The Italian island of Sardinia is home to a stunning resort that was built from scratch and transformed into a favourite holiday destination of celebrities.
Costa Smeralda in the north of the island is a lavish resort frequented by the likes of Adele, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sir Elton John.
Its famous luxury village and marina of Porto Cervo is lined with eye-wateringly expensive yachts. The purpose-built seaside resort now home to just over 400 people began construction in the 1950s in order to create a destination just for wealthy holidaymakers.
Since then, it has become a hub of designer shops and expensive hotels, which could set you back at least £650 per night as some rooms boast their own roof terraces and private pools.
Though Porto Cervo is famous for being a hotspot for wealthy travellers, Costa Smeralda is not inaccessible if your budget doesn’t stretch to that of a movie star’s.
Flights from London to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, roughly 30 miles south of Porto Cervo, take roughly two hours and 30 minutes and can be found for £100.
TUI is currently running a package deal for return tickets in September that starts at £240 per person. Those looking to stay in Olbia rather than venturing south can find a play from around £100 per night for two people.
Olbia is a historically important harbour that has transformed into a bustling city after it became the gateway to the Costa Smeralda in the second half of the 20th century.
It’s full of gorgeous piazzas and pastel-coloured buildings, which will lead you from the harbour to the old town which has lovely independent shops, restaurants, and churches.
Olbia also has many stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for some rest and relaxation after exploring the old town, the most famous one being Pittulongu, just a 20-minute bus ride from the city.
Pittulongu boasts an impressive stretch of white sand with beds dotted around that you can rent for the day to put your feet up and make the most of your time away.
Porto Cervo as a whole has garnered many glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “Porto Cervo is a picture of beauty and serenity.
“The super yachts moored there exceeded 150m and were incredible. The shops and restaurants abound, but this is a quiet place compared to those in the Spanish Riviera. If you are looking for quiet and elegant, this is it.”
Another added: “This is the most famous thing in Sardinia. You can see all the big boats, great shops, good restaurants and all kinds of people. You can spend the whole night easily. I certainly recommend everyone to visit.”
A third chimed in: “If you like a couple of hours ogling huge yachts, and window shopping in Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc etc, then go and visit.
“The whole place has been very tastefully done; the boats are amazing; the shops (lots of them!) are great for window shopping – and the price of a coffee or ice cream etc is actually very reasonable … And the local scenery is spectacular.”
