The Emerald Coast

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.

Cruise southeast to beautiful Cala Luna and anchor offshore beneath steep limestone cliffs covered in lush flora. Early risers can watch sunrise illuminate the coastal caves. Created by a 1962 landslide, Cala Goloritzé is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful spots, where steep rocks tower over sparkling waters lapping a white-pebble-and-sand beach. This dreamlike shore invites exploration.

Since Roman times, Cagliari has been Southern Sardinia’s capital. Explore Il Castello, the charming old town, a maze of medieval buildings rich in history and culture. See the contemporary harbor from the sea, set against castles and old districts. Ashore, the archaeology museum showcases Nuragic complexes—4,000-year-old stone defenses found only in Sardinia. Alternatively, shop along Via Roma and Via Manu.

Continue along Sardinia’s coastline of tiny towns and cozy coves to the Sardinian Islands. Larger Sant’Antioco and San Pietro–Punta di Cala Fico are wild, ruggedly beautiful, with deep waters and high cliffs. Families should stop at Forte Village Le Dune, home to Thermae di Forte, a Leading Spa of the World, plus go-karting, ice skating and bowling at Leisure Land. Nearby Le Dune has Italy’s highest sand dunes.

Continue up Sardinia’s west coast to Alghero, where a strong Catalan influence shapes the old town. Walk its cobblestone streets along the old fort for scenic views, then discover Grotte di Nettuno, a whimsical cave filled with geological wonders. Wine lovers can explore Alghero’s impressive vineyards and enjoy a tasting before dinner in this beautiful historic 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.