Costa Smeralda

Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip

Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is a luxurious stretch of coastline in northeastern Sardinia, renowned for its stunningly clear emerald-green waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and dramatic granite rock formations sculpted by wind and sea over millennia. Developed in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who fell in love with the area's unspoiled beauty, the Costa Smeralda has become one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive destinations. The beaches here — including Spiaggia del Principe, Liscia Ruja, and Capriccioli — are consistently ranked among the finest in the world. The architecture follows strict building codes that ensure all structures blend harmoniously with the natural landscape, using local materials like granite and juniper wood. Porto Cervo, the main resort town, features designer boutiques, world-class restaurants, and a prestigious yacht marina. Despite its glamorous reputation, much of the coastline remains wonderfully wild and accessible, with hidden coves reachable by foot or boat offering solitude even in peak summer.

Planning the wider trip? The Sardegna planning guide covers how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, realistic costs and a day-by-day itinerary that includes Costa Smeralda.