Costa Smeralda packs an extraordinary range of experiences into its 55km of granite-studded coastline. The obvious draws are the beaches , 15 named coves and bays with water clarity measured at 25-plus metres , but the region also delivers world-class sailing at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, archaeological sites dating to 1800 BC, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course, and the wild granite archipelago of La Maddalena National Park. Porto Cervo serves as the social and shopping hub, but the real Costa Smeralda experience spreads across a half-dozen resort villages connected by winding coastal roads. These are the standout things to do, with practical details on how to access each one. For more detailed information, see our weather by month guide.
Things to Do in Costa Smeralda: Best Beaches
Spiaggia del Principe
The most photographed beach on the Costa Smeralda, Spiaggia del Principe (Prince’s Beach) is a crescent of fine white sand framed by pink granite rocks and turquoise water. Named after Prince Karim Aga Khan who founded the Costa Smeralda in 1962, the beach is reached via a 10-minute downhill footpath from a small car park on the SP94 coastal road. The walk back up is steep , bring water. There are no facilities (no sunbeds, no bar, no toilets), so bring everything you need. Arrive before 9am in July and August to secure a spot; the beach holds perhaps 150 people comfortably but 300-plus squeeze in during peak season. Water depth increases gradually, making it suitable for families with young children. Free access, no entry fee. For more detailed information, see our best time to visit guide.
Liscia Ruja (Long Beach)
As the name suggests, Liscia Ruja is the longest stretch of sand on the Costa Smeralda at roughly 500 metres. Located between Cala di Volpe Bay and Porto Cervo, it offers the full-service beach club experience: sunbeds and umbrellas (EUR 80-120 per pair in August, EUR 30-40 in June/September), a beachfront restaurant (Ristorante Liscia Ruja), kayak rentals, and pedal boat hire. The water stays shallow for the first 30 metres, making it the best family beach on the coast. A large paid car park sits 200 metres from the sand (EUR 2/hour, EUR 15/day in high season). The northern end of the beach is quieter and attracts a younger crowd. Beach club season runs May through mid-October. For more detailed information, see our events and festivals calendar.
Capriccioli Beach
Actually two small coves separated by a granite outcrop, Capriccioli Beach (Spiaggia di Capriccioli) combines Caribbean-grade water with the convenience of a beach bar and sunbed rental. The eastern cove is larger and calmer; the western cove has more dramatic rock formations and slightly rougher water. Both have fine white sand and water that transitions from transparent to deep blue within 20 metres. Parking (EUR 10/day) fills by 10am in August. A small beach bar sells drinks, panini, and gelato from June through September. The western cove’s granite boulders are excellent for snorkeling , you’ll see bream, wrasse, and the occasional octopus in the crevices. Sunbed + umbrella: EUR 50-80/pair depending on the month. For more detailed information, see our best areas and resort towns.
Cala di Volpe Bay
This deep, sheltered bay is less a single beach and more a series of small sandy inlets along the southern shore, backed by the iconic Hotel Cala di Volpe. The water here is exceptionally calm due to the bay’s geography , ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and casual swimming. The beach is public (all Italian beaches are public by law) but the best-access stretch fronts the hotel, where non-guests can rent sunbeds (EUR 150/pair in August). The eastern end near the Pevero Golf Club has free parking and free beach access with no facilities. Morning light on the bay, with the pink-and-white hotel architecture reflecting in still water, produces the classic Costa Smeralda photograph. Sea depth increases quickly beyond 15 metres from shore. For more detailed information, see our accommodation guide.
Things to Do in Costa Smeralda: Boat Trips and the La Maddalena Archipelago
La Maddalena Archipelago National Park Day Trip
The La Maddalena archipelago , seven main islands and over 50 islets , is a national park with water clarity routinely exceeding 30 metres. Day trips depart from Palau (30-minute drive from Porto Cervo), Poltu Quatu marina, and Cannigione port. A typical full-day boat tour (EUR 60-90 per person) visits Spargi, Budelli (famous for its pink sand beach, Spiaggia Rosa, now protected and viewable only from the boat), Santa Maria, and stops for swimming in coves inaccessible by land. Book through Consorzio delle Bocche (Palau) or your hotel concierge. Private RIB rentals (EUR 250-400/day plus fuel, no license needed for boats under 40hp) let you explore at your own pace. The water is clearest in June and September when plankton levels are lowest; August can have more suspended particles from boat traffic. For more detailed information, see our travel tips and FAQ.
Sunset Cruise from Porto Cervo Marina
Several operators run 2-hour sunset cruises from Porto Cervo Marina (EUR 80-120/person including prosecco and Sardinian appetizers). The route typically circles Capo Ferro lighthouse, passes the granite formations of Liscia di Vacca, and gives you a sea-level view of the Costa Smeralda’s most exclusive villas , some of which are only visible from the water. Departure is around 6pm in May/September and 7pm in June through August. Book 2-3 days ahead in July and August.
Things to Do in Costa Smeralda: Yachting and Sailing
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS)
Founded in 1967 by the Aga Khan, the YCCS is one of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs. Located at Porto Cervo Marina, the clubhouse is members-only but visitors can book a table at the club’s restaurant (open to non-members, reservations essential: +39 0789 902200) with views over the superyacht docks. The club hosts major regattas including the Rolex Swan Cup (September, odd-numbered years) and Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (September, annual). Even if you don’t sail, walking the marina docks to see 60m-plus superyachts is a free, memorable afternoon activity. The marina has 60 superyacht berths and 650 total slips, making it one of the Mediterranean’s largest.
Things to Do in Costa Smeralda: Pevero Golf Club
Pevero Golf Club
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1972, this 18-hole, par-72 course winds through granite outcrops and juniper groves with sea views from 14 of its 18 holes. Green fees run EUR 180 for 18 holes (EUR 130 for 9 holes) including a buggy. The signature 7th hole plays directly toward Cala di Volpe Bay across a valley of Mediterranean scrub. The course is challenging for mid-handicappers due to narrow fairways and granite natural hazards. Open year-round, though summer tee times before 9am are essential to beat the heat. Club rental: EUR 50/set. Dress code: collared shirt, no denim. Book at peverogolf.com or through the club at +39 0789 96210.
Things to Do in Costa Smeralda: Archaeological Sites and Inland Excursions
Nuraghe Albucciu and Coddu Vecchiu Tombs
Sardinia’s Bronze Age Nuragic civilization (1800-500 BC) left over 7,000 stone towers across the island, and the Arzachena area has some of the best-preserved examples. Nuraghe Albucciu (EUR 4 entry, open 9am-7pm daily except Monday in summer, shorter hours in winter) is a well-preserved single-tower nuraghe 3km from Arzachena town. The nearby Coddu Vecchiu (EUR 4, same hours) is a Giants’ Tomb , a collective burial monument with a central stele and semicircular forecourt , dating to 1600 BC. Both sites sit on a low hill with views across the Gallura countryside. The sites are small (30-45 minutes each), uncrowded even in August, and provide genuine historical depth to a region better known for beaches and nightlife. A combined ticket for both sites costs EUR 6. Located 20 minutes inland from Porto Cervo via the SP427.
Stella Maris Church, Porto Cervo
Perched on a hill overlooking Porto Cervo marina, this small whitewashed church designed by architect Michele Busiri Vici in 1968 is a Costa Smeralda landmark. The interior features a wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Sardinian artist Elio Pulli and an organ by Tamburini. The real draw is the panoramic terrace: a 270-degree view encompassing Porto Cervo Bay, the marina, and Capo Ferro. The church is free to enter and open daily from 9am to 7pm. Evening mass during summer attracts a well-dressed multilingual congregation. The adjacent square hosts occasional classical music concerts in July and August.
