Costa Smeralda

The Costa Smeralda, (or Emerald Coast), is a 35-mile stretch of some of the most breathtaking beaches and luxury destinations in the Mediterranean. The development of the Emerald Coast in Sardinia began in the early 1960s when a conglomerate of companies backed by a wealthy Middle Eastern prince introduced an elaborate plan for urban development including villages, beaches, and resorts. Nearly a half-century later Costa Smeralda is one of the most enviable destinations for affluent travelers around the world. The luxury accommodations, dining, shopping, pristine beaches, and nightlife make the Emerald Coast in Sardinia the “playground of the rich.”

Other destinations in the Mediterranean, Ibiza for instance, have become increasingly popular in the last few decades largely because of the fact that much of the island is geared toward catering to travelers who are seeking out luxury accommodations, boutiques, spas, and more. This is true for many of the posh destinations around the world, but it is doubtful that any have been developed with the same level of exacting detail with which Costa Smeralda was constructed.

The Costa Smeralda beaches provide the perfect natural venue for some of the most expensive and elaborate resorts in the Mediterranean. It is known as the Emerald Coast in Sardinia largely because of the awe-inspiring water that, throughout the course of one day on the island, displays brilliant shades of blue that reflect the sun like an ever-changing gem stone. Visitors to the Costa Smeralda beaches enjoy fine white sand and a stunning natural landscape of bays and inlets that are accentuated by unique foliage and vegetation, as well as rocky promontories and high-reaching coast lines. There is full-time security on the beaches and access to plenty of water sports and other activities. The luxury hotels and resorts on the Emerald Coast in Sardinia provide you with access to lush and exclusive areas of the long stretch of beach where you can enjoy your vacation in relative privacy. It's also a good idea to check into vacation packages that include one of the resorts in Costa Smeralda.

Staying in one of the hotels in Costa Smeralda is expensive, especially during peak season. You can expect to pay between $2000 and $3000 for one night at a luxury accommodation on the exclusive Emerald Coast. The Cala di Volpe, Cervo Hotel, Hotel Romazzino, Hotel Pitrizza comprise the main luxury resorts on this coastal area of the island of Sardinia. Each of these hotels is fantastically well appointed, offering guests nearly every imaginable amenity to ensure an ideal stay on the island. Many of the affluent guests charter boats from the marina in Porto Cervo or enjoy a round of golf at the Pervero Golf Club. There is also private jet access in nearby Olbia as well as helicopter transport.

The Costa Smeralda beaches are already majestic on their own. When you add the benefits of luxury resorts and world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, you have an Emerald Coast experience. It is the most exclusive part of Sardinia and an area that grows in popularity every year. Even though its tradition is one of extreme affluence and exclusivity, the resort destination is even growing in popularity among savvy travelers who have figured out how to travel there cheaply, take in all of the impressive sights, but stay in a nearby and more reasonably priced accommodation.