Located on Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, this Mediterranean resort town has white-sand beaches, a luxury yacht marina, and high-end boutiques along its winding streets.
Porto Cervo sits along northern Sardinia's Mediterranean coast, where mega-yachts dock in two harbors with 700 berths. Walk through streets lined with Bulgari and Valentino boutiques, swim in the clear waters of Cala Granu beach, or sail to the rocky coves of the Maddalena archipelago. This coastal village, built in the 1960s, has become a summer destination for sailing enthusiasts and beach-goers looking for Mediterranean luxury.
Getting to Porto Cervo
You can reach Porto Cervo through Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, located 30 kilometers south of the resort. Regular flights connect Olbia with major Italian cities and European capitals throughout the year. Another option is taking an 8-hour ferry ride from Livorno or Civitavecchia to either Olbia or Golfo Aranci ports, both a 30-minute drive from Porto Cervo. Many visitors book overnight ferry cabins to arrive refreshed in the morning.
Layout of the Village
Porto Cervo spans five areas: the old town, old port, promenade, new port, and Stella Maris. Start at the Piazzetta in the old town, where you'll find luxury boutiques and cafes. Walk to the old port's waterfront to watch yachts while sipping coffee at harborside bars. Along the promenade, artists have painted murals on the walls next to art galleries and restaurants. Walking paths connect all areas along the coastline.
Beaches Around Porto Cervo
Swim at Liscia Ruja, the longest beach in Costa Smeralda, located 15 minutes south of the village. Walk from the center to Cala Granu (Orange Beach), where calm waters make swimming easy. The twin beaches of Grande and Piccolo Pevero lie just 5 minutes from Porto Cervo - bring snorkeling gear to spot fish in their clear waters. Each beach has parking areas and small cafes nearby.
Marina Life
The marina includes both the historic Porto Vecchio and a modern harbor built in the 1970s. You can dock among 700 vessels, including 100 mega-yachts. Watch sailing competitions organized by the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club during summer, or rent a boat for day trips around the coast. The marina's restaurants give you front-row views of the sailing action.
Local Architecture
Architects Luigi Vietti and Jacques Couelle designed Porto Cervo in the 1960s with low-rise buildings, rounded edges, and white walls. Climb to the Chiesa di Stella Maris church, built in 1969, for views over the marina. The church's curved walls and minimalist interior exemplify the village's architectural style, which integrates with the surrounding rocks and Mediterranean plants.
Exploring Nearby Areas
Take boat tours to the Maddalena archipelago's seven islands to discover hidden coves and beaches. Drive 15 minutes inland to San Pantaleo, where local artists sell their work in galleries along narrow streets. In Castelsardo, climb the medieval fortress and watch craftspeople weave traditional baskets in old town workshops.
