Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda, in Sardinia, is one of the Mediterranean's most captivating destinations, boasting golden beaches and undeniable glamour. This stretch of coastline is renowned for its luxury and breathtaking sea, drawing visitors from across the globe year after year.

On Ferryhopper you'll find everything you need to explore Costa Smeralda and book your ferry in just a few clicks. Browse our travel tips and start planning your next Sardinian adventure!

• Holidays in Costa Smeralda
• Costa Smeralda ports

A stunning sunset over Porto Cervo, the heart of Costa Smeralda

Holidays in Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is a destination that blends elegance with spectacular scenery, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Gallura region. Located in northeastern Sardinia, this area is perfect for a holiday that balances relaxation with entertainment.

A holiday here means discovering a landscape of enchanting beaches, exclusive villages, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The most iconic spots include Porto Cervo, Baia Sardinia, and Porto Rotondo.

The best time to visit Costa Smeralda is late spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild and the resorts are less crowded — the perfect conditions to soak up everything this remarkable corner of Sardinia has to offer.

How do I get to Costa Smeralda, Sardinia?

Costa Smeralda is easy to reach both by sea and by road, as it is well connected with the rest of Sardinia. Year-round ferries to Olbia and Golfo Aranci serve as the main gateways to the region. For more details on ferry connections, check out the Costa Smeralda ferry section below.

The nearest airport is Olbia - Costa Smeralda, which offers flights connecting the region to several European cities. From there, you can reach the coast by car along the scenic SS125, or use the available shuttle and taxi services.

Alternatively, you can reach the area by taking a ferry to Porto Torres on Sardinia's western side. From this port, the destination is about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive along the SS729 toward Olbia.

The Isola Bocca lighthouse, Olbia's iconic "gateway"

What to do in Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda offers a wide range of activities perfect for every kind of traveller. Strolling through Porto Cervo, the heart if the area, you'll find high-end boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, and exclusive bars. It's the perfect place to experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Costa Smeralda while discovering the authentic flavours of Sardinia.

For beach lovers, the beaches of Costa Smeralda are among Sardinia's most famous. Spots like Capriccioli, Liscia Ruja, and the Spiaggia del Principe deliver spectacular scenery and crystal-clear waters.

If you prefer hiking in nature, the Gallura hinterland offers trails through granite hills and cork oak forests. Arzachena, with its Giants' Tombs and ancient nuraghi, gives you a compelling window into Sardinia's prehistoric past.

For a special night out, Porto Cervo and Poltu Quatu boast a lively after-dark scene, from stylish cocktail lounges to exclusive clubs. Whether you're here to unwind, explore, or party, Costa Smeralda has something to surprise you!

Beaches in Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is famous for its heavenly beaches, with white sand and turquoise waters. In summer, the most popular ones fill up fast, so we recommend arriving early to claim the best spot!

Here are some of the beaches you shouldn't miss:

1. Spiaggia del Principe: one of the most beautiful in the area, featuring white sand, transparent water, and pink granite rocks. Easy to reach, it offers sunbed and umbrella rentals.
2. Cala di Volpe: an exclusive inlet with spectacular beaches like Liscia Ruja and Petra Bianca. Surrounded by lush Mediterranean scrub, it is a favorite for those seeking privacy.
3. La Celvia: a beach with coarse-grained sand and a seabed rich in marine life, making it perfect for snorkeling. Surrounded by villas and greenery, it is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds.
4. Spiaggia dell’Elefante: a small, untouched oasis reachable by swimming or walking across the rocks. It takes its name from a characteristic rock formation and offers an authentic connection with nature.
5. Cala Granu: a beach sheltered from the wind, ideal for families thanks to its shallow waters. Equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, it is easily accessible by both land and sea.
6. Piccolo Pevero: a small bay with white sand and emerald-green water. It features various services for a comfortable stay.
7. Grande Pevero: larger and suitable for families, this beach offers shallow waters and water sports facilities.
8. Capo Ferro and Cala del Faro: Capo Ferro is a rocky headland with spectacular views and a scenic lighthouse. Cala del Faro, with its white and pink sand, is perfect for relaxation.

Cala Capriccioli, a gem in the Arzachena territory

Sightseeing in Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda isn't only about its stunning waters; the area also boasts a historical, cultural, and natural heritage.

Here are some of the top attractions in Costa Smeralda:

1. Porto Cervo: the glamorous centrepiece of the coast, this village hosts superyachts from around the world and combines traditional Sardinian architecture with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and refined dining.
2. Nuraghe Albucciu: an important nuragic site near Arzachena, this well-preserved ancient structure is a testament to Sardinia's prehistoric civilisation and offers lovely views over the surrounding countryside.
3. San Pantaleo: a charming hilltop village built in granite, with a lively central square and a Thursday artisan market where you can buy local products.
4. Coddu Vecchiu Giants' Tomb: one of the best-preserved nuragic burial monuments in Sardinia, located near Arzachena. It offers a fascinating window into the island's ancient history.
5. Olbia Archaeological Museum: home to Phoenician, Roman, and nuragic artifacts, this museum provides a comprehensive overview of Sardinia's history.

Nightlife in Costa Smeralda

The nightlife in Costa Smeralda is a perfect fusion of elegance, fun, and pure glamour; it's no surprise that this stretch of coastline has become the go-to destination for anyone chasing the buzz of Mediterranean summer nights.

The heart of the action is the seafront of Baja Sardinia, where sunset aperitivos are a ritual you simply can't skip. Phi Beach, perched above the water with panoramic views, is the perfect setting for a cocktail as the sky turns gold. Long-standing icon Sottovento, in business for over thirty years, keeps the energy going into the night with live music and exclusive guest appearances.

Those chasing the ultimate luxury experience will feel right at home at Billionaire, a VIP favourite. Over in Porto Rotondo, Blue Beach is the spot for a quintessential Costa Smeralda evening.

Food in Costa Smeralda

The food scene in Costa Smeralda is a true feast, blending Sardinian culinary tradition with modern influences. Local dishes tell the story of this beautiful region, with a strong emphasis on fish and regional specialities.

Here are some specialities you can't miss during your visit to Costa Smeralda:

• Grilled fish
• Fregola con arselle (sardinian pasta with clams)
• Porceddu (roasted suckling pig)
• Seadas (honey-drizzled cheese pastries)
• Bottarga (cured mullet roe)
• Culurgiones (Sardinian dumplings)
• Pane carasau (Traditional crispy flatbread)

Tip: for an authentic taste of Sardinia, stop in at one of the traditional trattorias in the area!

Traditional seadas, a delight you can't miss!

Island-hopping from Costa Smeralda

While visiting Costa Smeralda, don't miss the chance to explore the stunning La Maddalena Archipelago. Located just 40 km from Porto Cervo, the islands are easily accessible by ferries departing from Palau.

The Palau - La Maddalena route runs year-round and is operated by Maddalena Lines, with multiple crossings every day. The journey takes just 15-20 minutes, with extra sailings added in peak season for maximum flexibility.

Given the short distance and frequent ferry services, a day trip to La Maddalena is one of the highlights of any visit to northern Sardinia. Check the ferry timetables from Palau and get ready to discover this extraordinary island!

Travel tips for Costa Smeralda

Here are a few useful tips to help you make the most of your time in Costa Smeralda:

1. Book ahead: during high season, accommodation and ferry tickets can sell out quickly. Planning in advance is the best way to secure your ideal trip.
2. Bring your car or campervan: a campervan or car is the best way to explore Sardinia freely and reach the more off-the-beaten-path beaches at your own pace.
3. Go beach hopping: Costa Smeralda's coastline has numerous wonderfu beaches. Take the time to explore them all; each one has its own character and landscape worth discovering.

Useful information about Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is well set up for visitors, with a full range of services designed to make your stay comfortable. In the main towns you'll find banks, ATMs, and pharmacies within easy walking distance or a short bus ride. Paid parking is available near the most visited attractions for those travelling by car.

Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from lavish five-star resorts to more affordable hotels, most within easy reach of the beaches or the main town centres. The area is served by public transport links connecting the various localities with Olbia's port.

Costa Smeralda also has modern medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics. The vast majority of shops and restaurants accept credit cards, so you can holiday here without a worry.

Getting around Costa Smeralda by car

There are no particular restrictions on driving in Sardinia — in fact, a car is the recommended way to explore the island and reach its most secluded corners at your own leisure. Whether you bring your own vehicle or rent one locally, you'll be able to move around with complete freedom, including to those stunning beaches that public transport simply doesn't reach.

While Sardinia has no motorways, it's well served by fast, well-maintained roads running along the coast and connecting the main towns. Traffic does build up in summer, particularly in July and August, so factor in some extra travel time.

One thing to check before you go: some town centres operate ZTL (restricted traffic zones), with access limitations and parking rules that vary by area and time of day. Always check the official websites of your planned destinations for the latest regulations to avoid fines.

The La Maddalena Archipelago seen from Bear Rock (Roccia dell'Orso) in Palau

Important phone numbers for your stay in Costa Smeralda

Here are some useful numbers to keep handy during your stay:

• Port authority Olbia - Golfo Aranci: +390789204179
• Port authority Porto Torres: +39079515151
• Olbia Tourism Office: +39078952206
• ARST Public Transport: +390784294173
• Olbia Hospital (Giovanni Paolo II): +390789552200
• Out-of-hours medical service: +390789552441
• Emergency number: 112

Transportation in Costa Smeralda

Getting around Costa Smeralda is straightforward, though the best option depends on your travel style. A car is undoubtedly the most flexible choice if you wish to reach secluded beaches and inland villages.

For those relying on public transport, ARST buses offer a practical alternative. Line 604 links Olbia to Porto Cervo, while Line 605 continues to Palau. Services aren't always frequent, so it's worth checking timetables in advance.

You can also get around by renting an e-bike, a scooter, or booking an Uber, which does operate in the area, offering convenient rides at competitive prices.

Ports in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Costa Smeralda is served by 2 main ports, Olbia and Golfo Aranci. These connect Sardinia with mainland Italy and Corsica via year-round and seasonal routes operated by several ferry companies.

Olbia port is the primary gateway for travellers heading to Costa Smeralda. Located just minutes from the city centre, it features a modern passenger terminal with shops, restaurants, and direct connections to the area's main tourist spots.

A short distance from Olbia, Golfo Aranci port is a key access point for the Gallura region and the Costa Smeralda coastline. The port area is well equipped, and nearby you'll find gorgeous beaches including Cala Moresca and Spiaggia Bianca.

Costa Smeralda ferries: routes and tickets

Costa Smeralda Sardinia is accessible by sea through the ports of Olbia and Golfo Aranci, both served by regular crossings from mainland Italy.

Routes are operated by Grimaldi Lines, Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), Tirrenia, Moby Lines, and Corsica Ferries. Sailing frequency increases significantly during the summer months.

Here are the main routes currently in operation:

• Piombino - Golfo Aranci ferry: the Piombino - Golfo Aranci route operates in August only, with 1-2 weekly departures on Saturdays. Crossing time is approximately 7 hours.
• Livorno - Golfo Aranci ferry: the Livorno - Golfo Aranci route runs year-round, with around 3 weekly sailings in low season. From April to October there is 1 departure per day, rising to up to 2 daily in peak season (July-September). Journey time is 10 to 13 hours.
• Bastia - Golfo Aranci ferry: the Bastia - Golfo Aranci route offers occasional departures, with a crossing time of around 7 hours 30 minutes.
• Genoa - Olbia ferry: in high season, up to 5 daily crossings operate from Genoa to Olbia, with journey times ranging from 10 to 12 hours 30 minutes.
• Livorno - Olbia ferry: running year-round, the Livorno - Olbia route offers up to 4 daily departures. Crossing time ranges from 7 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours.
• Piombino - Olbia ferry: the Piombino - Olbia route runs from June to September with 3 sailings per week, operating almost daily in peak season. Journey time is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
• Civitavecchia - Olbia ferry: in winter there is 1 daily departure from Civitavecchia to Olbia. In high season, this rises to up to 3 daily sailings. Travel time varies between 5 and 8 hours 30 minutes.

Book online ferry tickets to Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Booking your ferry tickets to Costa Smeralda has never been easier with Ferryhopper! Browse the ferry routes to Sardinia, explore our Map of ferries, and start planning your trip today.