📍 AffittaSardegna — Porto Cervo since 2011
Porto Cervo: the Heart of the
Costa Smeralda and Its Beaches
"Porto Cervo is the name everyone knows: superyachts, the jet set, the Costa Smeralda of the Aga Khan. But the secret few people realize is that its beaches — Principe, Romazzino, Capriccioli — are public and free. Italy's most famous coastline is yours to enjoy too."
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📍 About Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is the center of the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia's most famous stretch of coast and one of the most exclusive in the world. Created in the 1960s from the vision of Prince Aga Khan, who founded the Costa Smeralda Consortium, it is now synonymous with international luxury: the harbor for the largest superyachts in the Mediterranean, designer boutiques, five-star hotels, legendary nightlife.
But there is a side of Porto Cervo the glossy magazines don't cover: its beaches are public and free, and they are among the most beautiful in Europe. By staying in a holiday home in the Arzachena area, you can live the same dream coastline without the price tag of a luxury hotel. We've managed homes in this area since 2011.
Here's the trick to the Costa Smeralda: the champagne on the Piazzetta costs a fortune, but the sea doesn't. Romazzino, Principe, Capriccioli — those are free beaches. The pink sand and emerald water are for everyone. You just need to know where to sleep.
🏖️ The Legendary Beaches of the Costa Smeralda
The most famous of all, named after the Aga Khan, with pink-white sand, emerald water and Mediterranean scrub. An icon.
Powder-fine white sand and a seabed that shifts through a thousand shades of blue. Among the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean.
Two coves separated by granite rocks, sheltered from the wind. Gentle seabed, ideal for families. Views of the archipelago.
The longest beach on the Costa Smeralda, wide and spacious. Room for everyone even in high season.
A small cove right next to Porto Cervo — sheltered and intimate, crystal-clear water.
🛥️ The Village and the Piazzetta
The village of Porto Cervo is a masterpiece of designed Mediterranean architecture: arches, small squares, stone steps that blend into the landscape. The
Piazzetta
is the drawing room of the summer social scene, lined with luxury boutiques. Don't miss the
Stella Maris Church
, with a painting attributed to Mortola, and the Old Port promenade among the superyachts. In the evening, the Costa Smeralda nightlife is legendary.
A tour of the legendary beaches — Principe, Romazzino, Capriccioli in a single day A boat trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago Stella Maris Church— departures from the area, the most beautiful islands
⭐ Unmissable Experiences
- An aperitivo on the Piazzetta — at least once, to say you did it
- A boat trip to La Maddalena Snorkeling at Capriccioli
- — seabed and pink granite Sunset at Cala di Volpe
- — the most elegant bay on the coast 📅 When to Visit Porto Cervo
- 💡 Insider tip: to experience Porto Cervo without spending a fortune, come in June or September and stay in the Arzachena area (10-15 minutes away): same beaches, much more reasonable home prices.
📅 When to Visit Porto Cervo
| Period |
Sea |
Crowds |
Prices |
| May–Jun |
🌊 21-23°C |
🟢 Few |
🟢 -30/40% |
| July |
🌊 25°C |
🟡 Moderate |
🔴 High |
| August |
🌊 26°C |
🚗 Getting to Porto Cervo |
🚗 Getting to Porto Cervo |
| September |
🌊 25°C |
🟢 Few |
🟢 -30% |
| Oct–Apr |
🌊 17-19°C |
🟢 None |
🟢 -50% |
about 30 km, 35 minutes by car. The most convenient gateway. about 30 km. Ferries from Genoa, Civitavecchia, and Livorno.
🚗 How to Get to Porto Cervo
- Olbia Airport (OLB) essential for the beaches and the Costa Smeralda coast. Compare prices on
- 🚢 Port of Olbia — travelers save around 35% versus the airport desk.
- 🚗 Car rental Can you go to the beach at Porto Cervo without spending a fortune? Discover Cars — average saving of 35% compared with the airport desk.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The legendary beaches of the Costa Smeralda — Principe, Romazzino, Capriccioli, Liscia Ruja — are public and free. The expense is in the beach clubs, restaurants and boutiques, but the sea belongs to everyone. By staying in a holiday home in the area (e.g. Arzachena) you enjoy the Costa Smeralda at a much lower cost.
What is the most beautiful beach in Porto Cervo?
Spiaggia del Principe is the most iconic (the Aga Khan's favorite), Romazzino is the most photographed, Capriccioli is best for families with its gentle seabed, and Liscia Ruja is the widest. All have clear sand and emerald water: the choice depends on what you're looking for.
Where is the best place to stay to visit Porto Cervo?
The Arzachena area is the smartest choice: 10-15 minutes from the Costa Smeralda beaches, with holiday homes at much more reasonable prices than Porto Cervo itself. Same sea, no luxury surcharge. Porto Rotondo and Golfo Aranci are also great nearby bases.
Do AffittaSardegna homes near Porto Cervo have air conditioning and Wi-Fi?
The homes we manage on the Costa Smeralda have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a washing machine, and linens and towels included. Each home's details (terrace, parking, distance from the beaches) are listed on its individual page. Message us on WhatsApp for availability.
Lighthouses & towers: Capo Ferro and the Costa Smeralda
📚 Read more
📍 Nearby destinations
📍 Geographic entities — Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda:
Porto Cervo (41.1361°N, 9.5364°E) · Costa Smeralda · Spiaggia del Principe · Romazzino · Capriccioli · Liscia Ruja · Cala Granu · Cala di Volpe · Piazzetta di Porto Cervo · Stella Maris Church · Arzachena · Porto Rotondo · La Maddalena Archipelago National Park · Province of Sassari · Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB, 30 km) · Gallura
