Landing in Porto Cervo and delving into the heart of the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia feels like stepping into a dream. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, evocative rocky promontories, and the heady scents of the Mediterranean scrub offer a unique experience. More than sixty kilometers of coastline stretch along the Gallura shore in northeastern Sardinia, from Porto Cervo and Porto to Cannigione, passing by Rotondo and Baja Sardinia. But it is precisely Porto Cervo, a hamlet of the municipality of Arzachena in the province of Sassari, one of the most prestigious places in Sardinia: originally inhabited by fishermen, the village today ranks among the elite tourism destinations. It is no accident that it is also called the emerald capital.
What to See in Porto Cervo
The center of Porto Cervo is a labyrinth of alleys, squares, and exclusive residences that for almost six decades has attracted and welcomed travelers from every corner of the globe. The famous Piazzetta delle Chiacchiere is surrounded by stylish boutiques and trendy restaurants and offers a splendid view of the Marina, with luxury motorboats and yachts moored. Not to be missed is the Stella Maris church, perched on a hill overlooking the Porto Cervo gulf. The village atmosphere is truly vacation-like, with relaxed rhythms, the colors of the Mediterranean, and the good life.
Dream Beaches
It goes without saying that the main reason people come to Porto Cervo is the beaches, among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean and in the world. The most beautiful and accessible are:
- Pevero Beach — comprised of two beaches, the Grande Pevero and the Piccolo Pevero. Pevero Beach tempts with crystal-clear water and shallow seabeds; it is very crowded in summer and particularly loved by families.
- Liscia Ruja — also known as Long Beach, one of the largest beaches, offering long walks on golden sand and turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Cala Granu — a small sheltered bay with white, fine sand, perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. A postcard-perfect spot.
- Principe Beach — considered one of the most beautiful, it bears the name of the Aga Khan, who fell in love with this area in the 1960s. The beach is ideal for snorkeling thanks to its clear waters.
- Romazzino — surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, famous for its natural landscape and emerald waters.
- Cala Capriccioli — a fine-sand beach with crystal-clear seas, framed by granite rocks and Mediterranean scrub.
Excursions Nearby
The best way to explore the surroundings of Porto Cervo is to arrange boat trips or car excursions. Here are a few unmissable destinations:
- Baja Sardinia is an ancient fishing village transformed into a renowned tourist resort with accommodations and the splendid Cala Battistoni beach. A pleasant pause in the village square is highly recommended.
- Capo Ferro offers a breathtaking overlook of the La Maddalena archipelago and the Pelagos Marine Mammal Sanctuary. The old white-and-red lighthouse, situated beneath Capo Ferro’s beacon, is today one of the most photographed spots on the Costa Smeralda, and you’ll hardly resist snapping a photo!
- Arzachena. With numerous nuragic monuments such as the nuraghe Albucciu, the tomb of Li Lolghi, the necropolis of Li Muri, and the La Prisgiona village, the Arzachena area stands as an exceptional archaeological record and deserves a visit to enrich a seaside and nature-filled vacation.
From the yachting harbors of Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia depart numerous boats bound for the Capuchin Islands, Li Nibani, and the Bisce Islands:
- Isola dei Cappuccini is a small islet located about 500 meters off the northwest coast of Sardinia, within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. It is a true pristine paradise, characterized by wild, untouched nature, crystal-clear waters, and fine-sand beaches. The island owes its name to a Capuchin monk convent that settled there in the 16th century. Today the convent lies in ruins, but it still dominates the island from above, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding coastline.
- Li Nibani, a group of islets belonging to the La Maddalena Archipelago, ideal for swimming amidst pristine nature, for birdwatching with species such as hawks and gulls, but also for trekking, diving, and snorkeling.
- Isola delle Bisce, also part of the La Maddalena Archipelago, is part of the Bonifacio Straits International Park. It is a true paradise of unspoiled nature, with crystal-clear waters and fine-sand beaches. The island offers opportunities to spot various endemic bird species.
Nightlife in Porto Cervo
As with the entire Costa Smeralda coast, Porto Cervo’s nightlife buzzes vigorously until the early hours. Here you will find some of the island’s most famous clubs and venues, often exclusive and upscale. The village squares and the tourist ports are excellent places for a dinner or an aperitif.
Specialties of Sardinian Cuisine
Sardinian cuisine features dishes based on fish, lamb, kid, and porceddu (roast suckling pig). As first courses: culurgiones are stuffed pasta filled with potatoes, pecorino, and mint, elongated in shape with a pointed edge reminiscent of a sheaf; malloreddu means “little gnocchi” and refers to what is commonly called Sardinian gnocchetti; sa fregula is one of the island’s most distinctive and ancient products, tiny grains of semolina and water served with meat or fish-based sauces. All of this is best enjoyed with excellent local wines.
Practical Information
Arrival and Getting Around Porto Cervo
Airlines ensure frequent domestic connections to Olbia-Costa Smeralda airport, especially in the summer. Sardinia can also be reached by sea, arriving at Olbia harbor with ferries from Genoa, Civitavecchia and Livorno. For internal travel, the ideal is to have your own vehicle or rent one, whether a car or a scooter.
Trivia
The name derives from the shape of the natural harbor, its coastline branching out like the antlers of a deer down to the slopes of the surrounding low hills.
