Villa Maddalena, Porto Cervo - Sardinia

Porto Cervo is one of the best-known destinations on the Costa Smeralda, in north-east Sardinia. From the early 1960s, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV helped develop this stretch of coast into an internationally renowned holiday destination. Architects designed hotels, villas and little squares with soft colours and curved forms that echoed the granite rocks and Mediterranean vegetation. Despite its village-like appearance, much of Porto Cervo was carefully planned.
Exclusive boutiques, restaurants and café terraces cluster around the central Piazzetta. In summer, the resort attracts Italian and international celebrities, with large yachts in the harbours and luxury resorts dotted across the surrounding hills. You can also enjoy a simple stroll through the lanes and around the old harbour. Above the marina stands the white church of Stella Maris, designed by Michele Busiri Vici, with views across the boats and the bay.
There is plenty of choice for a day at the beach. Grande Pevero and Piccolo Pevero lie south of Porto Cervo, followed further along the coast by Liscia Ruja, the coves of Capriccioli and Spiaggia del Principe. Each has its own character, from broad sandy bays to smaller beaches framed by granite rocks. Explore our guide to the best beaches around the Costa Smeralda to find your favourite.
For a walk through the Mediterranean scrub, follow the Pevero Health Trail to Monte Zoppu, with viewpoints overlooking the coast. The climb calls for sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness. Inland, the countryside around Arzachena reveals another side of the region, with old farmsteads, nuraghi and giants’ tombs scattered among Gallura’s granite hills.