COSTA SMERALDA AT A GLANCE
Sardinia is like an oasis in a Mediterranean Sea. It is situated 200km to the West of Italy and 12km to the South of Corsica.
This paradise island is ideal for a beach holiday as well as it is full of history and archeological parks. The pride of Sardinia- Costa Smeralda (‘emerald coats’) is located in North-East of the island. Below we will discus the ‘must visit’ ports of the Sardinian Riviera.
Porto Cervo, Deer’s Port in English, is the social center of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda (The Emerald Coast).
During the off-season the population of this destination is 421 inhabitants. During winter season this once busy and chaotic place suddenly becomes a quiet harbour with only a couple of cafes and restaurants open.
Porto Cervo is a home for glamourous hotels, restaurant and club names such as Billionaire Club, Cipriani, Hotel Cala Di Volpe, ;fashion boutiques like Hermes, Bvlgari, LV and many more.
Porto Cervo is a destination VIPs. It is easy to spot a celebrity here during the busiest months- July and August.
There are several attractions to do in port, like Esmeralda Bazar, Rossana Orlandi’s design studio, Wind & Food festival, art exhibitions and a free train ride between Old and New harbours.
If you wish to charter a boat, rent a jet ski or a flyboard, you can easily do it at your hotel.
Two important regattas are held in Porto Cervo: Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in May and the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship in June.
To see more photos of PORTO CERVO click here.
Poltu Quatu is situated in Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda and translates from Sardinian as a ‘hidden port’.
It is only 4km away from Porto Cervo but not many people know of it.
Rumour has it that two lovers discovered a beautiful fjord which later was built into a pretty port what Poltu Quatu is these days. It is hidden among the cliffs and is spectacular for an eye. Big part of the port is taken by a Poltu Quatu Resort -the construction of which was inspiring by local fishing villages.
This port is pretty and compact but don’t be fooled by its littleness -its has all you need for a delightful experience : beautiful piazza, narrow and charming streets, cosy boutiques, exceptional restaurants and a cheerful ambiance.
Every year Poltu Quatu has an entertainment program : a circus on the water, a fashion show. Last year there was a street food market with with Michelin star chefs.
To see more photos of POLTU QUATU click here.
Porto Massimo is situated in the North East of the Maddalena Archipelago.
This harbor is so unique that there is only one hotel-Hotel Cala Lunga and one exquisite fish restaurant -La Scogliera, which means ‘the cliff’ translating from Italian.
Often, visitors arrive in this port by the helicopter or by yacht to spend only a day in this romantic and deserted place.
Frequently, this is done only for a visit to the La Scogliera restaurant. The restaurant supports boat mooring for those who arrive by sea.
It is absolutely striking to stay at night at a boat on a mooring looking over the shimmering lights of the port. This place is picturesque, breathtaking and maybe ghostly…
To see more photos of PORTO MASSIMO click here.
Porto Rotondo or ‘round port’ is located 30 minutes away from the airport. It was developed in 1960s by Dona Delle Rose family.
Porto Rotondo is a dynamic place in summer and counts about 400 residents in winter.
The famous Villa Certosa – Silvio Berlusconi’s summer residence- is situated here in the area called Punta Lada.
If Porto Cervo is pumping with the foreign tourist, Porto Rotondo, on the contrary, is full of Italians.
This port can be enjoyed by staying in the hotel or , of course, by yacht.
Rumour says it that there is ‘undeclared rivalry’ between those who prefer Porto Cervo (‘cervini’) and Porto Rotondo (‘rotondini’). We would like to say that both places cant be compared, they are so different.
Porto Rotondo is a very relaxed and authentic Italian place, almost like a Sardinian village, whereas Porto Cervo is a more luxurious place with extravagant expensive cars and boats, fashion boutiques and fine dining restaurants.
Not to forget that Porto Rotondo has many attractions: uniquely beautiful town square San Marco, paved with beautiful local granite; an amphitheatre nearby where locals come to see the plays and performances in summer; San Lorenzo church with the statues and biblical images on them; and, of course, Via Del Molo, which is laid with mosaic resembling the food chain of the sea. There is a rumour about nominating this small street, which enchants with its beauty, as an object of Unesco Heritage.
The good thing about Porto Rotondo, that it has a beach where you can actually walk to, rather than access by the car (Playa Portisco). There are several more beaches around but short drive or a slightly longer walk might be required, depending on the location of where you stay.
Porto Rotondo is full of Italian culinary experiences and has a great cocktail bars, cafes and lounges.
For ore photos of PORTO ROTONDO click here.
Sea breeze, fresh seafood and eye-pleasing beauty, what else does one need for an excellent holiday !?
