The north east coast looks like a magical cocktail of sea, sun and joy that is almost impossible to resist. Located on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, between the Gulfs of Arzachena and Cugnana, it owes its name to the particular color of the sea and to the chromatic variations of the transparent waters that creep into a labyrinth of granite rocks, forming enchanting views
The prince Karim Aga Khan madly in love with this wild and inaccessible land decided to buy these paradise lands and had a clear vision in his mind about creating a tourist paradise resort which also included a flight company formely Meridiana.
Just because unique, this kind of nature has attracted celebrities from around the world since the early years: big names in the jet set, sport, finance, politics and industry have been and are at home in Porto Cervo and have decisively contributing to create the fame of a vacation spot: Greta Garbo, Margaret of England, Gianni Agnelli, Jacqueline Kennedy, Juan Carlos, Harrison Ford, Sting just to name a few.
WHY THE THE NORTH EAST IS A POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION?
The Emerald Coast is synonymous with dream beaches, solitary coves and soft sea shades. In this extraordinary panorama arise low houses, surrounded by granite and Mediterranean scrub, numerous villas, golf courses and marinas perfectly integrated into the naturalistic framework.
To these elements are added the history and culture of a region with ancient traditions and an effervescent nightlife that takes place in trendy clubs, small restaurants, bars and shops of the enchanting Porto Cervo, the pearl of the Costa Smeralda.
Cheerful, colorful and worldly, this sophisticated resort is a real eden, chosen and frequented every summer by the aristocracy and the international jet-set, who arrive with their massive yachts.
5 reasons to visit this spectacular stretch of Sardinia coast
- amazing beaches
- fancy locals and nightlife
- celebreties spotting
- beach activities and water sports
- great food
WHAT TO VISIT IN THE NORTH-EAST
The whole coast is surrounded by fascinating places to discover; proceeding from Porto Cervo to the south you will find enchanting beaches that from Golfo del Pevero lead to Cala di Volpe passing through Punta Capriccioli, in front of which lie the islands of Mortorio and Soffi, included in the Maddalena National Park.
Another well-known place is Porto Rotondo: overlooking the wide Gulf of Cugnana, is populated by villas and squares with all kinds of shops, set by a magnificent nature.
10 Best sights in Gallura region and the north east
- PORTO CERVO
- PORTO ROTONDO
- POLTU QUADU
- BAJA SARDINIA
- CANNIGIONE
- ROMAZZINO
- PALAU
- MARINELLA
- GOLFO ARANCI
- ARCIPELAGO DE LA MADDALENA
10 SPECTACULAR BEACHES IN THE NORTH-EAST
- LISCIA RUJA beach
- PICCOLO PEVERO beach
- CAPRICCIOLI beach
- ROMAZZINO beach
- PRINCIPE beach
- LA CELVIA beach
- RENA BIANCA beach
- MARINELLA beach
- TANCA MANNA beach
- CALA CAPRA beach
Where to stay in the northern-east
HOW TO REACH THE NORTH-EAST SARDINIA
- TRAVELING FROM OLBIA
by bus
Bus company ARST line 604 departs from Olbia and makes several stops at Arzachena, Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia
Bus company Sunlines depart from Olbia port and airport and reach most sights of Costa Smeralda like Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia, Capriccioli, Cannigione.
Bus company Caramellitours departs from Olbia port and city centre and gets to Porto Cervo, Liscia di Vacca and baja Sardinia. See timetable here
by car
Easy way to travel by car. Porto cervo is a short drive from Olbia about 30 Km away
by private transfer
Book in advance your private transfer (Uber is not available in Sardinia)
- TRAVELING FROM ALGHERO
by car
The route Alghero-Olbia is quite easy and it takes about 2h driving for about 150 Km. Reach Olbia first and head after to Porto Cervo
by bus
Sunlines bus company from June to October offers connection between Alghero and Olbia
by train
From train station in Alghero take train to Sassari and Olbia after. From Olbia bus station ARST take bus line 604 to Porto Cervo
- TRAVELING FROM CAGLIARI
>> Driving by car around Sardinia
by car
Motorway SS131 and get the road diramazione centrale nuorese. 3h 20 min with no traffic
by bus
Bus company Turmotravel from Cagliari centre Piazza Matteotti gets to Olbia Poltu Quadu. See timetable here
by train
Train from Cagliari to Olbia. From Olbia bus station ARST take bus line 604 to Porto Cervo
Do you need a rental car in Sardinia?
The answer is YES! here’s the reasons why
freedom and accessible hidden sites: don’t have to worry about bus stops and public transport delays. A private cab will defintely cost you more and please note uber is not available in Sardinia
save money: many low cost car rentals companies are available at any airport. taxis are much more expensives in sardinia. public transport not always reliable and confortable
Stay comfortable: nothing more comfortable than move at your own pace and time
Don’t forget that if you are from another country and planning a road trip in north-east Sardinia then you need to get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Northern-east Sardinia: elite destination
Costa Smeralda has a reputation for being very expensive, but you can enjoy the best it has to offer without emptying your wallet. If you think that is a destination only for a few and the most lucky ones, this is quite untrue! The truth is that you can enjoy the most beautiful places and beaches and making the most of it even if you are on a budget. Simply you go to the right places…
When to go?
It’s about timing. Visiting Sardinia during the most crowded months of July and August should be avoided. It will be very difficult to find an accommodation at a reasonable price. In general hotel rates are the lowest in June and September and these are great months to visit because the city’s peak season is concentrated on the two months
Where to sleep
If you are on a budegt, forget the 5 star resorts with private beach of Porto Cervo. The most luxury resorts are a real dream and costs can reach up 5000€ per night. Unless you want to be a millionaire for a day you have to move a little bit further from the coast. (yet, not so much!) You can find a good accommodation at a good price in the nearby villages around Porto Cervo. One of the closest village is Arzachena. This is a good option because located only a short drive to Porto Cervo and to the most nicest beaches.
SEARCH ON THE MAP YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN NORTH-EAST SARDINIA
Booking.comWhere to eat
Wherever place you go in Italy and in Sardinia for a meal you won’t be disappointed even on the most economic place. Don’t need to have dinner at Porto Cervo plaza for a good tasty meal. Again out of the glamour you’ll find the best place to eat out.
Go to Da Serafino at Cannigione and try the best pizza in the area
La Vecchia Costa in Arzachena village. Just 5 mins from Porto Cervo good traditional italian restaurant
Agriturismo Cabu Abbas a typical agriturismo inland near Olbia. Excellent Sardinian dishes, porcetto, Zuppa Gallurese (bread soup), in a cozy and with a beautiful view. The reception is what is expected in Sardinia. Unmissable!
WHAT TO DO IN THE AREA
Book a fun tour on board of the italian Ape Tuk Tuk or the tour on MiniVan for small groups
THE AMAZING LA MADDALENA ISLANDS. BOOK YOUR TOUR ONLINE