Rent a boat, with or without skipper and admire the coastline from the sea
Sign yourself or the children up for sailing lessons
Go diving
Explore the interior, by car or on foot
Visit the local archaeological sites
Take the ferry to Maddalena and Caperara and visit Garibaldi's house
Take the ferry from Santa Teresa over the short stretch of water to visit Corsica for a day

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North & North East Sardinia Region Map

The Costa Smeralda

The Costa Smeralda, properly speaking, is a stretch of coastline only 55km long, from north of Porto Cervo, round the headlines to near Portisco. Attracted by the undeniable beauty of the area, the Aga Khan and his friends decided 45 years ago to create a resort for those we now call the 'gliteratti'. Whatever the mind blowing size of the yachts, the development on land here was, and still is, subject to very strict rules and could even be considered low-key. There are no high-rise blocks and much local debate about whether, and if so, how any further building should take place. Despite the villas and hotels which have appeared the essential character of this amazing area of wild rocks and macchia still shows through, for you to enjoy in your own way.

To get the best from a holiday here, forget the hype. Treat yourself to Porto Cervo with its boutiques and restaurants once in a while, unless of course this is just what you came for, but for the most part, regard them for what they are, a beautifully designed stage set.

Arzachena and San Pantaleo

Explore a little inland, where you will find our houses and hotels within easy reach, usually 10-20 minutes, of the coast and surrounded by greenery will rocky hillsides in the distance. Arzachena, the local market town, and San Pantaleo, a small village in a dramatic position on a slope under piercing limestone crags. Shop in Arzachena's square and streets or in the San Panteleo market and eat out in the easily found pizzerias and agri-turismi (farm restaurants) often owned by members of local families who were here long before any development started. Prices will be in the normal, rather than startling range.

Tempio Pausania & Cannigione

Further inland, very attractive and usually fairly empty roads lead up to the rather stately town of Tempio Pausania, where the Limbara mountains are high enough to have snow most winters. Or you can explore the coves and beaches to the north, starting with the resorts of Cannigione, good for water sports and continuing past Palau to the long inlets of the north coast.

Palau

On the extreme north eastern tip of the island is Palau. This lively small town and port, is primarily a beach resort with its own selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Around 3kms to the north of the town is Fortezza di Monte Altura, a 19th century bastion on a rocky slope above the town. From Palau you can also take a boat trip out to nearby islands. The ferry boats leave from the harbour to cross over to the intriguing islands of La Maddalena and Caprera.

Isola Maddalena

At the heart of the Parco Nazionale Dell'Archipelago di la Maddelena is the pink-granite island of Maddelana. The lively part of the island is around the main square, Piazaa Umberto I and the natural harbour Cala Gavetta, west of the ferry port. This island is also host to Italian troops and US sailors based as part of a NATO contingent on the island.

Porto Pollo - Watersports

Travelling west from Palau will you can reach Porto Pollo which has become something of a Mecca for watersport pilgrims. The local conditions are excellent for windsurfing and you could also try your hand at kite surfing, diving and sailing.

Isola Rossa

Further away and to the west is Isola Rossa. Once an attractive fishing village, now a lively small resort, it has two very good sandy beaches, plenty in the way of shops, bars and restaurants, and good access to the mountain countryside of the northern interior. It takes its name, as does its Corsican namesake, from the red granite island offshore.