Sardinia is one of those destinations that captures your heart right away: stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming little villages. Among its many breathtaking regions, the Costa Smeralda in the north of the island is one of the most famous and desired. It’s truly a paradise for anyone seeking turquoise waters, peace, and that irresistible Mediterranean summer vibe. In this guide, we’ll share the best beaches of Costa Smeralda along with practical tips to make the most of this unforgettable corner of Italy.
Where is Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda is located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, in the province of Olbia-Tempio. This region faces the Tyrrhenian Sea and is famous for its incredibly clear waters, hidden coves, and cinematic landscapes. The main gateway is Olbia, which has an airport and a solid infrastructure for travelers.
Why Costa Smeralda Became World-Famous
Costa Smeralda began to be developed in the 1960s by a group of investors led by Prince Karim Aga Khan. The idea was to create a luxury retreat in Sardinia—and it worked! Over the years, it became a favorite destination for celebrities, billionaires, and dolce far niente lovers. Today, it attracts travelers from around the world looking for spectacular scenery and exclusive experiences.
Best Beaches in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Spiaggia Capriccioli
This beach is perfect for families with children thanks to its calm and shallow waters. The unique feature of Capriccioli is that it’s divided into several small beaches, separated by rock formations: East, West, North, and South, each with its own charm. You can choose your favorite or explore them all in one day!
🅿️ Paid parking: €2–€2.5 per hour, prices vary depending on the season.
🍴 On the west side you’ll find a bar and chair rentals, but there are no public restrooms. Some nearby restaurants provide facilities, but usually only for their customers.
📆 No booking required.
Spiaggia del Principe (Poltu Di Li Cogghj)
This is one of the most iconic beaches in the region. It got its name because it was Prince Aga Khan’s favorite spot. The access trail is short and easy—about 10 minutes on foot—making it a perfect little escape. The water displays incredible shades of blue and green, and the sand is bright and soft.
🅿️ Free parking is limited and far away. Paid parking costs around €1.50–€2 per hour, depending on the season. During high summer months, spots fill up quickly if you arrive late.
🍴 No facilities: bring your own water, snacks, umbrella, and chairs if needed.
📆 No booking required.
Spiaggia del Pevero
This beach is one of the closest and easiest to reach from Porto Cervo, making it very popular with those staying nearby. Spiaggia del Pevero is divided into two sections: Grande Pevero and Piccolo Pevero. Both offer calm, crystal-clear waters surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to relax close to town while still enjoying Costa Smeralda’s natural beauty. Plus, you can easily walk from one part of the beach to the other while taking in the view.
🅿️ Some free parking areas nearby, though hard to find in peak season.
🍴 Good facilities nearby with beach clubs and restaurants just a short walk away.
📆 No booking required.
Liscia Ruja
Also known as Long Beach, this is one of the largest beaches in Costa Smeralda. It’s ideal for those who enjoy long walks along the shore or simply want more space to relax. You’ll find free beach sections as well as areas managed by beach clubs.
🅿️ Paid and well-organized parking available.
🍴 Good facilities: bars, sunbed rentals, and umbrella service.
📆 No booking required.
Spiaggia La Celvia
With clear turquoise water, fine golden sand, and photogenic rock formations, La Celvia is one of the favorites among families and even celebrities visiting Costa Smeralda. It’s not unusual to spot luxury yachts anchored nearby.
The beach is nestled in a well-protected bay, making the water calm and excellent for swimming. It’s also one of the best-equipped beaches in the region while still preserving its natural beauty.
🅿️ Paid parking close to the entrance, around €7/day, with prices varying by season.
🍴 Facilities include a beach club, restaurant, sunbed rentals, and even showers.
📆 No booking required.
Best Time to Visit Costa Smeralda
The best time to visit is between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sea is at its best. July and August are the busiest months, so if you prefer more peace, opt for June or September. The water is still perfect, and the beaches are less crowded. We visited in June, and it was already hot but much calmer than peak season.
How to Get to Costa Smeralda
By Plane:
The best options are flights from Milan or Rome. The closest airport is Olbia (OLB), with direct flights from major Italian cities and other European destinations.
By Ferry:
Ferries depart from Civitavecchia (near Rome), Livorno, and Genoa to Olbia. Main companies include Moby Lines, Tirrenia, and Grimaldi Lines. You can bring your car onboard, which is very convenient, especially if you’re traveling with luggage, as low-cost airlines charge extra fees. However, ferries take 7–12 hours depending on the route, so book in advance, especially in summer.
By Train:
This is not the best option. Sardinia has very few train lines, and most do not reach Costa Smeralda.
By Bus:
There are buses connecting Olbia to some of the main beaches, but service is limited and not very frequent.
By Car:
Renting a car is the best way to explore Sardinia. It gives you full freedom to move around, and the roads are good with stunning views along the way.
The distance from Olbia Airport to Costa Smeralda is about 30 km, which takes roughly 35 minutes by car.
We flew from Milan to Olbia and rented a car directly at the airport through DiscoverCars.
For anyone planning to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars, where you can find the best options, compare prices, and read real reviews from other travelers.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for luxury and glamour, stay in Porto Cervo, home to five-star hotels and exclusive beach clubs. For a more affordable yet well-located option, consider Cannigione, Arzachena, or even Olbia, which has more options and better prices.
We chose to stay in Arzachena, and it was the perfect choice: great prices, excellent location between the airport, Costa Smeralda, and the port for boats heading to La Maddalena Island. For our itinerary, it worked out perfectly!
Where to Eat and What to Try
Sardinian cuisine is absolutely delicious! Here are some traditional dishes you shouldn’t miss:
- Fregola with seafood: a semolina-based pasta typical of Sardinia.
- Porceddu: roasted suckling pig, one of the island’s most traditional dishes.
- Gnocchi alla Sarda: gnocchi served with sausage meatballs and fennel seeds.
- Culurgiones: ravioli stuffed with potato and mint.
- Seadas: fried pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey—sweet and delicious!
Top-rated restaurants in the area include:
1. Ristorante La Rocca Da Chiara
More restaurants in Costa Smeralda
Other Useful Tips
Bring a beach umbrella if you’re visiting beaches without facilities. Buying one on arrival is often cheaper than renting, and you’ll find them easily in local supermarkets.
Cooler: Packing snacks and drinks is very useful in Sardinia, since some beaches have no services. This way you save money and don’t need to leave the beach for lunch. Coolers and ice are available at supermarkets, making it easy to spend the entire day by the sea.
Wear comfortable shoes for short hikes and rocky paths. We wore trekking sandals, which were perfect for avoiding slips.
Respect local preservation rules. Some beaches have restrictions, and signs are always displayed to guide visitors.
In high season, book everything in advance: hotels, car rental, and even restaurants. Arrive early at the beaches, as parking lots fill up quickly.
Always carry some cash, as not every place accepts cards.
Parking payments: You can pay with coins or download the EasyPark app, which allows payment via PayPal or credit card. We highly recommend it—it’s widely used in Sardinia and makes it easy to extend your parking time without having to go back to the car. We used it almost everywhere.
Our Final Thoughts
Costa Smeralda is the kind of destination that makes you want to return the moment you leave. With breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and an unforgettable summer vibe, it wins the heart of anyone who dreams of exploring the best of Italy. Plan ahead, follow these tips, and enjoy every second in this slice of paradise!
Buon viaggio! ✈️🧳🏖️💙
Also, check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Sarinia, in Italy:
La Pelosa Sardinia: Reservations, Rules and Travel Tips
San Teodoro Sardinia: Top Beaches, Boat Tours and Travel Tips
Costa di Baunei Sardinia: The Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy
For more travel tips, follow us on Instagram @beradatravel.
id you know that when you book through the links on our blog, we earn a small commission, and you support us without paying anything extra? You get discounts and still help Berada Travel keep creating quality content about amazing destinations! Support us so we can keep inspiring travel lovers! ✈️ ❤️
