Italy’s jet-set island, Sardinia, is a jewel of the Mediterranean, with the stunning Costa Smeralda and the North East of the island the most seductive places to be and be seen.
Follow our guide to the most exclusive beaches, the best restaurants, and designer shopping havens a short hop from the sand. And to whet your appetite for the island’s hottest property, take a peek inside some of the most sublime luxury villas to rent in Sardinia…
On the Emerald Coast
Translated as ‘The Emerald Coast’, the Costa Smeralda is a lush 10km stretch of powdery white sand beaches lapped by azure waters situated between the Bay of Arzachena and the Gulf of Cugnan in the northern part of the island. It’s a ‘take your breath away’ gorgeous — a place where natural beauty meets luxury Italian lifestyle.
With its glitzy resorts, sophisticated marinas, and extravagant nightlife, it offers a magical playground for sun-seekers, yachting enthusiasts, and fashionistas alike — the ultimate destination for luxury villa holidays in Sardinia.
Porto Cervo is the beating heart of this exclusive resort adored by A-listers, celebrities and oligarchs who come ashore for the fine dining and party scene. Created by the Aga Khan IV, Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, in the 1960s, it’s as chic as it gets.
Properties in Porto Cervo are among the most hotly desired luxury villas to rent in Sardinia —and get snapped up, fast. Picture an Instagram-perfect marina and quayside with fleets of luxury yachts moored on one side and Italian and European flagship stores from Dior to Dolce & Gabbana on the other. The waterfront is the place to partake in the Italian ritual known as la passeggiata — the early evening stroll (some might say ‘catwalk’) to walk and socialise. And when it’s time for cocktails and aperitivo, The Piazetta, in the centre of the resort, is a buzzing enclave of elegant cafés, bars and restaurants.
The best beaches in Costa Smeralda
The chance to skip along some of the loveliest beaches on the planet is a major draw of luxury villa holidays in Costa Smeralda. The coast is awash with beautiful beaches with rugged cliff backdrops and hidden coves. For those who long to rub sun-kissed shoulders with the beautiful people, the top hotspots include the super exclusive Cala di Volpe, famous for its pink granite rocks that sparkle in the sunshine, as well as its incredible watering holes that attract visiting rock stars, Italian film and fashion royalty and international movers and shakers.
Spiaggia del Principe (Principe Beach), named after Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, is considered among the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world and invariably crammed with sun worshippers. Romazzino beach is a bit quieter, great for snorkelling, and very safe for children, while the best choice for watersports fans is Pevero Beach — comprising two beaches, Piccolo and Grande Pevero, both in sheltered bays and within easy reach of Porto Cervo.
The most sophisticated luxury villas to rent in Sardinia
Whether you’re seeking a hideaway made for two, a large villa to rent in Sardinia for friends and family, or fairytale villa rentals in Sardinia for weddings, we’ve got an exciting collection of luxury villas and apartments to rent in the north of Sardinia in areas including Porto Cervo, Portisco, Porto Rotondo, Capo Coda Cavallo, Puntaldia, San Teodoro, Porto Raphael and Cala di Volpe.
Feast your eyes on five of the finest properties and start planning your idea of the dolce vita…
Villa Golfo Pevero
Perched over the chic beach of Piccolo Pevero in Porto Cervo, Villa Golfo Pevero is a luxurious retreat with exclusive access to the sea via a hidden stairwell descending to a private bay.
This five-bedroom villa exudes effortless elegance with beautiful interiors finished with luxurious materials such as granite, stone, wood and marble in true Costa Smeralda style. Situated in a quiet location and benefiting from breathtaking views over the well-kept garden and cliff-facing pool, this property provides a serene oasis for up to 10 guests. From €60,000 per week.
Villa Marina Cervo
Villa Marina Cervo is a remarkable 750 sqm luxury villa, ideally positioned in Porto Cervo. Spread across multiple floors, its unique design beautifully integrates stone and Mediterranean vegetation alongside the contemporary architecture to seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. It’s a showstopper and one of the best villas for weddings in Sardinia.
Exclusive amenities include a cinema room, spa room, golf putting green, solarium, hot tub and Jacuzzi, tennis court and a state-of-the-art gym/fitness suite, as well as a superb multi-level swimming pool, accessible from all floors, offering breathtaking views of Porto Cervo. A well-stocked wine cellar adds to the wow factor. From €70,000 per week.
Villa Liscia di Vacca
Situated in the most exclusive position near Liscia Rene Beach in one of the most magical bays of the Costa Smeralda, Villa Liscia di Vacca is one of the very finest luxury villas to rent in Sardinia. With sensational views across the Sardinian Sea, here you can enjoy some of the island’s best snorkelling and most stunning sunsets.
The villa also features its own private pier, making this property completely unique. Alongside an expansive swimming pool, large open spaces and a small state-of-the-art gym, the property showcases a relaxed luxurious design, decorated with modern and refined furniture and fittings. And the large private grounds include a vegetable garden where aspiring chefs are welcome to pick the freshest of seasonal fruits and vegetables. From €43,750 per week.
Villa Salina Bamba
Seeking a large villa to rent in Sardinia? Step inside the wonderful nine-bedroom Villa Saline Bamba. Nestled on the north-east coast, amidst the protected marine area of Tavolara in Capo Coda Cavallo near to San Teodoro, this property offers unparalleled space and privacy. In addition to a delicious pool overlooking the beach, your very own Hamman and spa room, you’ll also have a private stretch of sand.
The property’s private beach is complete with sun beds and even its own fridge for the ultimate refreshment whilst admiring and aqua marine waters. The beach is reached by a rural path winding through the dreamy Mediterranean scrub. From €55,000 per week.
Villa Domos de Rocca
Villa Domos De Rocca is a beautiful property based amongst the Tavolara Archipelago, situated in the Sassi Piatti area, one of the most beautiful places in Sardinia, found on its north-eastern coast.
This sophisticated property is conveniently located right on the shore, offering unique and breathtaking views of the sea and the island of Tavolara. You’ll enjoy direct access to a small white sand beach and the property also features a stunning and secluded swimming pool. The interiors and architecture have a modern and contemporary style, perfectly designed to create a private and very inviting home-from-home. From €30,000 per week.
Eager to see more? View look inside our full portfolio of luxury villas to rent in Sardinia.
Fine dining in Sardinia
Sardinia serves up a generous selection of truly great gastronomy, with a glittering array of award-winning restaurants and secret gems scattered around the island. For the ultimate feast, book a table at one of these two widely celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants in Sardinia: maestro chef Italo Bassi’s ConFusion restaurant in Porto Cervo where the interior design is as seductive as the dishes, and Dal Corsaro, the stage for Chef Stefano Deidda’s delightful tasting menus served up in the island’s capital, Cagliari.
And if you choose to stay in one of our luxury villas to rent in Sardinia, you can also enjoy the elite services of a private chef for intimate fine dining experiences to wedding banquets and celebrations.
Luxury shopping in Porto Cervo
There’s something so effortlessly cool about Italian style and as you’d expect, this Italian playground for the rich is home to first-class shopping experiences. For heaven-sent perfumes, head to Flow Fragrance; and for fashion to homewares, art and design, The Promenade du Port is a vibrant destination with 60 intriguing stores and places to stop for a restorative espresso or Aperol Spritz.
And if you’re hungry for high-end sartorial delights, you’ll find the biggest names in fashion adorning Porto Cervo’s Piazzetta. Here, you’ll find some real treasures: lesser-known but fabulous Italian labels and independent stores, as well as boutiques blinging with Gucci and Prada.
Love Italy? View our full range of luxury villas to rent in other delightful destinations, including Umbria, Tuscany The Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Sicily, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Orta.
Looking for a city break? Feast your eyes on our luxury city apartments to rent in Florence, Rome, and Venice
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