian feast! If you’re in more of a rush, head over to La Vecchia Costa, a favorite local restaurant with authentic local food. If you have a hankering for wood-fired pizza, then La Terrazza is the way to go!

Porto Cervo — A Celebrity Magnet  

Porto Cervo is a luxurious seaside resort on the most northeastern section of the Costa Smeralda Consortium, and arguably its main center! After its creation, this small center flourished quickly, especially after the new tourist port was built in the 1980s.

Although it has a population of just 421, Porto Cervo has been deemed one of the most opulent and expensive resort cities in the world. Moreover, the lovely Porto Cervo Marina is where yachts come in to dock—there are 700 berths for mega-yachts.

Why not stroll around town through the luxury boutiques for an afternoon, or sip a cocktail at a posh club (mind you, it ain’t cheap); you’ll likely see a celebrity or two. Porto Cervo is a magnet for the rich and famous.

Other than celebrity-spotting, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the fantastic architecture in Porto Cervo. There is the Stella Maris church that almost looks like a work of Gaudi, yet was designed by Michele Busiri Vici.

You can soak up sweeping panoramic views of the city below from the church itself. Other than that, in general, the architecture has beautiful decorative elements and boasts a bevy of rustic walls and granite pathways. 

Porto Rotondo — All That Glitters

Porto Rotondo is the chief competitor of Porto Cervo. It lies a little further South than Porto Cervo. They are just a 30-minute drive apart! Porto Rotondo is a picturesque village filled with exclusive nightclubs, breathtaking beaches, and chic boutiques.

Home to a thousand inhabitants, it can house over 30,000 tourists. And with 800 moorings for boats, it outdoes Porto Rotondo in that regard. In fact, it’s home to the Porto Rotondo Yacht Club, founded in 1985, which only solidifies this city’s luxe-factor.

Porto Rotondo was architecturally styled after Venice and was named for the circular bay which it is nestled around. The nearby beaches are idyllic. Porto Rotondo is ritzy for a reason! In Porto Rotondo, take a boat tour, have a drink at Paguro, and throw your beach towel down at Spiaggia di Ira.

Cannigione – A Scuba Diver’s Paradise

Cannigione is sits roughly 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) east of Porto Cervo, and 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away from Arzachena. It’s a popular route to boat between these cities.

Situated on the largest and deepest inlet —created by a river meeting the sea — Cannigione has a vast stretch of golden sands. While it is a pristine beach, it certainly isn’t what I’d call secluded.

It’s actually a bustling tourist area with a long promenade, a modern port, and a sprinkling of restaurants and little shops. And if you’re interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, this is one fantastic place to do it.

Most importantly, it’s one of the best diving spots in Sardinia! After the shallows, the water in Cannigione slopes downwards, revealing lots of fish and a bank of seagrass to explore.

If you feel like hopping on a boat, why not take it to the Maddalena Archipelago National Park (you can book your tour here). Or ride on over to the Stagno di Padula Saloni, a small pond home to fantastically unique birds – from the purple heron and black stork to the rare phoenix— okay, just kidding about the last one!

Baja Sardinia – The Bay of Water Sports

Baja Sardinia is a small resort town with a mere handful of bars, shops, and restaurants sprinkled throughout the villas, resorts, and hotels.

If you’re in the mood for some epic water sport activities, this is the place to do it. Given the bay’s position, it’s a perfect spot for windsurfing and sailing. At most times, the water is as still as glass, and the wind is blowing full blast! 

San Pantaleo

San Pantaleo is an inland mountain village about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) south of Porto Cervo. While most of the other towns in the Costa Smeralda Consortium were planned and created in the 1960s for the sake of tourism, the village of San Pantaleo has a history that dates all the way back to 800 BC.

This is a charming village that showcases the rustic charm of traditional Sardinian life. Thursday is the best day to visit, as that’s when San Pantaleo hosts a ravishing morning market filled with local foods, fruits, and artisanal delights.

Make sure to sample traditional homemade cheese and the local honey. Local musicians play on the street, and aromas abound!

Poltu Quatu – A Hidden Jewel

Poltu Quatu translates to “hidden harbor” in Sardinian. About 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) north of Porto Rotondo, and 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Porto Cervo, it’s nearly on the northernmost tip of the Emerald Coast and offers positively enchanting views of the infinite shades of turquoise waters.

Best of all, it’s hidden away in what feels like a top-secret location. There’s really only one giant resort situated there; however, it has everything from a shopping center, bars, and a restaurant to a sailing school and diving center. This resort has it all.

If water activities like scuba diving or snorkeling aren’t your thing, just hop in a boat and go whale and dolphin watching. You can also charter a boat or learn how to sail.