Guide to Visiting Costa Smeralda -Discover the Emerald Coast through five travel styles

Alessandro PItzianti
Jul 25, 2025
3 min read

1. The Elegant Jet-Set Traveler

Style: Glamour | Luxury | VIP Experiences

Step into a world where luxury meets Mediterranean authenticity. Costa Smeralda was conceived in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV as Europe's most exclusive resort destination, and it continues to attract royalty, celebrities, and discerning travelers seeking unparalleled elegance.

Top Experiences:

Yacht Charter in Porto Cervo: Rent or join a private luxury yacht to cruise along the coast or to La Maddalena islands.
Rent a Ferrari to explore the curves of Costa Smeralda roads
Sunset Aperitivo at Phi Beach (Baia Sardinia): A legendary open-air club set on seaside rocks, famous for its DJs and golden-hour views.
Designer Shopping: Visit the high-end boutiques in La Passeggiata (Porto Cervo), including Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Versace.
Michelin-Star Dining: Book a table at gourmet Sardinian fusion restaurants.
Private shopping appointments and personal styling
Helicopter tours over the archipelago

2. The Relaxed Nature Connector

Style: Serenity | Scenic walks | Mindful travel

Escape the pressures of modern life and rediscover inner peace through Costa Smeralda's therapeutic natural environment. Combine wellness practices with authentic nature immersion for a transformative journey. Stay at Eco-lodges and agriturismi around Arzachena, San Pantaleo, or Baja Sardinia.

Top Experiences:

Morning Yoga on the Beach: Many boutique resorts and eco-retreats offer sunrise yoga at beaches like Liscia Ruja or Capriccioli.
Hiking in Capo Ferro or Monte Moro: Stunning panoramic views over the coast, framed by juniper and granite.
Visit San Pantaleo: A mountain village with artists’ studios, nestled between surreal granite peaks and peace.
Wellness Spa Experiences: Enjoy holistic treatments in retreats like Petra Segreta
Mediterranean aromatherapy with wild Sardinian herbs
Nature photography as meditation practice

3. The Adventurer

Style: Action | Discovery | Off-the-beaten-path

Beyond its glamorous reputation, Costa Smeralda offers rugged granite coastlines, hidden archaeological sites, and pristine waters perfect for active exploration. This is your gateway to discovering Sardinia's wild heart.

Top Experiences:

Mountain Biking in Gallura Hills: Explore cork oak forests, hidden paths, and nuragic ruins inland from the coast.
Snorkeling & Diving in Maddalena Marine Park or Golfo Aranci area: Dive sites include shipwrecks and rich underwater biodiversity.
Kayak or SUP Tour at Cala Granu or Porto Pollo: Paddle through calm waters with views of rocky coves and seabirds.
Climbing in San Pantaleo’s granite cliffs: A local climbing paradise with stunning sea views.
4x4 off-road tours through rugged terrain
Horseback riding adventures

4. The Family Traveler

Style: Comfort | Safety | Fun for all ages

Costa Smeralda transforms into a family paradise with gentle beaches, engaging activities, and experiences designed for multi-generational enjoyment. Create lasting memories while ensuring everyone from toddlers to grandparents finds their perfect activity. Stay in Family friendly resorts with Half board or Full board and entertainment with miniclub.

Kid-Friendly Beaches: Capriccioli and Grande Pevero have shallow, calm waters and soft sand for safe swimming.
Gelato in Arzachena or Baia Sardinia : Great local shops with traditional flavors (try mirto or pistachio).
Pedal boat and kayak rentals for family exploration
Aquadream Water Park (Baja Sardinia): One of the first water parks in Sardinia! It offers fun for all ages — water slides, a lazy river, toddler pools, and shaded picnic areas. Lifeguards are always on duty, and it’s just a few minutes from the main beaches. Open from June to early September.

5. The Enogastronomic Explorer

Style: Culinary | Wine lover | Authentic taste

Sardinia boasts one of the world's most distinctive cuisines, shaped by its island isolation and diverse cultural influences. Costa Smeralda offers both traditional Sardinian gastronomy and innovative culinary experiences ranging from rustic farm settings to sophisticated dining establishments.

Top Experiences:

Visit Local Cheese Farms: Taste pecorino sardo, ricotta fresca, and Sardinian honey in Gallura agriturismi.
Vermentino Wine Tour: Tour vineyards like Tenute Olbios, or Capichera.
Cooking Class: Learn to make culurgiones, seadas, and fresh seafood pasta with a local nonna.
Seafood in Palau or La Maddalena: Try fregola with clams, bottarga dishes, and octopus salad by the harbor.
A traditional Sardinian "Cena Gallurese" (feast) in an agriturismo near Arzachena or Porto Rotondo.