Framed by a fabulous sea and ringed with beaches of incredible beauty, Sardinia is at the heart of the Mediterranean. With 5000 years of history its landscape is sculpted by both time and the winds. Craggy mountains, the smell of the omnipresent maquis, groves of cork oaks, ruins of ancient cities, uninhabited valleys and lively towns make Sardinia one of the world’s most exciting natural environments. All the properties we have for rent are in the north-east of the island, in an area called La Gallura. The coastal resort of the Costa Smeralda is part of this.

Extending along 35 kilometres of coast, bordered by two sculpted granite rocks, the Costa Smeralda has been renowned as a playground for the rich and famous since the 1960s. It was discovered and developed in 1962 by Prince Aga Khan, who brought together top international artists to design what has today become one of the most prestigious tourist developments, completely integrated into the natural landscape. The inevitable luxury resort hotels, yacht marinas and villas to be found in such an environment have been built in indigenous materials to harmonize with their natural surroundings, while the coastal road offers amazing panoramic views of the shimmering sea, steep cliffs, mountains and off-shore islands.

Cala di Volpe is a beautiful bay situated in the Costa Smeralda, and many of our properties are situated nearby. The nerve centre of the Costa Smeralda, if offers large parks, stylish boutiques and an exciting nightlife. During the 1960’s, when the Aga Khan began his project, one of his architects, Jacques Couelle, designed the Cala di Volpe Hotel, now a benchmark for all the architecture on the coast. The beaches of the Cala di Volpe, fringed by pink granite, stand out for their white sand and clear water. For many, the jewel of the Costa Smeralda is the Pevero Golf Club, 6.175 kms of golf course, blending in perfectly with the Mediterranean maquis, designed by Robert Trent Jones.

North of the Costa Smeralda, near the town of Palau, is the area of Porto Rafael, overlooking the islands of La Maddalena, Santo Stefano, Caprera and Spargi. The properties in this area are built in a unique style, a mix of Spanish and Sardinian architecture. In the central area, there is a selection of fine restaurants, coffee bars, delicatessens, a few selected boutiques and the famous “piazzetta” on the beach, while in the vicinity, there are many small bays and a yacht club. We have several properties here, some with access to their own beach.

Further west of Porto Rafael is the exclusive private residential park of Portobello di Gallura, situated on the north west coast, 20 kilometres from Santa Teresa di Gallura - a natural park of approximately 100 hectares and 4 kilometres of coast, beaches and small coves, with a small private harbour and tennis courts. All the villas here have been built on one level and are well integrated with the surrounding lush vegetation, with the privacy of each home preserved. The park is surrounded by farmland, where fresh, organic local produce can be bought. Our property here is right on the edge of the sea.

Sardinia enjoys easy access by both air and sea. Olbia is the most convenient airport and there are flights here from London and Berlin with Easyjet, and Meridiana to London, Paris and main Italian cities. Other operators include Hapag Lloyd Express with direct flights from Cologne, Hanover and Stuttgart, and Helvetic Express from Zurich. There are ferries from Corsica (55 minutes from Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura) and also from Genoa, Livorno and Rome.