About Costa Smeralda
One of the most exclusive destinations in Italy, Costa Smeralda is a small slice of paradise on the north Sardinian coast. Made for relaxation, its soft white-sand beaches stretch for over 20km along the shore. Off the coast, the waters of Costa Smeralda can seem to be alive with sailing boats. If you time your visit correctly you can be a part of the glamorous events that surround the Sardinia Sailing Regatta.
Yet it’s not all la dolce vita here. There’s plenty of la vita tranquilla, too. With secluded villas on large estates there’s plenty of peace and blissful escape on offer. Set in the verdant hills you’ll be surrounded by the wild nature of Sardinia. Mediterranean scrub scent fills the air, and sweeping views encompass wide open spaces filled with pristine nature, olive trees and granite rocks. The landscape’s primordial beauty here is hard to match.
If you should tire of gazing at the views and lying beside the pool in your luxury Costa Smeralda villa, there are plenty of welcoming distractions. Unsurprisingly, watersports abound in Sardinia. The blue-tinted waters and rocky reefs off the coast make it a heavenly spot for snorkelling or scuba diving. From parasailing to banana boats, there are plenty of other thrill-seeking activities to enjoy too.
One of this Italian island’s secret gems is Neptune’s Grotto. This seafront cave is a maze of natural columns, where stalactite and stalagmites meet to produce some exquisite underground terrain. After a guided tour, sample Sardinia’s locally produced wine with a seafood dinner and then, as the sun sinks beneath the shimmering Mediterranean waters, say goodnight to another perfect day in paradise.
Time Zone
GMT +1 hour
Language
Italian
Currency
Euro
Tipping
You are not expected to tip on top of restaurant service charges, though leaving a small amount is common practice. If there is no service charge, you might consider leaving 10%/15%, but it is not obligatory. In bars any small change is left as a tip. Tipping taxi drivers is also not mandatory but suggested.