Sardinia: the unquestionable beauty of Emerald Coast

Costa Smeralda was founded in 1962 by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, imam of the Muslim Ismailite Nizarites, a British citizen, and a small group of international financiers who created the Consorzio Costa Smeralda. A lot of hard work, major investments and famous architects were commissioned to build the first structures, such as the village of Porto Cervo and the famous hotels; all high-level infrastructures that in a short time made the Costa Smeralda a tourist attraction in Sardinia. Before this area was inhabited by shepherds from Corsica. The first settlements date back to the prehistoric period, but the definitive settlement only took place in 1700. There is no shortage of archaeological areas to visit, such as Nuraghe la Prisgiona, Necropoli Li muri and Nuraghe Albucciu, the Moru giants' tomb and the small temple of Malchittu. The latter consists of an atrium and a worship chamber. Among the Nuragic constructions, it is one of the most unusual both for its shape and for the place where it is located, and perhaps for this very reason it is a highly suggestive monument that is difficult to resist visiting. In the rock next to the nuraghe there are two other nuraghi under the rock. Proceeding in the direction of Luogosanto, we find the Tomb of the Giants of Coddhu Vecchiu, consisting of an exedra and two cells. It is 14.50 m long and the stele in the centre is 4.04 m high. The Tomb of the Giants of Li Lolghi is also located in this direction and is 27 m long. The exedra measures 26 m. and the height of the stele is 3.75 m. The rear part consists of two rooms. In all archaic religions it is useful to know that stelae have always been invested with the meaning of 'soul-stelae' and were used by the spirit of the deceased to rest or were considered to be the abode of the divinity.

The heart of the Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo with its Stella Maris Church, built in 1968 by architect Michele Busiri Vici in Mediterranean style with a panoramic view of the entire bay. Inside there are valuable paintings, including a Madonna by El Greco. Porto Cervo, with its streets and small squares, has the dimension and atmosphere of a village with all the necessary services for holidaymakers. It is in this bay that the most luxurious pleasure boats in the Mediterranean dock. There are many beautiful and famous beaches on the Emerald Coast: Cala Petra Ruia, Mannena Beach, Liscia Ruia, Capriccioli, Piccola Romazzino, Il Pevero and Piccolo Pevero beaches, l'Ulticeddhu beach, Poltu di li Cogghj beach (also known as 'del principe'), which can only be reached on foot, to name but a few. If you don't want to miss out on all the wonders of this coast, the ideal thing to do is to visit a different beach every day and then make your own personal list of favourites. The beach of Liscia Ruja, for example, is the largest in the municipality of Arzachena and its size makes it unique in the coastal landscape of the Costa Smeralda. 

The sea in Arzachena is in constant movement: favourable currents and winds continually regenerate it so as to favour the myriad shades that enchant anyone who comes to this heavenly place. The absolute protagonist is the sea, which unmistakably outlines the coastline, so the fine sandy beach alternates with jagged cliffs and all around unspoilt vegetation, typical of the Mediterranean maquis. The village of Cannigione, on the western side of the coast, has in recent decades become an important modern holiday resort and has thus abandoned its historical character of a cluster of fishermen's and farmers' huts to become an important tourist centre, developed mainly along the seafront and offering tourists many services. In the port of Cannigione there are numerous floating docks that can accommodate up to 1000 boats. In the summer, the port also hosts numerous cultural, folkloric, gastronomic and entertainment activities. 

In Cannigione, the Cala di Falco Resort of the Delphina collection is in a strategic position for anyone wishing to visit and enjoy the wonders of Sardinia's most famous coastline. The resort is designed to meet all possible needs, offering the possibility of choosing not only the classic hotel or residence formula but also staying in prestigious villas that guarantee privacy and luxury. Nothing is left to chance, from the wrought iron and lace furnishings that recall Sardinian craftsmanship to the cuisine, which is ready to satisfy every palate and need with its restaurants and pizzeria grill. There are several beaches within easy reach of the resort where you can enjoy hours of relaxation on fine sand and emerald green sea in front of you, but for the more demanding the resort offers beach service and the possibility of organising tours to the nearby Maddalena coast. The resort offers its guests a wide range of excursions, from diving to sea safaris, from the classic island tour to sailing trips, as well as food and wine and cultural tours. The Delphina group has a great deal for everyone and a special place is reserved for sports enthusiasts with tennis and volleyball courts as well as the possibility of cycling trips. Of course, there is still so much to discover, so you just have to check out the many offers and go on a beautiful holiday.