If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia, you won’t want to miss visiting the stunning Emerald Coast in northeast Sardinia! In this guide, you’ll find all the best things to do along the Emerald Coast, plus where to stay and dine while you’re there.
Caribbean-level beaches, picturesque views, exceptional food, and endless sunshine – it is not difficult to see the allure of Sardinia. The island has so much to offer for every traveler. From beautiful beaches to trendy clubs, it is a place that should be on every adventurer’s summer bucket list.
While beauty can be found everywhere in Sardinia, the Emerald Coast is arguably its most spectacular part. In this guide, I’ll dive into everything you need to know – the best things to do along Sardinia’s Emerald Coast, how to get there, and so much more.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Sardinia’s Emerald Coast!
How to Get There
To reach Sardinia, the easiest way is to fly into one of the island’s three airports: Olbia Airport (OLB), Alghero Airport (AHO), or Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG). The airports are all very well-connected throughout Europe with direct flights from London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona and many more cities.
The coast of northeast Sardinia boasts some of the best beaches on the island. To get there, it is best to fly into Olbia Airport since it is located in northeast Sardinia. If you fly in Alghero, you will have to drive around 2 hours. And, Cagliari is even further; it will take around 3 and a half hours’ drive to reach northeast Sardinia.
The Best Time to Visit
To experience the Emerald Coast at its best, plan your vacation to Sardinia in the height of summer. During this time, the coast is bustling with energy and you can expect the weather to be hot and sunny.
I visited the Emerald Coast in August which is definitely peak season. While it was perhaps more crowded than it may be in other months, there are so many beautiful beaches that if one is too crowded, you can easily find another. We also had perfect sunny days that were ideal for spending the day floating in the sea (my absolute favorite activity!).
However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider visiting the Emerald Coast in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early fall when there won’t be as many visitors. September generally has fewer crowds and offers warm, sunny beach days. Plus, the water temperature will still be around 72 degrees so you can have a refreshing dip to cool off!
How Many Days Will You Need?
If you’re wondering how much time you’ll need to explore the Emerald Coast, there is no right or wrong answer and it really all depends on what kind of vacation you’d like to have!
Some travelers prefer to book a week-long vacation to experience the stunning beaches to the fullest. While others plan to explore the coast for just two or three days to see the highlights. Either way, the Emerald Coast will be a memorable destination regardless of how many days you decide to stay.
Last summer, I spent a week exploring this gorgeous coastal region and I’m still longing to go back and explore more of the beautiful beaches. If you have the time, I would definitely recommend staying for a week to really soak in the beauty but if you’re short on time, a couple of days will give you a good feel for the area!
How to Get Around
The best way to get around the Emerald Coast is by car. If you’re planning to stay at a resort for the week and just want to enjoy the beach without hopping around, then I would suggest setting up transportation from the airport to your hotel. But if you want to explore the coastline, the best option is definitely renting a car. This will be the easiest and most convenient way to see all of the wonderful sights around the Emerald Coast!
If you plan to visit La Maddalena (which you should!), you can take your car on the ferry from Palau and explore both La Maddalena and Caprera islands.
The region is also a popular place for a boat trip so you could opt to charter a catamaran or yacht with a group for the week and see all the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters from your very own vessel. It’s an ideal way to visit these sun-drenched island coastlines!
Where to Stay on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast is known as a luxury destination, which is why accommodations tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Sardinia. If you are looking for an upscale experience, you won’t be disappointed!
But even if you are on a budget, you can find comfortable and cozy hotels and rentals to experience La Dolce Vita! Here are some of my top hotel picks on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast.
Luxury
- Hotel Cala di Volpe: This glamorous hotel is a destination in itself! Looking over an idyllic bay, Hotel Cala di Volpe makes the perfect backdrop to your luxury getaway.
- L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort: A small luxury hotel that features scenic views of the La Maddalena islands… what could be better?
- Petra Segreta Resort & Spa: Set in the rolling hills of San Pantaleo, this breathtaking property is made up of traditional Sardinian houses so it feels more like you’re in a luxury villa than a hotel!
- Hotel Pitrizza: Located in the Porto Cervo area, Hotel Pitrizza has a stunning private beach with perfect waters for swimming.
- Hotel Romazzino: Another beautiful hotel option in Porto Cervo featuring stunning coastal views and beautiful design.
Mid-range
- Cervo Hotel: Located right in the center of the iconic Porto Cervo piazza, Cervo Hotel has its own private beach which is truly special!
- Colonna Resort: This resort features large pools, a private beach and coastal views — perfect for a relaxing getaway!
- Albero Capovolto: A charming bed & breakfast that features beautiful Sardinian architecture and a picturesque pool looking over the countryside.
- Relais Villa Carola: Located near Porto Cervo, this beautiful hotel makes a great base for exploring more of the Emerald Coast.
- Bagaglino I Giardini Di Porto Cervo: This expansive hotel has stunning coastal views and a private beach with excellent swimming conditions.
Budget
- Colonna Hotel Country & Sporting: A resort style hotel at a lower price point? Yes, please! Featuring several swimming pools and coastal views, you can’t go wrong with this option.
- AllegroItalia Porto Cervo: With clean, spacious rooms, this hotel is a great option in the Porto Cervo area.
- B&B Kenzia: A lovely bed & breakfast located in Olbia that is very well-reviewed.
- Hotel Canne al Vento: Just a 10 minute walk from the beach, Hotel Canne al Vento is known for its welcoming owners and impressive buffet breakfast.
- Guest House Villabianca: Located on La Maddalena island, Villabianca is a great base for exploring more of the islands’ beaches.
The Best Restaurants on the Emerald Coast
Italy has gained a reputation for being the ultimate foodie destination, and Sardinia is no exception. On the Emerald Coast, your taste buds are guaranteed to have a delectable trip! So whether you are looking for charming family restaurants or wish to have a fine dining experience, you are in for a treat.
From incredible pizza to delicious gelato, here are some of the top restaurants you won’t want to miss on the Emerald Coast!
- Pizzeria Ichnos in San Pantaleo: This casual pizzeria was one of my favorite meals in Sardinia… and it’s located right in the charming town of San Pantaleo! Stop by for some incredible, authentic pizza and friendly service.
- Caffe Nina: This cute cafe overlooks the quaint town square in San Pantaleo making it a great place to grab a cappuccino and pastry. They also have a lively aperitivo scene with some tasty cocktails!
- Il Fuoco Sacro: Located at the beautiful Petra Segreta hotel in San Pantaleo, this elegant restaurant uses local farm fresh ingredients and features a breathtaking view.
- Il Buon Gelato & SPUN Gelato: Il Buon Gelato is a casual yet oh-so-delicious gelato shop in San Pantaleo with some of the best gelato I had in Sardinia! And nearby SPUN Gelato was equally delicious with more of a gourmet feel. I recommend trying both if you’re visiting San Pantaleo. When in Rome, right?
- Phi Beach & Restaurant: Both a lively beach club and restaurant, Phi Beach serves creative Italian cuisine with a gorgeous sea view. Guests can enjoy dinner in the dining room and then head to the open-air venue for live music and dance the night away!
→ Read Next: My Wild Night at Phi Beach in Sardinia!
- Somu: This Michelin starred restaurant serves upscale Italian cuisine with an incredible sea view. Perfect for a special occasion dinner!
- La Scogliera: Set on La Maddalena island with gorgeous coastal views, La Scogliera has a lovely setting! We dined here for lunch and found it had a buzzy, international vibe. We really enjoyed the food and the dishes featured premium ingredients like truffle and sea urchin — with prices to match! If you’re looking for a beautiful beach spot for lunch with a lively international jet set crowd, La Scogliera is it (just be prepared to spend some $$$!).
→ Read Next: A Lux Lunch at La Scogliera (Wagyu, Truffles, Oh My!)
- ConFusion: Located in Porto Cervo, ConFusion is another Michelin starred restaurant that features globally inspired and artistic dishes.
- da Giovannino: This cozy Italian restaurant in Porto Rotondo has some incredible pasta and authentic dishes.
- La Gritta: Situated on a beautiful garden terrace with sea views, La Gritta will certainly be a memorable dining experience. Perfect for a romantic dinner in Palau!
- Ristorante & Wine Bar S’Andira: If you’re near Capo Testa, stop by this restaurant and wine bar for lunch with a view.
Top Things to do on the Emerald Coast
The great thing about the Emerald Coast is that it has something to offer for every traveler. For maximum relaxation, Sardinia has some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches and top luxury hotels. For more adventurous visitors, there are tons of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and windsurfing. No matter what your preference is, these are some of the best things to do on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast to add to your itinerary for this beautiful island!
Porto Cervo
As far as the best things to do on the Emerald Coast go, visiting Porto Cervo is one of the most popular. The seaside resort, known as a celebrity magnet, can be considered the Emerald Coast’s main center. It’s the perfect base for exploring the region and it’s large marina means that boat charters often set sail from here.
Visit the Stella Maris Church, which has a strong resemblance to the work of Gaudi. Wander around the town’s granite pathways and check out the designer shops. Sip a delicious cocktail at one of the fabulous clubs (though be prepared – they don’t come cheap), and – if you are lucky enough – you might even spot a celebrity or two!
Porto Rotondo
Compared to other places in Sardinia, Porto Rotondo has fewer tourists, so you have the opportunity to have more authentic travel experiences. The small port has a big reputation for having the best scenery in all of the island, so it should definitely be on your Sardinia itinerary.
La Maddalena islands
When visiting the Emerald Coast, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the La Maddalena archipelago for some island-hopping swims.. The archipelago is made up of 7 islands: La Maddalena island, Caprera island, Budelli island, Santa Maria, Spargi, Santo Stefano, and Razzoli.
The main island is La Maddalena, which is renowned for its crystal clear waters, fascinating coves, and spectacular beaches. The main town of La Maddalena is small but lovely — even just strolling through the charming town and along the port is a wonderful experience!
Palau
If you plan to explore the Maddalena archipelago, you’ll probably want to start your adventure in Palau – a small and welcoming beach resort where you will find unspoiled beaches, cozy cafes, and pink colored houses.
San Pantaleo
The famous coast is dotted with small villages that all contain the charm of traditional Italian life. One of the best things to do is to visit San Pantaleo and get the feel of authentic Sardinia. Ideally, plan your visit on a Thursday morning to experience the bustling marketplace in the small squares.
→ Read Next: Guide to Visiting San Pantaleo (Everything You Need to Know!)
Golfo Aranci
Just a few miles away from some of the most luxurious beach resorts on the Emerald Coast, you will find Golfo Aranci – the perfect place to go scuba diving, spotting dolphins, fishing, and dramatic coastal swims.
Unlike Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, Golfo Aranci is much cheaper, so you won’t have to break the bank. While you are there, stop by the awe-inspiring Cala Moresca beach, which features impressive cliffs, golden sand and views of Isola di Figarolo.
Capo Testa
Run out of ideas on things to do on the Emerald Coast? Visit Capo Testa, which is the farthest point of Northeastern Sardinia. Breathtaking panoramic views are guaranteed!
One of the most beautiful spots in the area is Valle della Luna. Meaning ‘valley of the moon,’ the area is made up of huge granite boulders that surround incredibly calm, turquoise waters.
Poltu Quatu
In the old northern Sardinian language, Poltu Quatu means ‘a hidden port’. So in a way, it really is a hidden gem of the Emerald Coast. With stunning views of the archipelago, head there to enjoy the ultimate beauty of Sardinia.
Cala Liccia
Cala Liccia was one of my favorite beaches that I visited on the Emerald Coast of Sardinia! Positioned in a beautiful bay, the calm waters are perfect for spending the day swimming and cooling off from the heat.
The shallow waters were the most beautiful clear blue color and filled with tons of curious fish that followed me around while swimming… I was able to live out all my mermaid dreams!
Spiaggia Porto Liscia
If you’re interested in kitesurfing or windsurfing, you won’t want to miss this beautiful beach with the perfect conditions for water sports!
Tips for Visiting the Emerald Coast of Sardinia
- Don’t take sand and shells from Sardinian beaches! This is illegal in Sardinia and tourists caught with these items in their luggage will be fined.
- Watch out for goats and sheep. Although the Emerald Coast doesn’t have as many as other parts of Sardinia, it is still possible to encounter them while driving in the area.
- Taxis can be quite costly! The best option for getting around is renting a car and driving yourself.
- While you’ll likely be able to find classic Italian food staples like spaghetti and tiramisu, don’t forget to try the Sardinian specialities as well. Sardinian cheese is made from an ancient breed of sheep. Plus, the Sardinian flat bread (pane carasau) and the Sardinian Mirto liquor are both worth a taste too!
What to Pack for Sardinia
When preparing for your trip to Sardinia, you’ll want to make sure to pack tons of beachwear including swimsuits, cover ups, sandals and anything else you may want to bring to the beach. Overall, you can expect a mostly casual vibe but there are definitely some elegant restaurants and upscale spots you’ll want to pack dressier clothes for if those are on your itinerary. Make sure to pack layers as Sardinia can be quite windy and cool down in the evenings (although my visit in August was mostly very hot!).
Sunscreen: Summer in Sardinia can be hot, hot, hot! While you’re enjoying the sunny days, make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen. I love this one as it has clean ingredients and is reef friendly!
Pop-up Travel Cooler: If you plan to visit different beaches around the coast, packing a cooler to keep your drinks and food cool on a hot day is essential. This option is perfect for travel since it folds up!
Beach Blanket / Towel: I love these beach blanket towels because they are quick dry and sand shakes right off making them perfect for travel!
Dry Bag: Packing a dry bag is a good idea if you travel with any electronics or valuables you don’t want to get wet at the beach. I like to use mine for my camera and phone — especially if there’s a kayak or boat involved!
Snorkel: Not too many places in Europe have water as clear as Sardinia’s coastline. I was glad we had a snorkel with us on several occasions when the water was clear and I was able to explore ♫ under the sea ♫!
HI- I’m trying to find a place in Sardinia with great beaches and lively nightlife. Most spots have a town but the beaches are a bit out of town. I’ll be solo and without a car. Any suggestions?
Hmmm that’s a tough one since my itinerary was mostly spread out across the Emerald Coast of northern Sardinia!
Without a car, I would probably opt to stay in a city or large town like Olbia or Alghero so you’ll be in walking distance to restaurants, etc. and then you could sign up for a boat tour or group excursion to visit some of the best beaches in the area. I’ve also heard that Villasimius is a gorgeous area with beautiful beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, etc. but haven’t done it myself so can’t say if it would be doable without a car or not… but perhaps worth looking into!
Enjoy Sardinia! 🙂