ONE: Costa Smeralda
A little over 20 km of coastline and the most expensive location in Europe (real estate prices are 300,000 euros sqm), Costa Smeralda is famous for its white sand beaches, its scenic route, its hidden coves and bays and known as the VIPs playground ever since the 60’s. Porto Cervo is a celebs hotspot and has one of the most beautiful luxury brands shopping mall in the world, while Romazzino is that ideal real estate project dreamt of by Prince Karim Aga Khan and sought after by Clooney and co. Normally, this kind of labels are something the happy few thoroughly avoid, but in this case we make an exception. The mixture of spectacular scenery, ideal urban planning and discreet luxury is one-of-a-kind, and makes The Emerald Coast a must experience.
TWO: South of Olbia & Tavolara
This is my true number one. With Tavolara guarding the surreal beauty of the shores of Costa Dorata like a, immense white-scaled fantastic creature, the views are showstopping. Sardinia’s typical beauty, the marriage between lush vegetation, sculpted rocks and epic beaches, is at its best here. From Capo Cerato to Capo Coda Cavallo, absolutely every inch of Costa Dorata is a poem. Be sure to explore the beaches and go on top of Capo Coda Cavallo to take in the panoramic vista. Then head south of the cape for the heavenly (accessible) beaches: Cala Brandinchi, La Cinta, and my favorite, Lu Impostu.
THREE: Alghero
A charming, heart-warming sea town with that live-like-a-local feel that we love so much. Alghero has it all: history, bohemian atmosphere, a gorgeous seaside promenade and some of the greatest beaches at a 10-20 min drive. Sardinia is a big island and distances are larger than it may appear on map; a car is essential to explore its beauties, since here are the most beautiful beaches in Europe and many of them are hidden coves. But if so happens that you are here for just a short getaway without a car, Alghero is Sardinia on a smaller scale. The effortless charm, the traditions, the beautiful gastronomy, the all-locally sourced produce and the incredible Maria Pia pine grove and beaches “in the neighbourhood” create a perfect Sardinian experience.
FOUR: Gallura, Maddalena & Palau
When you first approach Palau from up the mountains and the view opens up, magically and majestically, all the way from Corsica to Tavolara across the spectacular shoreline and the smaller islands, all you can do is wow. Just take your time to explore, and make sure you go on Maddalena and her sister, Caprera, either by car (ferry from Palau to Maddalena, then Caprera is connected through a narrow bridge) or by renting a boat. Sailing around Sardinia is a fantastic experience.
FIVE: Cagliari
Sardinia’s capital is vibrant but keeps the same effortless charm. The mix of history and stunning beaches is always a sure recipe for success, yet you never feel Cagliari as attention-seeking. The medieval Castello quarter offers a labyrinth of discovery and the best of sunsets from Bastione di Saint Remy. The huge city beach, Poetto, is one of Sardinia’s greatest, and lies right next to the Molentargius-Saline Park’s serene wetlands. Pink flamingos live here, full stop.