Until the XVII century, the city, whose nucleus dates to the Roman Era, consisted of a few houses grouped around the 1600s Church of Santa Maria, dedicated to the Madonna della Neve. In the spring of 1962, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV founded a consortium called the Costa Smeralda (or Emerald Coast) to develop the natural beauty of the area around Arzachena. The territory encompasses 55 km of coastline from Liscia Ruja to Liscia di Vacca and it was soon an international destination for luxury tourism.

Among the various marvels not to be missed are the gorgeous coves of turquoise water known as Lu Multiccioni and Li Capanni, the long Tanca Manna beach, with its clear shoreline and beaches of fine silky sand that makes the sea an even deeper blue. The Caribbean flair of cala Capriccioli and the intact wilderness of Capo Ferro, a finger of land graced with a red and white light house, will utterly delight you.

Today, with its little stone squares and flowering scenery, Azarchena is a triumph of colours. Pink granite and white stones are only some of the materials used in building houses, everywhere you look are green spaces encircled by elegant boutiques, eateries serving typical Sardinian cuisine and shops selling local crafts.

Don’t miss the soft night-time lighting in Porto Cervo, Azarchena’s most celebrated port town, a tourist harbour with well-equipped docks for the many VIP yachts, encircled by luxurious villas and the famous bustling piazzetta delle Chiacchiere. It is Sardinia’s most exclusive resort, it is where the jet set meets to spend the evening in style.

But it’s not only about the sea, fun and glamorous lifestyles, if you love archaeology then you must see the Li Lolghi tomb of the giant, one of the most beautiful and celebrated on the island.