The Costa Smeralda, also known as Monti di Mola in Gallura language, is a pictoresque coastal portion located in Gallura, a territory in the north-east of Sardinia, which extends for about 55 kilometers.
This fascinating area is commonly associated with the coastal stretch of Arzachena, in the province of Sassari, that ranges from Capo Ferro, just north of Porto Cervo, to the gulf of Cugnana, at the beginning of the municipal territory of Olbia, near the famous beach Rena Bianca Portisco.
It should be that the Costa Smeralda, although extremely popular, is often improperly confused with the entire northeastern coast of Sardinia, which is more identified as Gallura, while Costa Smeralda is specifically referred to the coastal stretch mentioned. Nearby locations as Poltu Quatu, Baja Sardinia, Cannigione e Porto Rotondo are sometimes associated with this beautiful region.
Costa Smeralda, the history
This area remained mostly uninhabited until the foundinf of Consorzio Costa Smeralda on March 14, 1962. This initiative was promoted by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, Imam of Ismaelite Nizarite Muslims of British citizenship, together with associate Paolo Riccardi, general secretary of the consortium, and to the lawyer Andrè Ardoin, the land owner. The architects commissioned to designed the first structures, including the Porto Cervo village and the main hotels, were Jacques Couelle, Michele Busiri Vici and Luigi Vietti, one of the founders of Yacht Club.
The Costa Smeralda soon became a destination of choice di elezione for the international jet set, immortalized in movies as “Agente 007 – La spia che mi amava”, “Vacanze sulla Costa Smeralda” e “Vita Smeralda”, with the opening of famous clubs as Sottovento, il Ritual o il Billionaire throughout the years.
Porto Cervo
The heart of the Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo, which offers a wide range of services, as well as numerous commercial and residential areas such as Romazzino, Capriccioli, Cala di Volpe, Golfo Pevero, Pantogia, and Liscia di Vacca.
Also outside the Costa Smeralda Consortium, between Porto Cervo and Cala di Volpe, the Abbiadori commercial and residential area has developed.
The 1960s marked the beginning of a love affair between Ishmaelite Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and the Costa smeralda. Fascinated by the wild and enchanting scenery of Sardinia, Aga Khan IV decided to transform this diamond in the rough into one of the world’s most exclusive destinations.
The architecture of the Emerald Coast was shaped by this love, drawing inspiration from Sardinian villages, stazzi, shepherds’ pinnettos, nuraghi and domus de janas.
The architects, in collaboration with local artisans, have created architecture that blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature, using natural materials and following a simple, refined style.
Stella Maris Church, built in 1968 by architect Michele Busiri Vici, has become a historic symbol of Porto Cervo. With its Mediterranean style that blends harmoniously with the surrounding architecture, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the harbor inlet on one side and Mount Moro on the other. This church houses the Mater Dolorosa, a painting by the famous painter El Greco.
The region offers a variety of luxury options, including exclusive hotels and residences, lively evenings at trendy clubs, select boutiques, elegant aperitifs and more. It is truly the most exclusive place to relax and vacation in Sardinia, distinguished by two imposing granite rocks that greet visitors upon arrival, one to the south along the road from Olbia to its most renowned resorts, and one to the north on the road to enchanting Baja Sardinia.
The Costa Smeralda Consortium, invites visitors to enjoy good food, shopping and relaxed, carefree living in the heart of Porto Cervo, between Golfo Pevero, Pantogia and Capriccioli.
The distinctive architecture of the Costa Smeralda is characterized by small white buildings with sinuous lines that are perfectly integrated into the Mediterranean vegetation.
Other important localities include Grande Pevero, Liscia di Vacca, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and characterized by turquoise waters, Liscia Ruja, with small bays surrounded by juniper plants, Romazzino, with crystal-clear sea and white sandy beaches, Pitrizza, and Spiaggia del Principe.
The Costa Smeralda’s enchanting bays, always animated by white sails, reveal beaches and islets such as the island of Cappuccini, the island of Bisce, south of Caprera, Li Nibani, the island of Mortorio, the islets of Camere and the island of Soffi. Along the coast is the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute, an international research center dedicated to the study and conservation of dolphins.
Beyond the sea…
Nearby there are several interesting archaeological sites, including the necropolis of Li Muri in the territory of Arzachena, dating from the second half of the fourth millennium BC, the nuragic complexes of Malchittu and Albucciu, which include nuraghi, Tombs of the giants and villages of huts, and the tomb of the giants of Coddu Vecchiu dating from the III – II millennium B.C.
The Costa Smeralda continues to be a magical place where luxury and nature embrace in a unique combination.
Architecture, breathtaking landscapes and intriguing history make this stretch of coastline an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
To know and live the Costa Smeralda contact us, Sardinia Villa Service we will offer you the best proposals for coming on vacation to the Costa Smeralda.
