Costa Smeralda Summer Guide: Luxury Car Tips
24 June 2025 · 6 min read
A Costa Smeralda luxury car is the key to Sardinia's most exclusive coastline: discover what to see around Porto Cervo, where to drive along the emerald shore and practical tips for the summer season.
What to see along the Costa Smeralda
A Costa Smeralda luxury car experience begins in Porto Cervo, the glittering capital of Sardinia's most exclusive stretch of coast. The Piazzetta and the marina, packed with super-yachts, set the tone: arriving in a Lamborghini Urus or a Ferrari Roma Spyder fits perfectly among the designer boutiques and the famous Promenade du Port.
The natural beauty is the real star. Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli and Liscia Ruja are among the most spectacular beaches, with emerald water that gives the coast its name. The granite landscape, sculpted by the wind, frames every drive between coves and pine forests.
Beyond the beaches, the region offers legendary venues: the Cala di Volpe hotel, the Phi Beach club for sunset sets, and the nightlife of Billionaire and Sottovento. The nearby village of San Pantaleo, with its artisan market, and the town of Porto Rotondo complete the picture of glamour and authenticity.
Where to drive on the emerald coast
Renting a luxury car along the Costa Smeralda opens up the whole of northern Sardinia. The coastal road from Porto Cervo to Baja Sardinia and Cannigione winds past viewpoints over the Maddalena archipelago, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. A boat trip to La Maddalena and Caprera completes the experience.
Heading south, the drive towards Olbia and then San Teodoro and the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei reveals wilder, less crowded shores. For drivers who crave open roads, the inland route towards Tempio Pausania and the cork-oak forests of the Gallura offers flowing bends away from the coastal traffic.
Northward, Palau and the ferry to the Maddalena islands, plus the dramatic Capo d'Orso rock, make for a memorable day out. A grand tourer handles the coastal curves with ease, while a sports SUV like the Urus is ideal for reaching the more remote beaches.
Practical tips for the summer season
The Costa Smeralda peaks in July and August, when Porto Cervo becomes one of the most exclusive destinations in the world. Prices soar, beaches fill quickly and the roads, especially around the Piazzetta, can be congested in the evenings. Booking everything well in advance is essential.
Many beaches are reached via unpaved or narrow access roads, so a sports SUV is often the most practical choice, while a convertible is unbeatable for cruising the coast at sunset. The best balance of weather and tranquillity comes in June and early September, just outside the absolute peak.
Rial Rent delivers your vehicle directly to your hotel in Porto Cervo or to Olbia Costa Smeralda airport, with full kasko insurance and 24/7 assistance. Our concierge can arrange beach-club reservations, private boat charters to the Maddalena islands and tailor-made itineraries across the coast.
FAQ
Can I pick up the car at the airport? Yes, Rial Rent delivers to Olbia Costa Smeralda airport and to hotels in Porto Cervo and along the coast.
Is an SUV or a convertible better for the Costa Smeralda? A sports SUV like the Urus reaches the more remote beaches via narrow access roads, while a convertible is perfect for coastal cruising at sunset.
When is the best time to visit? June and early September offer great weather with fewer crowds than the absolute peak of July and August.
