Porto Cervo is a small town on the Eastern Coast of Sardinia that rivals Monaco for bling and boats. Visitors to Sardinia looking for a touch of glamour and some serious people watching should take time to visit and soak up the atmosphere. We visited for the day in the summer of 2017 during our holiday in Sardinia.
The History of Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is a luxury seaside resort located in the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. The town was created in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who was looking for a place to build a luxury resort that could attract wealthy tourists from all over the world. The prince fell in love with the natural beauty of the area, and with the help of a team of architects and designers, he transformed a small fishing village into a luxurious destination. The town’s architecture is characterized by white stucco buildings with terracotta roofs, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Porto Cervo is also famous for its marina, which can accommodate up to 700 boats, and for its high-end shops, restaurants, and nightclubs. Over the years, the town has become a favourite destination for celebrities and the international jet set, who come to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, the stunning beaches, and the exclusive atmosphere of this unique town.
Today, the town is split into the ‘old’ Vecchio Porto fishing port and the new marina that can accommodate 700 boats.
Exploring Porto Cervo
The town itself is relatively small. An old church perches high above the town looking towards the bay full of pristine white yachts, manicured lawns, and expensive apartments.
Walking into the town itself is like walking onto a luxury Disney set. The sun beats down on brightly colored awnings with luxury brands enticing you to drool at the window or take a comfortable seat on the Hermes branded cushions.
Porto Cervo Shopping
The main shopping district is fully pedestrianised and made to look like old fishing cellars or buildings. They are set around the bay descending from street level to the water edge.
For retail therapy, you will find almost all the major brand boutiques – Hermès, Louis Vuitton, DSquared, Chopard and more leading labels.
Most of the dining options are also ‘high-end’ – Caviar & Cristal is the order of the day in most restaurants that overlook the bay, but you can find a panini café tucked away off one of the charming covered streets.
Where The Millionaires Come To Play
For me, the best thing about Porto Cervo was gazing at all the yachts. Hundreds of gleaming boats parked up ready for the weekend of which surely had to get a little wild (oh, only a little…).
Porto Cervo is great if you want an indulgent day or weekend where money is no object. Like Saint Tropez, you can expect this place to be busy with sightseers and celebrities alike so take your camera, and sunscreen and see who you can spot!
Read about my other travels: Resort Valle Dell’Erica Thalasso | Hotel Negresco, Nice
