Porto Cervo
The destiny of the village has changed after the visit of Prince Karim Aga Khan in 1960s. Aga Khan, who was born and grown up in the West, is the spritual-leader of a Shia community called Ismaili and a benefactor of Islamic Arts. After buying a piece of land at Gallura beaches, he built an elite international tourism heaven with the help of Italian architects. Since the development of a giant marina complex in 1980s, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has been welcoming world-class sailors at exclusive regattas like Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Perini Navi Cup.
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Cervo Hotel, Costa Smeralda Resort
A practical hotel belonging to the Sheraton chain, in Porto Cervo center. Although it does not have a coastline, they offer access to their private beach by a yacht service.
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Hotel Cala di Volpe
This luxury hotel that has been envisioned by Aga Khan’s is the most famous of the area. Pevero Golf Course is also nearby.
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Pitritzia
An intimate hotel belonging to the Marriott the chain.
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Romazzino
A classical elegant hotel belonging to the Marriott chain.
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Villa del Golfo
A semi-hidden place in Porto Cervo. The “agriturismo” hotel La Colti and its restaurants, which belong to the same group, deserve a visit too.
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Clipper
A fine-dining restaurant, focused on the seafood.
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Il Pescatore
Within Cervo Hotel, a romatic restaurant just nearby the shore.
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Il Pomodoro
An attractive Italian in Cervo Hotel, with wood-fired pizzas.
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Billionaire
A night club welcoming international jet-set.
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Olbia
This village with a population of sixty thousand has a small but vibrant historical center. Although the village is usually overshadowed by the nearby Porto Cervo, it has a unique character and a much desired calmness in the high season.
Alghero
The historical touristic port of Alghero in the northwest bears the Catalan influence, from its language to the local cuisine. It is a wealthy and well-kept city. In the Old City surrounded by ancient walls, it is still possible to encounter signboards in Catalan language. Famous coral reefs of the island are under strict protection, but the land is also known with jewellery shops that process silver ad coral. Alghero is also known for its Sarda wines, as the region owns some of the best vineyards of the island.
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Su Nuraxi
You would find several antique remnants and important examples of cylindrical towers of famous pre-historic Nuraghi civilization of Sardinia near this town. This unique UNESCO protected site dates back to 1500 B.C and could easily be accessed from the nearby Barumini village.
Cagliari
At Sardinia’s deep south, Cagliari (the capital of the island) lays down. It is the city with the most deliberate Italian character of the island, with its charming squares, beautiful restaurants and pavement cafes. Here are the musts of a quick city tour: The medieval district of Il Castello (Castle), Museo Archeologico Nazionale (Archaeology Museum), Torre dell Elefante (Elephant Towel) as an important symbol of the city, as well as the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and Nostra Signora di Bonaria Cathedral, a Catholic pilgrimage point on top of a hill in the outskirts of the city.
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Hotel Villa Fanny
19 contemporary rooms at an Art Nouveau villa in one of the historical districts of Cagliari.
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Dal Corsaro
At this one Michelin starred restaurant, old recipes are reinterpreted with contemporary creativity by young chef Stefano Deidda.
Best Beaches and Islets
At the far northeast, La Maddalena Archipelago provides some of the most amazing seascapes of Sardinia. Just accross the coastline known as Baia Sardegna, the archipelago consists of 8 islets. They are especially preferred by yacht owners, but there are public boats leaving from Palau as well. Budelli Island is especially remarkable with its crystal clear waters. Costa Smeralda’s iconic Spiaggia del Principe, 5 km-long La Cinta near San Teodoro and Cala Girgolu at Porto San Paolo are among other marvellous beaches of the island.
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La Casitta, Santa Maria Island
An amazing restaurant on an islet, where almost nobody lives, is preferred by daily visitors for lunch that is served at a villa perched on top of a land of 14 acres.
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Phi Beach, Baia Sardegna
Near Baja Hotel, this nice beach club and restaurant on the rocks offers the best sunsets decending on La Maddelana Archipelago. Location just in front of a naval fortress makes this place amazing for the night time as well.