Costa Smeralda

main gateway, with seasonal direct flights from across Europe and a dedicated private aviation terminal

useful alternative when Olbia flights are full

The coast's polished heart, where a superyacht marina, designer boutiques and the Piazzetta set the evening rhythm. Villas on the surrounding hills look over Pevero and Cala di Volpe.

Low, secluded headlands just south of Porto Cervo with some of the most celebrated beaches within a few minutes' drive. Quiet by day and night.

A smaller, elegant harbour village on the Gulf of Cugnana, only about 20 minutes from Olbia airport. Its piazzas and marina feel intimate even in August.

A granite hill village with artists' studios, a lively square and a Thursday morning market, set about 15 minutes inland from the beaches. Cooler evenings and a strong local feel.

Facing the Gulf of Arzachena and the Maddalena islands, these bays offer sheltered swimming and easy boat departures. Baja is more social, Cannigione more relaxed.

A working harbour town at the northern tip of the coast, ideal for daily ferries and boat trips into the archipelago. Villas here enjoy wide views of the islands.

Positions are approximate: the exact address is shared once your stay is confirmed.

The harbour designed in the 1960s remains the social centre of the coast, lined with boutiques and cafés overlooking yachts of every size. Come at sunset, when the stone and stucco take on a warm glow.

Michele Busiri Vici's whitewashed church, consecrated in 1968, sits above the old port with sweeping views. Inside hangs a Mater Dolorosa by El Greco, a gift to the church.

Seven main islands and dozens of islets of pink granite form a protected marine park with some of the clearest water in Europe. Exploring them by private boat is the defining experience of a stay here.

Giuseppe Garibaldi spent his final years on this pine-covered island, linked to La Maddalena by a causeway. His house and farm are preserved as a museum.

Within a short drive of the coast lie the giants' tomb of Coddu Vecchiu, the Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Li Muri necropolis. Together they reveal a Bronze Age culture far older than the resorts.

A short climb leads to a granite outcrop eroded into the shape of a bear, gazing over the archipelago. The views from the top are among the finest on the coast.

The village church is notable for its wooden sculptures by Mario Ceroli. The surrounding lanes are perfect for an unhurried evening walk.

Charter a gozzo or motor yacht with skipper from Porto Cervo, Cannigione or Palau to swim off Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria. Your skipper will handle the park permit and anchor only where it is allowed.

Spend a morning under sail along the coast, stopping for lunch at anchor. The steady afternoon breeze makes this one of the best sailing grounds in the Mediterranean.

This Caprera cove, often called Tahiti, can only be reached on foot with an authorised environmental guide. Bookings open from 30 to 7 days ahead and groups are kept small.

Browse local cheeses, ceramics, linen and jewellery in the village market before a long lunch in the square.

Visit wineries around Arzachena and Luogosanto to taste Sardinia's only DOCG wine among granite vineyards.

The Pevero Golf Club course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, winds between Cala di Volpe and Pevero bays with sea views on many holes.

A crescent of white sand framed by granite and maquis near Romazzino, reached by a short footpath.

Several small coves divided by rocky points, with shallow water that suits children.

The longest beach on the Costa Smeralda, with soft sand and space even in high summer.

Two neighbouring bays close to Porto Cervo with calm, clear water and good services.

A sheltered, family-friendly bay just north of Porto Cervo, easy to reach by car.

What to eat

What to drink

Take the ferry from Palau for a stroll around the harbour and lanes of the archipelago's only town.

Boats from Porto San Paolo circle the dramatic limestone island of Tavolara and its protected waters.

A granite town in the cork forests of upper Gallura, cooler than the coast and known for its springs.

The clifftop citadel lies a short crossing from Santa Teresa Gallura.

From late April the maquis is in flower and the coast is green and quiet, ideal for walking and touring. The sea is still cool, warming noticeably by late May.

June to August brings long, hot days, warm sea and the full social calendar of Porto Cervo. July and August are busiest, so book boats, restaurants and beach clubs well ahead.

September is arguably the finest month, with warm water, softer light and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. By mid October many beach clubs, boutiques and restaurants close for the season.

Most of the resort infrastructure closes between November and Easter. The coast is wild and beautiful, but best suited to quiet retreats rather than a beach holiday.