Sardinia - Costa Smeralda holidays

Relax and discover

Baia Sardinia

Local culture: A laid-back and relaxing village, life is centred around days at the beach and evenings at the small but lively piazzas with its shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Set on a beautiful part of the coastline, it’s an ideal place for exploring the Costa Smeralda. Top up your tan on boat trips, or grab a map and jump in the car, stopping off when something catches your eye.

Beaches: Baia Sardinia boasts uncrowded, relaxing beaches with beautiful white sands and crystal clear, turquoise water. Many hotels have their own private beaches in intimate coves, but we’d also recommend taking the car and exploring the stunning sandy bays in the surrounding area.

Water sports: The beautiful bays surrounding the area are the ideal spot for trying your hand at water sports, whether you're a novice or a pro. There’s everything from pedalos and kayaks to windsurfing and jet skiing, you can even try your hand at diving. For the ‘kids’ amongst you, head to the Aquadream Waterpark just outside of town.

Evening atmosphere: Baia Sardinia has a surprisingly animated nightlife centred mainly on the piazza and beachfront. Skipper Bar overlooks the main beach and has a real buzz about it, but more relaxed drinks can be enjoyed in a handful of bars set back from the water. A few restaurants are dotted around the resort serving delicious local cuisine. Watching the sunset from Phi Beach bar is truly spectacular, where the drinks keep flowing and partying carries on late into the night.



Porto Cervo

Local culture: Originally a retreat for the rich and fabulous, Porto Cervo combines glamour with Italian laid-back cool. Café-culture and designer shopping are a way of life here, where checking out the mega-yachts docked in the new marina whilst sipping a Prosecco is an absolute must. Stroll along the fashionable 'Promenade du Port' keeping your eyes peeled for international celebs.

Eating out: Porto Cervo’s best restaurants, set amongst its attractive piazzas, offer high quality cuisine, from fantastic pizzas to yummy seafood and traditional Sardinian specialities. Enjoy refined Italian cuisine at La Terrazza in the heart of the village, seafood specialities at Il Pescatore overlooking the harbour, or hang out with the rich and famous in Cipriani at Billionaire.

Evening atmosphere: Porto Cervo really comes alive in the evenings, boasting an exciting and glamorous nightlife. Bars and restaurants line the waterfront and piazzas, and exclusive nightspots play host to international stars and top models. Designer shops are aplenty and open into the evening for a spot of retail therapy or window-shopping. On the Piazzetta, Cervo Bar is the perfect place to enjoy after dinner cocktails to the sounds of live piano music.



Cannigione

Local culture: With the charming air of an old fishing village, life in Cannigione is relaxed and retains many of its traditional roots. Evening markets take place alongside the marina during the main summer months, selling local crafts, small trinkets and unique jewellery pieces, or there’s the main market in the centre on Monday mornings.

Beaches: With only a couple of its own, smaller beaches, Cannigione is in the perfect spot for exploring other nearby beaches. The emerald waters and white sands of Tanca Manna and Barca Bruciata beaches are both less than a 10 minute drive away.


Water sports: Cannigione is the perfect base for water sports enthusiasts. Head to Porto Pollo for windsurfing and kite surfing, or enjoy many diving opportunities within the La Maddalena marine park and as far as Corsica. For more relaxing days, try snorkelling along the shore, or hiring a pedalo or kayak to explore the local area, or head out a little further afield by boat.

Evening atmosphere: Evenings here are more subdued where time is spent eating outside local tavernas, taking a stroll along the waterfront or enjoying a drink or two in traditional bars, watching the locals sat outside playing cards or dominos. There’s regular live music in the piazza, and some bars even open until the very early hours of the morning.