What Do you know about the origins of Porto Cervo?
What is the history of Porto Cervo?
Luxury and Natural Beauty in Costa Smeralda
Before the ultra-luxurious hotels, iconic global brands, vibrant nightlife, and “Dolce Vita” lifestyle, not many people knew that Porto Cervo wasn’t always its name. Nestled on a promontory surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, coves of pink granite, and crystal-clear seabeds, Porto Cervo is set against the lush green backdrop of the Mediterranean scrub. Once known as Monti di Mola, it was an uninhabited area unsuitable for farming or livestock. Only goats, animals well-adapted to rugged terrains, were able to inhabit these enchanted lands.
Who developed Costa Smeralda?
In the 1960s, a World Bank ofcial, Mr. John Duncan Miller, was sent to Sardinia to assess the island's economic development progress. He was deeply struck by the region's wild beauty and, upon returning to London, convinced inuential friends to invest in the area. Among these was the Ismaili Prince Karim Aga Khan, who was so captivated by the surroundings that he began developing the grand project that led to the creation of Costa Smeralda. The development of Costa Smeralda and its agship village, Porto Cervo, marked the beginning of a new era in luxury travel. Today, Costa Smeralda is one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive destinations and the epitome of luxury, blending discreet charm with cutting-edge contemporary
The Meaning Behind "Costa Smeralda”
There are several theories regarding the origin of the name “Costa Smeralda.” The most straightforward explanation is that it refers to the striking emerald green color of the coastline. A more romantic and widely accepted theory is that the name derives from a girl named Esmeralda, who inspired the area’s name.
Porto Cervo: Sardinia’s Premier Luxury Destination
Porto Cervo is home to one of the best-equipped ports in Sardinia. Its sheltered position in the Gulf of Arzachena offers a serene location, making it a symbol of exclusivity. The port, ideally located between the heart of Porto Cervo and the inlet of the Gulf, is a hub for luxury yachting. The Marina of Porto Cervo consists of two harbors: the Old Port and the New Marina
• New Marina: Situated to the west and surrounded by the marina village's upscale amenities, it offers a water taxi service that runs every half hour, connecting the marina to the heart of Porto Cervo. It’s also home to the exclusive Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which hosts prestigious regattas such as the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in June, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship, and the biennial Rolex Swan Cup in September.
• Old Port: Established in the 1960s as a shing port, it has now become and charming and essential part of Porto Cervo. The Old Port is renowned for its elegant restaurants, exclusive showrooms, luxury hotels, private innity pools, and galleries, each offering a unique allure.
Porto Cervo's Culinary Delights
Porto Cervo is not only a visual feast but a culinary one too. The dining scene reects the luxurious lifestyle of the region, offering a variety of gastronomic experiences.
• Quattro Passi al Pescatore: A unique pieds-dans-l’eau seafood restaurant that embodies the essence of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Pedri Garden: Located in the heart of Promenade du Port, this restaurant offers a rened take on traditional Italian cuisine in an intimate, romantic garden setting overlooking the picturesque Porto Vecchio bay.
• Zuma Restaurant: An exclusive coastal retreat where guests can enjoy contemporary Japanese cuisine, crafted cocktails, and spectacular sunsets, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Costa Smeralda’s green-blue coastline.
• Confusion: An extraordinary concept by renowned chef Italo Bassi, blending culinary excellence with luxury design, elegance, and a touch of extravagance.
Star Yacht Group: Premier Yacht Concierge Services in Costa Smeralda
The Star Yacht Group, based in Porto Cervo, is your premier concierge service for yachts in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia. Specialising in yacht berth reservations, port formalities, and yacht clearance procedures, we ensure a seamless experience for both Sailor Yachts and Motor Yachts. Whether you need a berth reservation in Porto Cervo, or any marina in Sardinia or Corsica, our expert team handles all your needs, from navigating yacht regulations to ensuring full compliance with Italian port procedures. We also assist with handling immigration rules, customs formalities, and harbor regulations across Sardinia, ensuring your stay is as smooth as possible. Our personalized services include the provision of local cruising information, speed limits, national park regulations, and weather forecasts, along with guidance on water sports and jet ski regulations.
Tailored Services for a Luxurious Stay
At Star Yacht Group, we offer a range of white-glove services designed to make your stay in Porto Cervo as comfortable and luxurious as possible. Our expertise and attention to detail ensure that every aspect of your experience, from yacht management to local regulations, is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.