The Costa Smeralda is a coastal area and tourist destination in northern Sardinia, Italy, with a length of some 20 km, although the term originally designated only a small stretch in the commune of Arzachena. With white sand beaches, golf clubs, private jet and helicopter services, and exclusive hotels, the area has drawn celebrities, business leaders, and other affluent visitors.
The main towns and villages in the area, built according to a detailed urban plan, are Porto Cervo, Liscia di Vacca, Capriccioli, and Romazzino. Archaeological sites include the Li Muri Giants' graves.
Each September the Sardinia Cup sailing regatta is held off the coast. Polo matches are held between April and October at Gershan near Arzachena.
Development of the area started in 1961, and was financed by a consortium of companies led by Prince Karim Aga Khan. Spiaggia del Principe, one of the beaches along the Costa Smeralda, was named after this Ishmaelite prince. Architects involved in the project included Michele Busiri Vici, Jacques Couëlle, Savin Couëlle, and Vietti.
The Costa Smeralda is a magical mix of sun, sea, music and glee that you'll find hard to resist.
Located on Sardinia's northeastern coast between the Gulfs of Arzachena and Cugnana, the Costa Smerald or Emerald Coast owes its name to its particular hue of sea and to the chromatic variations of its trasparent waters that wash up on the labyrinth of granite rocks to form enchanting scenes and panoramas. Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda.
The Costa Smeralda is synonomous with dream-like beaches, isolated coves and inlets, and gently-changing shades of blue and green sea. This extraordinary panorama is dotted with homes hidden behind rocks shaped by the wind and Mediterranean plant life, as well as with numerous villas, golf courses and touristic ports in perfect harmony with with the environmental setting
Add the region's unique history and culture, ancient traditions and a bubbling-over nightlife that lives in the fashionable nightspots, intimate restaurants, bars and shops of Porto Cervo. Glitzy and colorful Porto Cervo is a haven for the international jet-set and a mooring-spot for numerous oversized yachts.
The entire coast is surrounded by fascinating places to explore: moving south from Porto Cervo, one finds Golfo del Pevero, Cala di Volpe and Punta Capriccioli, where the Islands of Motorio and Soffi (in the National Park of Maddalena) rise from across the water. Another highly sought-out destination is that of Porto Rotondo, facing the wide, open Gulf of Cucagna and populated by lush villas, charming piazzas and the gorgeous variety that Mother Nature has so generously bestowed.