Costa Smeralda in 2 days
- Irene
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Tucked away on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Costa Smeralda is a dreamscape of turquoise waters, sun-drenched cliffs, and effortless elegance. My weekend escape to this Mediterranean gem was a whirlwind of scenic drives, hidden coves, and aperitivo hours that stretched into golden sunsets. Whether you're chasing serenity or a splash of glamour, Costa Smeralda offers both in perfect harmony—an ideal retreat for those craving a quick but unforgettable getaway.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival & Porto Rotondo
Land at Olbia Airport (just a 20-minute drive to Porto Rotondo)
Check-in at Hotel Sestante
Dinner at Bambusa Porto Rotondo
Evening gelato & a stroll around the port
Day 2: Beach Club & Porto Cervo
Relax at Oasi Beach Club or explore other options (Nikki Beach, Blue Beach, Tartarughino)
Optional: Wine tasting at Surrau Vineyard + lunch at Osteria del Mirto
Sunset aperitivo in Porto Cervo
Dinner at Ristorante Lu Stazzu
Day 3: Porto Rotondo & Departure
Morning walk or pool time
Visit: Marina, Church of San Lorenzo, Piazzetta San Marco, Piazza Quadra
Lunch at Pasiga Restaurant or Lo Squalo (near the airport)
General advice – an important thing to note is that Sardinia has three airports so be mindful when booking your trip. If you're planning to visit the north of Sardinia, Olbia should be your airport of choice. I also recommend renting a car to make the most of your time—taxis are not very common or frequent in the area.
When to go - June and September are ideal months to visit, but keep in mind that many beach clubs close around mid-September. This is important if beach time is a priority for your weekend escape. Certain areas of Sardinia are quite seasonal, so during the winter months, bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops may be closed—something to consider when choosing your travel dates.
Where to stay – For me, this is easy—definitely stay in Porto Rotondo, which has a lovely, more authentic vibe and is also closer to Olbia Airport. Hotel Sestante is a great option thanks to its central location, walkability, and stylish décor.
Day 1: Arrival
As mentioned, the hotel and Porto Rotondo are just a 20-minute drive from the airport, making it a very convenient place to stay.
Once you've arrived and checked in, I recommend heading to dinner at Bambusa Porto Rotondo, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Be sure to order the fish of the day—it’s a standout.
After dinner, take a relaxed stroll around the port and grab a gelato.
Day 2: Beach club and Porto Cervo
On your second day, I recommend spending most of it at a beach club. We chose Oasi Beach Club, just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. You can book sunbeds and enjoy lunch at their restaurant, which is quite nice. Other popular options in the area include: Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda – Cala Petra Ruja, Blue Beach – Marinella Bay, and Tartarughino Beach – Golfo di Marinella.
If you’re not in the mood for the beach, a great alternative is wine tasting at Surrau Vineyard, followed by lunch at Osteria del Mirto, part of the Petra Segreta Resort & Spa. Be sure to book both places in advance.
Before dinner, we headed to Porto Cervo for a walk and aperitivo. It’s a nice town to explore, but I was glad we didn’t stay there—it feels more like a curated luxury shopping village, while Porto Rotondo has a more authentic charm. Still, it’s worth visiting for the views and sunset terraces.
Then came the highlight—Ristorante Lu Stazzu. This restaurant offers a fixed menu that includes aperitivo, various types of pasta, grilled pork, dessert, and wine. The food is exceptional, and the setting is stunning: a beautiful courtyard for aperitivo and tables with sea views. Highly recommended—just make sure to book in advance as it’s a popular and busy spot.
Day 3: Porto Rotondo and departure
On your last day, spend the morning relaxing by the pool or take another walk around Porto Rotondo. Don’t miss: Porto Rotondo Marina, Church of San Lorenzo, Piazzetta San Marco, and Piazza Quadra.
Before heading to the airport, we planned to have lunch at Pasiga Restaurant. Unfortunately, they were hosting a private event, so we went with Plan B—Lo Squalo, a lovely alternative close to the airport with a small beach.
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