Costa Smeralda, Italy

Costa Smeralda ("Emerald Coast") is a coastal area in northern Sardinia, 55 km long and covering more than 30 km², with enchanting beaches and a system of villages built according to an extremely detailed urban plan. The area is a luxurious tourist destination developed by the Aga Kahn, with highly affluent European and Arabian VIPs visiting from entertainment, politics and industry.

Porto Cervo is the capital of Costa Smeralda. Other main towns and villages in the area are Arzachena, Olbia, Liscia di Vacca, Capriccioli and Romazzino. In September the annual Sardinia Cup sailing regatta is held off the coast, usually featuring famous boats. Achaeological sites include Li Muri's "Tomba dei Giganti" (Giants' Tomb).

Things to See & Do

* Porto Cervo - capital of Costa Smeralda
* Liscia Ruia, Cappriccioli and Romazzino beaches
* Snorkeling around the archipelago Della Maddalena - from Porto Palau
* Giants' Tomb - archeological site
* Boat watching and sailing

General information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language - Italian
Land Area - 30 km²
Population - 4,000 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC + one hour
International Country Telephone Code - 39

Port Location - The port is located in Porto Cervo.

Travel Links - Fly to Olbia airport (cheap flights from the UK by EasyJet) or take the ferry from Genoa or Livorno in Italy.