North East Sardinia

Cannigione 

Cannigione is about 15km from the Costa Smeralda. A thriving resort, especially popular in high season, it does not have the designer chic of Porto Cervo, but has a lower-key charm of its own.

There are interesting little shops selling local produce, typical seaside resort boutiques, a weekly market, plus plenty of thriving bars, cafes and restaurants. There are often boat trips to the Costa Smeralda and the islands of La Maddalena from the small port. Beaches in and around the area are stunning and the buildings on the hillsides all coloured in pastel shades make for the perfect picture!

Golfo Aranci

With incredible views over the Gulf of Olbia to the dramatic Isola Tavolara beyond, the quaint town of Golfo Aranci has a few shops, gelaterias and pizzerias. On the south of the peninsular are numerous coves and bays with white sand and electric turquoise sea, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There is a long beach at Pittulongu with a bar and pizzeria. To the north of the peninsular is the stylish Porto Rotondo yacht marina, with a selection of designer boutiques, stylish café bars and restaurants set around the pontoons. From here the beautiful Costa Smeralda coastline leads up to Porto Cervo.

Costa Smeralda 

Costa Smeralda ‘The Emerald Coast’, a name inspired by the emerald colour of the sea, nestles in the north east corner of the island. Luxury hotels and villas, sparkling nightlife, exclusive boutiques, elegant aperitifs and fine dining are what made the Emerald Coast Sardinia’s most glamorous vacation resort. In 1958, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV ‘discovered’ the remote coastline and set about developing an eco-sensitive paradise; Princess Margaret and others soon followed. With Porto Cervo at its centre, once an exclusive retreat for the crème de la crème of society, Porto Cervo is still one of the world's most luxurious resorts. The Costa Smeralda coastline stretches for 55km, with a harmonisation between Mediterranean architecture, natural landscape and seascape encompassing more than 80 beautiful bays, coves and sandy beaches.

Olbia

Olbia is the gateway to the Costa Smeralda on the north east coast with an international airport, ferry port, marina and interesting old town. The town overlooks the Gulf of Olbia and the dramatic Tavolara Island. It has a good selection of shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and in high season a night market with live music! The ancient Greeks called it Olbìa, meaning ‘happiness'.