When is the best time to walk the Costa Smeralda?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures (20-28°C) and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is hot and busy but the coastal path is less crowded than the beaches. Start early in summer to avoid the midday heat.

Can I swim along the Costa Smeralda walk?

Yes! Pack your swimsuit. Capriccioli beach is perfect for a mid-walk swim with its shallow turquoise waters. Several other small coves along the route offer access to the crystal-clear Mediterranean.

How do I reach Costa Smeralda sustainably?

Fly to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, then take the local bus or a shared shuttle to Porto Cervo (30 minutes). Renting an electric car is the most sustainable option for exploring the coast. The walk itself is transport-free carbon-negative travel at its best.

Walking Guide · Sardinia

Costa Smeralda Coastal Walk — Guide with Eco Hotel at the Trailhead

Q: Is the Costa Smeralda coastal path suitable for all fitness levels?

Absolutely. The path is mostly flat or gently undulating with no steep sections. It's suitable for families with children, older walkers, and anyone wanting a relaxed coastal stroll. The full 10 km out-and-back is comfortable in 3 hours.

Q: Where should I stay for eco-friendly accommodation?

Porto Cervo has most accommodation options. Look for hotels using solar energy and Sardinian-sourced organic produce. Booking through IMPT adds 1 tonne CO₂ removal per night at the same rate as Booking.com — the garanzia miglior prezzo.

Walk: 10 km · Easy · 3 hours · Sardinia · Updated June 2026

The Costa Smeralda coastal walk offers a relaxed journey through one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful stretches of coastline. From the glamorous Porto Cervo marina to the white sands of Capriccioli, the path winds through fragrant Mediterranean maquis past sculpted granite boulders and turquoise coves. This is walking at its most luxurious and least strenuous — perfect for a leisurely morning with swim stops.

10 km

Distance

Easy

Difficulty

3 h

Duration

Flat

Terrain

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Step-by-Step Walk Guide

Start at Porto CervoBegin at Porto Cervo's Marina Vecchia. The coastal path starts by the old harbour and heads east, immediately offering views of the emerald sea. The trail passes through low maquis scrub with juniper, myrtle, and cistus bushes. Start early to enjoy the morning light on the water.

Walk to Capriccioli Beach (3 km)The path to Capriccioli takes about 45 minutes along granite-lined coves. Capriccioli beach is breathtaking — white sand against turquoise water with the granite rocks of the Costa Smeralda framing the scene. Perfect for a swim stop.

Continue to Cala di Volpe (2 km)Past Capriccioli, the path continues towards Cala di Volpe through the Pevero Golf Club area. The trail follows the coastline past small coves accessible only on foot. The Cala di Volpe luxury resort sits on a stunning headland, but all beaches remain public.

Return to Porto CervoRetrace your steps along the coastal path, enjoying the views from the opposite direction with different light angles. In total: 10 km, 3 hours, and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery Sardinia offers.

Eco Hotel on the Costa Smeralda

Sardinia is increasingly embracing eco-tourism with solar-powered hotels, farm-to-table restaurants, and plastic-free beaches. Stay in Porto Cervo or nearby Olbia for the best access to the coastal path. Booking through IMPT adds 1 tonne CO₂ removal per night at the same rate as Booking.com.

Garanzia miglior prezzo — stesso prezzo di Booking.com o migliore. Book Sardinia hotels now →

Domande Frequenti

Is the Costa Smeralda coastal path suitable for all fitness levels?

Absolutely. Mostly flat with no steep sections, suitable for families and older walkers. Full 10 km is comfortable in 3 hours.

Best time to walk?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer 20-28°C and fewer crowds. Start early in summer.

Where should I stay for eco-friendly accommodation?

Porto Cervo has most options. Look for solar-powered hotels with Sardinian organic produce. IMPT adds 1 tonne CO₂ removal per night.

Can I swim during the walk?

Yes! Capriccioli beach is perfect for a swim. Pack your swimsuit.

How to reach Costa Smeralda sustainably?

Fly to Olbia Airport, then bus or shared shuttle to Porto Cervo. Rent an electric car for exploring. Walking is zero-carbon travel at its best.

🌿 New IMPT members get €5 di credito gratuito. Book now →

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