Porto Cervo is Italy’s Most Exclusive Seaside Resort

If you want to swim in clear, turquoise blue waters and walk barefoot on silky sand beaches in one of the most exclusive and expensive resorts in the world then grab a ticket to Porto Cervo (“Deer Port”) on Sardinia’s north eastern coast. This resort was the brainchild of Prince Karim Aga Khan who, along with several other wealthy investors, purchased the land in the 1950’s and commissioned architects Jacques Couelle, Luigi Vietti and Michele Busiri Vici to design this community. Created for the ultra wealthy, there are fewer than 450 residents, but the port is always bustling with jet setters who frequent Porto Cervo.

If you aren’t arriving by yacht (and, until 2004, that was the only way to get here) there is now an airport in Olbia which is only about a 30-35 minute drive to the town. Aside from the glorious beaches and stunning water views, Porto Cervo has much to offer the well-heeled traveler. If luxurious accommodations are what you crave there are plenty to satisfy the most demanding traveler. The Hotel Cala di Volpe (which was featured in the 1977 James Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me”) was listed in 2012 as seventh among the world’s most expensive hotels. If you are traveling with a group of friends or family, there are incredible private villas for rent including Villa Della Celvia and Villa Salina, an exclusive beachfront property.

Once you’re settled into your stylish accommodation, you can choose to relax on one of the beautiful beaches (such as Spiaggia del Pevero or Spiaggia Cala Granu), dig your toes in the sand and sip a cocktail while listening to the waves or, if you’re feeling more active, there are galleries and shops to explore as well as restaurants offering delicious dishes of seafood and local Sardinian cuisine such as battarga, sea urchin and suckling pig.

For those who are more adventurous, the crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving. There are several wrecks to explore including a huge Messerschmidt 323 downed in World War II. 

From delicious restaurants offering an abundance of seafood to some of the world’s most exclusive villas, from shops and galleries to snorkeling and diving, Porto Cervo won’t disappoint even the most discriminating jet setter.