Cuisine · Culture · Things to do · Mediterranean
March 18, 2019 Words: Bill Bradley and Noah Davis

Why You Should Visit Costa Smeralda

From pasta and white sand beaches, the Sardinian Coast is a true paradise.

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On the northeastern coast of Sardinia guests will find the lovely and pleasant port of Costa Smeralda. When you awake in Costa Smeralda, it may still feel like a dream. The mesmerizing turquoise waters and whites sand beaches look as though they’re out of a painting. Come for the beaches, stay for the fresh-made pasta and local delicacies. Here is how to spend your afternoon.

Indulge in Chiusoni and Other Pasta

Some people call Costa Smeralda a pasta paradise. Need we say more? And here on the northeast coast of Sardinia you’ll find pastas you won’t find, well, anywhere else—even on the mainland of Italy. Try the chiusoni (that’s gnocchi in English) with mussels and cannellini beans.

Experience the Lush Beaches

From Spiaggia di Liscia Ruja and Grande Pevero Beach to Spiaggia del Principe and Romazzino Beach, the pristine white sand beaches of Costa Smeralda cannot be beat. Liscia Ruja is famous and easily accessible. If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic and off-the-beaten-path try Cala Pietra Bianca or Poltu Li Cogghi, which aren’t always overrun with tourists.

Experience Fine Dining

Italians know how to do lunch. Relax. Crack a bottle of wine. Take in the views. You don’t have anywhere to be. The restaurants in Costa Smeralda are divine. For seafood, try Ristorante La Gritta. Roughly two kilometers from port you’ll find Ristorante I Frati Rossi, which serves up salt crusted fish and steamed lobsters alongside ravioli and traditional carbonara. Got a sweet tooth? Spring for the Three Chocolate Symphony for dessert.

Drive Up to Monte Mora

It doesn’t matter where you look in Costa Smeralda, the views are stunning. But if you rent a car and wind your way up to Monte Mora you can take it all in. From the top of the granite peak you can view the small islands of Tavolara and Caprera. It’s the perfect spot to take it all in before you make the trek back to the ship and your cozy suite.

Boats parked at the bay in Costa Smeralda

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