PORTO CERVO
A Luxury Collection Destination, Italy
NORTHERN SARDINIA’S COSTA SMERALDA IS A PRISTINE SEASIDE PARADISE STUDDED WITH LUXURY VILLAS AND YACHT-DOTTED HARBORS.
Developed by the Aga Khan in the late 1960s, this eco-sensitive beach retreat for the jet set was was built upon a rugged stretch of Sardinia’s north eastern coastline to resemble a traditional fishing village. Strict regulations help preserve the allure of this modern day Eden where turquoise waters meet an emerald coast thick with juniper trees and bougainvillea blooming in great tangles of pink. The secret coves and tiny port towns of the Costa Smeralda are popular among princes and movie stars and the paparazzi who trail them.
DISCOVERIES
Crystal clear waters lap gently against the pink-sand shores of a rugged chain of islands. The seven large islands and 55 smaller atolls are a prime destination for nature-seeking island hoppers. Charter a private boat and zip out to the main island, La Maddalena, and stroll the sparsely populated beaches or snorkel in the marine-rich coves carved out of the jagged coast. Take a seat at an outdoor cafe and dine on seafood just a fishing net’s toss from the source.
Dig into Sardinia’s past with a day excursion to the Archaeological Park of Arzachena, in Costa Smeralda’s capital city. One of the largest and most significant parks in Sardinia, this exceptional area includes eight monuments all of pre-historical age, spanning nearing almost 5000 years of history from the middle neolithic to the bronze ages. Explore ancient burial grounds and the impressively intact remains of a village.
The small church of Chiesa di Stella Maris sits atop a bluff keeping watch over the azure waters of Porto Cervo. As a founding member of the Architectural Committee of Costa Smeralda, Roman architect Michele Busiri Vici’s mod Mediterranean designs influenced the area’s aesthetic. The contemporary Chiesa di Stella Maris with its striking white bell tower stands as his landmark project. Six slabs of stone support the adobe-style terracotta roof, laden with curved tiles in every shade of ochre. Stone sculptures, a Madonna by El Greco and furniture by Luciano Minguzzi adorn the church’s simple interior.
The village of Porto Cervo is the coastal Italian version of Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. A terracotta-tile topped clutch of boutiques, cafes and the innovative MdM contemporary art museum surrounds a tidy piazza that gazed out towards a yacht-packed marina. Understated storefronts host high-end fashions from Versace, Prada and Gucci, to name drop a few. Snag an al fresco table, sip an aperol spritz and watch the glamorous parade of shoppers swinging their bags full of spoils saunter past.
FEATURED EVENTS
-
Coppa Europa Smeralda 88
07/05/2019 - 07/07/2019Porto CervoCheer on the five-person crews sailing in specially designed Smeralda 88 racing boats for a weekend of regattas and events.
-
Festa Di San Simplicio
15/05/2019 - 15/05/2019Porto CervoJoin Sardinians as they crowd the streets of nearby Olbia for a nine day fest full of religious processions, horse riding events, and fantastic food in honor of the town’s patron saint.
-
Festival de San Pantaleo
01/09/2019 - 02/09/2019Porto CervoExplore Sardinian culture through a handicrafts fair, processions, music, and local delicacies as part of this late summer folk festival in Olbia.
-
Italian Festival of Folklore
26/07/2019 - 30/07/2019Porto CervoExperience brilliant traditional dance and song traditions as folk groups from around the world take the stage for this colorful celebration.
-
Porto Cervo Wine Festival
01/05/2018 - 01/05/2018Porto CervoKick off summer with talks by chefs and cookbook authors and regional food and wine tastings throughout this culinary-focused weekend.
-
Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship
01/09/2018 - 01/09/2018Porto CervoYachting and sailing enthusiasts have been gathering annually since 1986 for this world-class regatta in Porto Cervo.
-
Time in Jazz
01/08/2018 - 01/08/2018Porto CervoListen to solo and group musicians as they perform in piazzas, historic churches, and performance spaces throughout the postcard-perfect town of Berchidda.
EPICUREAN
ROMAZZINO RESTAURANT
Executive Chef Giovanni Raccagni explores east-meets-west flavors with his signature dish of Tuna Teppanyaki salad with shrimp scallops and tuna skewers cooked on a salt stone.
LA CAVE
Have the sommelier at Hotel Cala di Volpe’s La Cave guide you through a wine tasting in their on-site cellar that’s home to an impressive collection of more than 400 bottles.
CALA DI VOLPE RESTAURANT
Executive Chef Franco Guardone’s passion for local flavors can be tasted in his ricotta-stuffed squash and his signature fregola, a Sardinian durum wheat pasta in a delicate seafood and vegetable sauce.
RESTAURANT PITRIZZA
Contemporary Mediterranean dishes are served in a stunning outdoor garden dining room with straight-on views of the Liscia di Vacca Bay at the Hotel Pitrizza.
EXPLORERS
PHI BEACH
Just west of Port Cervo and beneath the 18th century naval fortress Forte Cappellini is Phi Beach. Favored by the jet-set, lounge on the white beds along the beach by day or dance under the stars to international DJs by night.
