Best Things to Do in Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is one of the most iconic and glamorous beach towns on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), you’ll have plenty of things to do in Porto Cervo. Founded in the 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the seaside village has become a mecca for celebrities from around the world. Jet-setters flock to Porto Cervo for its gorgeous beaches, high-end hotels, luxury spas, and VIP nightclubs.
If you’re planning a visit to Porto Cervo, read on for our list of travel tips, must-see places and things to do in Porto Cervo so that you can get the most out of your visit in this magical place.
Getting to Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is located on the northeastern corner of the island of Sardinia, approximately 30 minutes northeast of the Olbia Airport. Although the city is not accessible from mainland Italy via train or bus, you can fly to Olbia from other Italian cities such as Rome, Naples, Venice, or Milan.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer trip, there are also ferries to Sardinia from mainland Italy. Ferries leave from Livorno (near Pisa), Civitavecchia (just outside of Rome), and several other coastal cities with direct service to Olbia.
When to Visit
When you choose to visit will depend on what you plan to do while in Porto Cervo. If you’re dreaming of basking on the beach by day and dancing among the rich and famous by night, plan to visit in the summer months. The marina fills with yachts and sailboats from visiting celebrities in July and August, so you’ll have the best chances of seeing celebrities during that time.
If you’d rather avoid the summer crowds, the late spring and early fall months are much quieter, and you can experience events such as the Porto Cervo Wine and Food Festival. The weather is a little cooler than in the summer but still pleasant, averaging between 20-25 degrees, and the ocean generally stays warm enough for swimming. Explore with Boat rental Porto Cervo www.servizinauticisardegna.com
What to See
Whether you’re seeking a premium luxury experience or a more low-key, relaxing getaway, there are plenty of things to do in and around town. Here are our top suggestions for things to do in Porto Cervo.
Piazzetta di Porto Cervo
If you’re hoping to do some stargazing while you’re here, the town square is a great place to find celebrities. The Piazzetta di Porto Cervo is a famous meeting spot for people in town, including visiting VIPs, to gather and grab an aperitivo before dinner or an after dinner cocktail.
Chiesa di Stella Maris
Located high up on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the church of Stella Maris is known not only for its unique architecture, but for its magnificent views of the ocean and marina. Designed by architect Michele Busiri Vici, the church is a popular attraction for tourists and offers classical music concerts during the summer months.
Wine and Food Festival
For some of the best food and wine that Porto Cervo has to offer, you won’t want to miss the town’s annual Wine and Food Festival. In previous years, the festival has been held in May, but the 2020 event was scheduled for September. Restaurants and vineyards bring their offerings to the festival, where international visitors can take classes and workshops, view cooking demonstrations, and attend tastings.
Hotel Cala di Volpe
Fans of classic Bond films should consider stopping by the luxurious Hotel Cala di Volpe. The iconic hotel from The Spy Who Loved Me looks out on a crystal-blue bay flanked by stunning beaches. Even if you don’t choose to stay at the hotel, you can enjoy a drink at the bar or visit the room where James Bond and Anya Amasova stayed.
Pevero Golf Club
Golf lovers will have an unforgettable time hitting the links at the gorgeous Pevero Golf Club. The ocean-view course hosted the 1978 Italian Open and is one of the premier golf spots in Sardinia. While offering plenty of technical challenge even for seasoned players, the stunning beauty of the landscape around you will leave you awestruck.
Beaches in Porto Cervo
For those who adore the sun, the surf, and the sand, Porto Cervo’s famous beaches are a paradise. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving (you can explore the Messerschmitt Me 323 wreck or the little island of Monaci and Mortoriotto located in the Marine Park of La Maddalena). Another great activity at the sea is to go dolphins and whale watching. Explore with Boat rental Porto Cervo www.servizinauticisardegna.com
Charter a yacht in Porto Cervo, Italy or rent a boat with or without a skipper
Rent a boat with or without skipper in Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is a small seaside town located in the northern part of Sardinia. Apart from its authentic bars, restaurants and small shops, it’s mostly known for the ports that constitute its marina. Porto Cervo is beautiful, and is considered as one of the world’s most luxurious places to be. Chartering a yacht in Porto Cervo is one of the best things you can do to enjoy Sardinia and to fully explore the area. The town is surrounded by amazing beaches and hidden spots that are much more accessible by boat.Â
When should you hire a boat in Porto Cervo
The best time to visit the island of Sardinia and its incredible town of Porto Cervo is during the summer. July and August have the warmest climate and less rainfall but it’s also the high season meaning a lot more tourists visit at this time of year.
The good thing about Porto Cervo is that you can visit during other seasons too. Spring and Fall also have great weather and a lot less tourists than during summer, so maybe adapt your travel plans accordingly. Make sure you book well in advance If you still wish to hire a boat during summer, as the demand increases a lot during the high season.
Pricing and information for a boat rental in Porto Cervo
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Porto Cervo is one of the most expensive seaside resorts in the world, with high living standards and luxurious lifestyle. It's an incredibly beautiful town and comes with a price. If you still want to visit Porto Cervo, SamBoat offers really good prices. With prices starting at 100€ per day, you can hire a sailboat or a motorboat, which is a relatively cheap price.
Prices drastically increase during the high season in Porto Cervo, so make sure to charter a yacht well in advance if you wish to go on a boating adventure.
Do you need a licence to hire a boat in Porto Cervo
For small boats you usually don’t need a licence but for most bigger boats, the authorities will require you to have a boating licence. If your licence was registered in a European Union country, it’s valid to hire a boat Sardinia as well.For anyone looking to hire a boat, we suggest passing the ICC (International Competence Certificate) which is a boating licence recognized in most European countries. You also have to bring a nautical CV with you, to prove that you have rented before and have the skills to operate a vessel.
What to do in Porto Cervo
Whether you like to go snorkelling and spend your afternoon exploring the ocean floors or relax the whole day under the sun, there is plenty to do in Porto Cervo. Rent a boat in town and head out to find hidden, empty beaches, caves and go snorkelling to discover the mesmerising ocean life that resides in Sardinia.
At the end of the day, anchor the boat and appreciate the beautiful view with the sun setting in the horizon.