Welcome to one of the most beautiful parts of Sardinia: the Costa Smeralda. The Costa Smeralda is part of the Northeastern coastline of Sardinia and mainly known for the stunning beaches. The name has its origin in the turquoise and clear water of the coast and is one of the many reasons why tourists and travellers are almost addicted to area. It is indeed one of the most popular parts of Sardinia to spend your vacation. With many beaches, bays and day trips, the Costa Smeralda offers a relaxing and as well exciting time. But what are the absolute highlights and what should not be missed when you are exploring the area? These are the x best things to do in the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia.
How to get to the Costa Smeralda
How do you even get to the Costa Smeralda? With many different airports on the island, it can be quite confusing. The best way to reach the Costa Smeralda is to fly into Olbia International Airport. From the city it takes (depending about where on the Costa Smeralda you are going) about 20-60 minutes to reach your destination.
Another way is to fly into Alghero, which is a smaller airport. If you plan to stay in different areas, this is a great alternative. From Alghero to the Costa Smeralda, you need to drive about 3 hours until you reach the paradise beaches.
Visit the picturesque village of Porto Cervo
Let´s start the guide about the best things to do in the Costa Smeralda with a picturesque village. Porto Cervo is well-known as a popular tourist spot. Especially for luxurious travellers, this is a magnet. Resorts, yachts and boutiques – Porto Cervo really is a place to be for the rich and famous people. This might of course not include us budget travellers, and yet a visit is recommended. Apart from the fancy restaurants and boutiques, Porto Cervo has a different face as well.
With picturesque streets, alleys and historical buildings, it is a great place to see the beauty of Sardinia. You can stroll around, go for some shopping or admire the architecture. The Stella Maris Church is one of the many buildings you should visit.
Spend a day at the Spiaggia Le Piscine
The Costa Smeralda is mainly about the beaches. As the area is known for the extremely blue and clear water, it is one of the absolute best things to do in the Costa Smeralda to simply enjoy the beaches. Bring an umbrella and a book to read and just relax. And it´s a promise: those are going to be some of the most beautiful beaches you´ve ever relaxed on.
One of them is the Spiaggia Le Piscine. Located more in the Northern part of the Costa Smeralda, it is not as busy as the beaches in the Southern area. It can easily be reached within 10 or 15 minutes from Cannigione. With rocks, clear water and some hidden bays, this is a secret tip for any traveller looking for a quiet place.
Do not forget your snorkeling gear and make sure to explore the underwater world as well.
Learn about the history in Arzachena
Next on the list of the best things to do in the Costa Smeralda is the history. Sardinia has actually quite a fascinating past and it is worth to spend some hours getting to know the history. A great place to do so is the small town of Arzachena, close to the fishing village Cannigione.
Arzachena is located inland but still is a part of the Costa Smeralda. If you are looking for a small break from relaxing at the beach and enjoying the clear water, this is the best choice. Filled with historical architecture, history and a laid-back atmosphere, Arzachena is all about culture.
You can either visit the archeological park outside the center or stay in one of the renovated historical farm houses, which are now places for tourists to stay. The area is also famous for wine and a wine tasting is highly recommended.
Relax at the most beautiful beach in the Costa Smeralda: Spiaggia del Principe
Ready for the most beautiful beach in the Costa Smeralda? Surely, all of the beaches are stunning and promise an unforgettable beach day. And yet, one seems to stand out: the Spiaggia del Principe.
The beach is located close to the village of Romazzino and can easily be reached from the village or from a nearby parking lot.
Budget tip: If you are not staying in Romazzino, you should avoid the main parking lot as it is quite expensive. You can easily park your car or van/camper along the Via Romazzino and follow the trail behind the parking lot to reach the beach.
The Principe Beach is what any traveller´s dream is made of. Clear water, white sand, a calm bay and a beach bar. During the high season it can be quite crowded and it is better to arrive earlier in the morning to be able to experience the beach to its fullest. There is a hidden beach bar offering drinks and ice-cream and you can even rent a sun bed. Despite some “touristy character” such as the sun beds and the beach vendors, it is still an incredible place. You can climb over the rocks, go for a snorkeling adventure or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the view.
Want to see even more beaches in Sardinia? Click here.
Go out in Palau
The city of Palau is the border of the Costa Smeralda in the North. It is mostly known as the location for the ferry to leave for the Isola La Maddalena. And it is a popular place for tourists to stay as well. With many restaurants, bars, shops and a harbor there is quite a lot to do in Palau.
A good time to experience Palau is during the evening hours. Watch the sunset mood in the harbor, go out for a traditional dinner and have a few drinks. During the high season the center of Palau is a busy place and it is easy to meet fellow travellers or just spend a fun night out.
Go on a day trip to La Maddalena
From Palau, the ferry leaves to the Isola La Maddalena. Located in front of the Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena is one of the favorite places to visit in Sardinia. You can either plan a day trip or book an accommodation on the island if you want to spend even more time there.
La Maddalena is all about even more beaches, quiet bays, boat trips or city strolls. The island itself is quite big and you can spend days exploring the different areas. A fun thing to do is a boat trip to go snorkeling, diving or to just jump in the clear blue water. You can book private boat trips in Palau or on La Maddalena or join a public boat, which is way cheaper.
In the past years, La Maddalena has become a tourist magnet in Sardinia. Booking a trip to the islands is a must-do for tourists and highly recommended. But still, you can find some quiet areas. Especially if you are travelling with a camper, La Maddalena offers some stunning places to stay overnight and experience a quieter and calmer side of the island.
Check out the basic ferry time tables here.
Book a diving class in Cannigione
Cannigione has once been a very small fishing village. In the past years, it has developed into a tourist place with a few hotels and restaurants. Still, it remains a more traditional and laid-back area where you can enjoy some time off the beaten path. There are only a few shops and restaurants in the center.
Cannigione is mostly known for fishing and diving. If you are into either of these things, make sure to visit the area and book yourself a diving course.
Visit Baja Sardinia
Welcome to the small town of Baja Sardinia, small resort town. Filled with a few shops and restaurant, Baja Sardinia is a nice place to visit. The area is mainly known for the perfect water sport conditions. It is rougher and windier and therefore ideal for windsurfing and sailing.
You can find sailing schools at any corner. If this is on your bucketlist, this is definitely one of the best things to do in the Costa Smeralda. But even if not, visiting Baja Sardinia is recommended. You can stroll around, enjoy the mountain view and get another impression of the different angles of Sardinia.
Go for a shopping trip in Olbia
And last but not least: visit Olbia. The city is the Southern border of the Costa Smeralda and one of the main centers on the island. It is the number one address for shopping and you can spend a whole day going from shop to shop. On a rainy day, this is one of the best things to do in the Costa Smeralda and you can easily plan a day trip to Olbia.
