The Emerald Coast | Porto Cervo to La Maddalena

Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast, lies in northern Sardinia and is known for its extravagance. Porto Cervo is the hub of life here and offers spectacular restaurants and high-end shopping. Enjoy this bustling little town before meeting the yacht. Relax and have cocktails as you cruise the coastline. Anchor out to hit the green at the Pevero golf course or enjoy a spa treatment at the popular hotel Cala di Volpe in the afternoon, then enjoy afternoon aperitif. Head for Phi Beach or the uber-fabulous Billionaire Club to dance the night away with the glitterati as the sun sets.

Cruising south, you’ll find the tiny resort community of Porto Rotondo. Petite coves are home to private, intimate beaches — the perfect spots to tender ashore for a beachside morning. Less haute than Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo has a more relaxed atmosphere but still offers luxury. Hotel sporting’s local seafood dishes and impressive wine list make this spot a must-visit.

As you continue to cruise southeast, you’ll be enamored by the beauty of Cala Luna. Anchor offshore to take in the stunning scenery, featuring steep limestone cliffs covered by lush flora. Early risers will be amazed by the beautiful sunrise illuminating the coastal caves. Created by a landslide in 1962, Cala Goloritzé is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful spots. Steep rocks tower over the sparkling sea that laps the white-pebble-and-sand beach. This dream-like shore is primed for exploration.

Since Roman times, Southern Sardinia has been home to Cagliari, the island’s capital. Il Castello, “old town,” is a delightful maze of medieval buildings boasting history and culture. But the best way to see Cagliari is by sea. Enjoy the views of the contemporary harbor juxtaposed to castles and the old districts. An archaeology museum in town will take you back in time — it’s home to the Nuragic complex, 4,000-year-old stone defensive structures found only in Sardinia. If history isn’t on the menu, enjoy some local shopping on Via Roma and Via Manu.

Continue cruising Sardinia’s coastline, dotted with tiny towns and cozy coves, and you will come to the Sardinian Islands. Sant’antioco, the larger island, and San Pietro-Punto di Cala fico are wild and ruggedly beautiful with deep waters and high cliffs. Charters with children will want to stop at Forte Village Le Dune. Not only does it boast the Thermae de Forte, a Leading Spa of the World, but also go-karting, ice skating, bowling and more can be found at Leisure Land. Be sure to stop at Le Dune, located close by, home to Italy’s highest sand dunes — a spectacular sight.

Continuing up the west coast of Sardinia, you’ll find Alghero, which boasts a strong Catalan flavor. The influences can be seen throughout the old town. Walk the cobblestone streets along the old fort for scenic views. The Grotte di Nettuno is one of Alghero finest features. This whimsical cave is full of geological wonders. Wine lovers will rejoice as Alghero is home to a bevy of impressive vineyards. Enjoy a wine tasting before dinner in this beautiful old town.

Sitting pretty on the coast of northern Sardinia, world-class beaches, both sandy and rocky, abound. Off the coast from these beaches is the island of La Maddalena. Declared a national park in 1996, it is part of an archipelago comprising six other beautiful islands. Anchor offshore and take a tender to explore.