Porto Cervo (Costa Smeralda)

The Costa Smeralda is a coastal area and a famous tourist destination in northern Sardinia with a length of some 20 km, rich of several white sand beaches, a golf club, private jet and helicopter service, and hotels costing up to 10000 € per night in the peak season. Of course, the area has drawn celebrities, business leaders and other affluent visitors. The heart of Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo. It was created by Prince Karim Aga Khan and various other investors. The village is located at the southern and eastern shore of the natural port, where there are shops, a newsagent, bars, restaurants and supermarkets. The other shores of the bay boast the old and the new marina harbour. In a study released by the European luxury real estate brokerage "Engel & Völkers", Romazzino Bay in Porto Cervo is the most expensive location in Europe. House prices reach up to 300,000 € per square meter. In 2011 Costa Smeralda had the 2^nd, the 4^th  and the 6^th  most expensive hotels in the world, (in order: the “Pitrizza”, the “Romazzino” and the “Cala di Volpe” Hotel).In 2012 the Hotel “Cala di Volpe”, which is featured in the 1977 James Bond’s episode “The spy who loved me” is listed at number 7 on World's 15 most expensive hotel suites complied by "CNN Go" in 2012. The settlement of Porto Cervo occupies all the bay and goes up over the surrounding hills. The part by the sea is built in typical tourist village style, while the area over the hills is structured in large “villas”. This place has got the dimension and atmosphere of a resort, provided with all services required by people on holiday. Nearby the old harbour there is a wooden bridge linking the harbour to the centre of Porto Cervo. From here a series of paths, porches and stairs allow everyone to reach the different sights of the village.