In the 60s The Aga Khan and a few friends bought a strip of paradise on northeastern Sardinia with the plan to turn it into a luxurious holiday destination. Thus the Costa Smeralda, named for its beautiful bluey-green waters, was ‘born’. Yachtie favourite Porto Cervo became the unofficial capital of the region, a place of blended culture and architecture which is very glossy, but not particularly Sardinian. Fashionable and exclusive as Porto Cervo still is, our pick of the best places to stay in Porto Cervo still contains some very affordable options, converted farmhouses and villas, chic hotels, vast beach resorts, and yes, some extremely luxurious properites too.
Porto Cervo’s beaches are exceptionally beautiful, its yacht marina is a sight to behold too — this is where some of the world’s most impressive and opulent mega-yachts spend some of the year. The town itself mixes a cocktail of architecture which includes Italian, Spanish, Greek and even North African styles, along beautifully kept streets, and fragrant gardens. And there’s the same architectural mix amongst the hotels. If all the luxury and gloss gets a bit much, head inland to Arzachena for the authentic Sardinian experience. Just a few kilometres behind the Costa this small rural village has a pretty centre and beautiful views over the coast.
There are plenty of great family-friendly hotels on our list of the best places to stay in Porto Cervo, hotels and resorts with kids clubs and loads of activities onsite, but this is also a great destination for couples. It’s glamorous, rather than romantic — though some of our recommendations are super romantic — and offers fun days in the sunshine, and lively nightlife. There’s a best beach to suit both types of holiday makers too, Cala Granu for families, and Spiaggia del Pevero for more of a cocktails at sundown vibe.