Making the most of Porto Cervo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
On the eastern side of the marina along the bay’s south coast, the old port has a long dock for big yachts and a long floating wharf. It has complete, modern tourist infrastructure and attracts international customers.
Passengers from most larger cruise ships come ashore by tender.
The tender marina is effectively in downtown Porto Cervo, so exploring on foot is very convenient.
At the heart of Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo appeals to fine living, cosmopolitan tourism and elite company, with sensational yachts and breath-taking villas looking over inspiring ports and natural bays. Costa Smeralda is the Queen of Mediterranean sea-side resorts, and Porto Cervo is its capital.
Costa Smeralda occupies Sardinia’s North-Eastern coast, on one of Italy’s main islands in the Mediterranean, one or two hour's flight from principal European cities. This ideal sea-side resort is world-renowned for unique natural beauty and the impeccably refined Aga Khan development, executed in harmony with the environment. No other resort over 3000 hectares has been developed by one person with an overall Master Plan contemplating 50 year development and receiving such loving care…
The outcome is visible in human-scale buildings designed by Europe’s finest architects and hand-built by Sardinia’s leading craftsmen, whose millennial skill works granite, the island’s natural stone, and perfumed juniper wood.
Costa Smeralda has spectacular villas and apartments from world-famous architects, built by Sardinia’s finest craftsmen. Consortium Costa Smeralda efficiently protects every property and guarantees basic services and infrastructure: water supply, road repairs, beach and road cleaning, medical services, fire protection and security. These in turn ensure a perfect, care-free resort holiday and investment stability.
Porto Cervo is not a town rich in history or architecture. It is purely a luxury resort made up of a harbour and marinas, with colourful holiday villas dotted through the town, which is nestled in hilly terrain.
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda strongly contributes to the town’s success, attracting visitors for sport and leisure. Each September, the annual Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup brings sailboats worldwide for week-long competitions and events.
The leading beaches are Liscia Ruia, Cappriccioli and Romazzino.
Getting around
There is no public transport in the port. Taxis are generally available, and Europcar has a port car-rental office.
Nearby places
Nearby are Neolithic ruins and important nuragic complexes, including Cabu Abbas and the Holy Well of Sa Testa.
Food and shopping
At Porto Cervo’s centre, walk down the mythical promenade and you may find yourself shopping by chance alongside film stars, television and sports personalities. From piazzetta delle Chiacchiere to Sottopiazza, the town is a collection of narrow streets, windows and little balconies built in Costa Smeralda style, with shops selling the most prestigious brand names including Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, alongside exclusive local Italian designers.
Money
Currency: Euro.
Staying connected
Languages: Sardu (Sardinian) and Italian.
For emergencies, dial 112.
Opening Hours and
Italian shops and businesses generally open Monday to Saturday around 8am to 1pm, then around 4pm to 7pm. Many shut Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings; southern days can begin and end an hour later. Some northern businesses work 9am-5pm to ease international dealings. Traditionally everything except bars and restaurants closes Sunday, but most towns have a morning pasticceria, and Sunday opening is increasingly common in large cities and tourist areas.