You can fly to the north of Sardinia via Olbia or drive your own car via ferry from Genoa (11-hour night crossing), Livorno or Civitavecchia near Rome.
In the north-east of the island on the Costa Smeralda is the famous jet-set resort of Porto Cervo with its designer stores and, a little further south, the yacht harbor of Porto Rotondo.
Sophisticated and picturesque Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is a small “designer village”, picturesquely situated on a bay with a jetty for large and even larger yachts.
On a walk along the bay, you can watch the rich and beautiful. If they are there at all, because Katja and I prefer the quieter and cheaper low season. At best, you’ll only spot a few influencers there ;-)
The actual marina, the Marina di Porto Cervo, is about a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the northwest. Even there, there are no “huge” yachts to be seen in the low season.
The reason I call Porto Cervo a “designer village” is because all kinds of designer brands such as Gucci, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton & Co. have a branch in this artificial retort village. The most important jewelry and watch brands such as Chopard and Rolex are also represented.
If you get tired or hungry from shopping, take a seat in one of the many restaurants on the large piazza. But if you want to protect yourself from surprises, study the menu and Google reviews first: The prices are steep depending on the season and the average ratings on Google are not particularly high…
Only the Restaurant Cervo of the 5-star Cervo Hotel Costa Smeralda Resort by Marriott Bonvoy (link to Booking.com) seems to do very well with guests according to Google.
In the low season from around mid-October to around May, most stores and restaurants are closed.
The yachts of Porto Rotondo
Porto Rotondo is a little smaller than Porto Cervo and it’s more about the yachts than the shops
And on the pier it can also be about motorcycles if you want to reach your yacht in style.
Excursion destinations in the north of Sardinia
Picturesque island of Maddalena
If you are looking for an active vacation, the neighboring island of Isola Maddalena north of Sardinia (short crossing by car ferry from Palau) is an attractive destination for a half-day or day trip.
If you look back to Sardinia from the ferry, you can spot the rockformation “Roccia dell’Orso” in the shape of a bear on the top of the hill.
The island is quickly circumnavigated: The coastal road offers beautiful views of rocky bays with small sandy beaches. You can also reach the neighbouring island of Caprera by car bridge.
Water sports in Porto Pollo
In Porto Pollo water sports enthusiasts (windsurfing, kitesurfing) will find strong winds on beautiful beaches. At the “Tiki” beach bar, we recommend the “Tiki Café” (with Nutella!).
Busy Santa Teresa Gallura
Santa Teresa Gallura has a beautiful stretch of beach in a bay with a small cliff walk.
If you are hungry, you should visit the gourmet restaurant “Da Thomas”.
The pretty market takes place on Thursdays.
Beautiful pedestrian zone of Alghero
The small town of Alghero in the northwest of Sardinia is very picturesque with a pretty pedestrian zone.
Depending on the hotel location, however, it is a little further away, as it is about 2 hours by car from Olbia via country roads along the sea.
Pevero Golf Club – golfing on the Costa Smeralda
Golfers enjoy a challenging round on the Pevero Golf Course, a 30-minute drive north of Olbia. Golf course architect Robert Trent Jones has laid out the 18 holes with great variety in the Costa Smeralda. The clubhouse is very dignified, the food is good.
By the way, Sardinia is not a golf destination: although there are numerous golf courses, only 4 of them have 18 holes. Of these, Pevero Golf is the only one that meets international standards.
Playing golf in Sardinia – only conditionally recommended
Hotel tips for the north of Sardinia
In keeping with the upscale destination, there are numerous chic boutique hotels in the north in the corresponding price range.
Prices are somewhat lower in the pre- and post-season, while breathtaking rates are charged in the high season.
If you don’t want to stay in the famous 5-star luxury hotels Romazzino or Pitrizza in Porto Cervo, you might find what you’re looking for in these slightly smaller hotels nearby (all links to Booking.com):
- Li Finistreddi elevated in the interior
- Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru in the interior
- Cascioni Eco Retreat Baja Sardinia
- Grand Relais dei Nuraghi Baja Sardinia
- 7Pines Resort Sardinia Costa Smeralda
The beautiful hideaway Grand Hotel & SPA Ma & Ma – Adults Only is located a little off the beaten track on the northern island of La Maddalena.
Enjoy your trip!
