How did the expensive resort of Porto Cervo in Italy emerge from a bay in just 60 years?

The history of Porto Cervo

For six decades, a small, once inconspicuous bay has transformed into a magnificent resort known as Porto Cervo. This deliberately created settlement gained worldwide recognition thanks to the efforts of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, an outstanding entrepreneur and spiritual leader of the Ismaili Nizaris, who saw significant potential in this area in the 1960s.

He acquired 55 kilometers of coastline from the local administration, naming the new place Costa Smeralda, which translates to "Emerald Coast." It was on this territory that the prince built his summer residence and four luxurious hotels: Cala di Volpe, Pitrizza, Romazzino, and Cervo, which marked the beginning of the development of an attractive resort destination for wealthy tourists.

Assistance in the development of the resort

To successfully implement his ambitious idea of creating a resort for wealthy individuals, Prince Aga Khan received assistance from his friends, including princes, sheikhs, and businessmen from the United Arab Emirates.

• Construction of magnificent villas for the personal use of influential individuals.
• The gradual transformation of Porto Cervo into a magnet for millionaires and billionaires.

Celebrities and popularity

Over the years, Porto Cervo has seen the arrival of other celebrities: wealthy Arab sheikhs, stars of the global music and film industry, as well as prominent figures in politics and economics.

Although Porto Cervo became particularly famous among Russian-speaking tourists after the President of Russia vacationed there, rumors about Vladimir Putin having a private villa in this exquisite resort have never been confirmed, even though this version continues to persist.

Sizes and population

The resort of Porto Cervo, despite its modest size of just about one square kilometer, has become an important center of Costa Smeralda and the true heart of this pearl of a coastal region.

No more than 400 local residents live here permanently, and according to some reports, even fewer than 200. However, when it comes to Porto Cervo, neighboring resorts are often mentioned as well, such as:

• Kala di Volpe
• Romazino
• Piccolo Pevero
• Pantodja
• Lisha-di-Vakka

Tourist season

With the start of the tourist season, which lasts from May to October, the number of people in Porto Cervo significantly increases due to visitors. Some vacationers opt for long-term rentals of apartments or villas, while others prefer short-term visits to enjoy the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

Attractions of Porto Cervo

One of the main attractions of this resort is the impressive yacht marina, which draws sailing enthusiasts from all over the world.

This port can accommodate up to 700 vessels of various sizes at the same time and is considered one of the most modern in the Mediterranean.

In Porto Cervo, the sea and sky intersect, creating a unique atmosphere of luxury and abundance that attracts tourists from all corners of the globe. Every year, Porto Cervo continues to evolve, remaining a vibrant jewel on the global map of resorts.

International competitions in Porto Cervo

In this wonderful region, some of the most significant international sailing competitions take place. Events such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex, Swan Cup, and Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta attract the attention of both locals and tourists from around the world.

Architecture and nature

Porto Cervo, comfortably nestled in the picturesque natural bay of Cervo, has gradually transformed into a popular tourist destination. The architectural solutions implemented here aim for a harmonious blend with the surrounding nature, aided by careful oversight from the Costa Smeralda consortium.

This property owners' organization, established back in 1962, actively manages the development of this unique location, with a particular focus on preserving the original landscape.

Consortium services

By purchasing real estate in this magnificent corner of Costa Smeralda, new owners become part of a consortium that offers a variety of services to its members. The program includes:

• Security services
• Cleaning of premises
• Technical and medical maintenance
• Care for green plantings
• Lighting and sewage system

This creates comfortable conditions for living and relaxing.

Piazzetta Central Square

In close proximity to the marina is the central square, Piazzetta, which is significant for socializing and meetings. Here you will find offices, banks, cozy cafes, and restaurants. The square is surrounded by charming streets where you can find boutiques of renowned global brands such as Valentino, Prada, Versace, and Bvlgari, as well as trendy establishments, including a restaurant from the Novikov group, elegant clubs, and luxurious hotels.

Walks and transportation

For those who enjoy walks along the coast, there is the Promenade du Port. You can quickly move from one point to another, spending just a few minutes. Despite the small size of the resort, many tourists and locals prefer to use scooters, as this mode of transport is perfect for the narrow streets of the region.

Cars also play an important role in Porto Cervo, but it becomes difficult to reach the beaches without a car. The problem is that the bay itself is completely occupied by the marina, while the most beautiful blue flag beaches are located in nearby bays, just a five to ten minute drive away.

Parking problems

It is important to note that there is a clear shortage of parking spaces in the resort area — do not expect them to be available. There are paid underground parking lots, but leaving a car on the street along the beaches is strictly prohibited. The fee for using paid parking is about two euros per hour. Local authorities closely monitor compliance with parking regulations, and fines are issued for each violation.

Romazzino is a prestigious area.

The area of Porto Cervo is small, measuring just one square kilometer, so the administrative division into districts may seem arbitrary. Romazzino is considered one of the most prestigious and expensive areas of this resort, where magnificent villas and hotels are mainly located. These buildings attract tourists with their high quality of service and luxury, creating a unique atmosphere for a relaxing vacation.

Conclusion

Thus, Porto Cervo and its surroundings represent the perfect blend of nature, architecture, and culture, making this place truly unique for anyone seeking a carefree vacation and unforgettable experiences.

Property owners in the region

Among the property owners in this picturesque region, notable individuals include Alexey Mordashov, Vasily Anisimov, Oleg Deripaska, as well as the Berlusconi family and members of the Qatari royal family. This information has been obtained from open sources.

In Cala di Volpe, there are properties owned by David Kaplan, who is a former co-founder of the Lithuanian bank Snoras, as well as Irina, who was once the wife of Roman Abramovich. The Marina district is also of interest, known for its yacht club and is in high demand among buyers.

Additional interest is sparked by Pevero and Pantogia, where there are golf courses, and you can also purchase a villa located near the sea, although, unfortunately, access to the water is limited.

Current issues

Questions regardinginvestments,immigrationandforeignreal estateThe issues are becoming increasingly relevant in the modern world. The resort of Porto Cervo, located in the north of the Italian island of Sardinia, has high appeal due to its favorable location.

The nearest international airport is located in Olbia, just 30 kilometers from the resort itself. In the summer, there is a direct flight from the capital of Russia, Moscow, which takes just over four hours. At other times of the year, you should look for routes with layovers.

Transport capabilities

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport welcomes many guests looking to reach the resort of Porto Cervo. Various options are available for this purpose:

• Taxi
• Transfers from hotels
• Car rental
• Bus service provided by various transportation companies

Route to the resort

The journey to the resort begins on the SS 125 highway, after which you need to turn towards the town of Arzachena, and then continue along the Costa Smeralda. After eight kilometers, you should turn onto road No. 73, heading towards Porto Rotondo, and finally, follow road No. 59 to Porto Cervo.

Architectural style of the resort

Getting to know life at elite resorts like Phuket, Courchevel, and Marbella leads to the conclusion that Porto Cervo offers a wealth of interesting opportunities. The architectural style here is focused onlow-rise structureswith smooth shapes.

The concept of Costa Smeralda was developed by architects such as Luigi Vietti, Michele Buziri Vici, and Jacques Couelle, who were involved in designing the first villas at the resort. Architectural features include rounded lines of the buildings, avoiding sharp angles, which creates streamlined silhouettes that harmoniously blend into the natural landscape.

Stella Maris Church

A vivid expression of this architectural philosophy is the Stella Maris church, designed by Michele Busiri Vici. This building stands out with its unusual shape for a Catholic church, resembling a gingerbread house styled in the spirit of Gaudí. The church is decorated in pristine white tones with original curves, red tiles, and wrought iron grilles on the windows.

The entrance is supported by massive granite blocks, which adds extra expressiveness and charm to the structure.

Residential area of Porto Cervo

In other respects, the residential development of Porto Cervo consists of small low-rise buildings located close to each other, creating a unique atmosphere of comfort at the resort. Thus, this place attracts attention with its originality and ambiance, combining luxury with natural beauty.

Villas on the hillsides

On the picturesque slopes of the surrounding hills, luxurious and spacious villas are spread out. Costa Smeralda is the perfect example of a harmonious blend of smooth lines and buildings with white or sandy walls, framed by vibrant colors.

Unique mansions

Among the unique real estate properties, luxurious mansions stand out here.feet in the water, which have direct access to the sea. Their prices start from10 million euros...while the options that are further from the water start at a mark of...3 million eurosMany of these projects were created by famous architects who aimed to design "invisible" houses that blend harmoniously into the green landscape.

Real estate in Porto Cervo

The homes and residences in this Italian resort stand out noticeably against the backdrop of other properties immersed in greenery. However, it should be noted that the prices for such properties are quite high. Porto Cervo is an area with limited building height, where most of the real estate is represented on the secondary market.

Diversity of objects

Here you can find both modern buildings constructed in the 2010s and earlier structures from the early 20th century. There is also a wide selection of apartments, many of which have been renovated, but new builds are quite rare. Most often, they are offered with a finished interior but without furniture.

Types of real estate

Detached houses in Porto Cervo are the most sought-after type of property, while studios are virtually non-existent. Typically, apartments:

• Designed for two to three bedrooms.
• Villas can have anywhere from six to a dozen rooms or more.

The area of private real estate varies significantly — from70 to 600 square metersThe price range for these properties is truly impressive. The most economical options start fromone million euros...but many of them reach amounts of...15, 30, or even 70 million euros.

Service issues

According to the wordsTatyana BurlakovskayaThe general director of Golden Brown Group stated that previously many foreign investors purchased large villas in Porto Cervo, each of which has between nine and thirteen rooms. Maintaining such extensive properties involves significant financial expenses, as a large number of workers are required. Typically, when the owners are on-site, about ten people are needed to take care of such houses, while in their absence, this number decreases to five.

Buyers and rentals

Not all owners can fully maintain such properties both physically and financially, which is why many of them are now up for sale. Modern buyers understand that three or four bedrooms are sufficient for a comfortable summer getaway, highlighting the importance of such spaces for country living.

Porto Cervo is a small town with underdeveloped social infrastructure, which makes it less suitable for permanent living, especially with children. However, as an elite resort for summer vacations, it truly has its advantages!

Advantages of the resort

A large number of wealthy foreigners, including Russians, prefer to rent villas in this region, with prices starting from15 thousand eurosin a week, which also confirms their high status in the real estate market.

Buying real estate in Porto Cervo

In the real estate market of Porto Cervo, which is located in Italy, there are no specific restrictions for foreign buyers. However, it is important to remember that property prices in this region are quite high.

Exquisite mansion

The exquisite two-level mansion is a true masterpiece of architectural art, designed under the guidance of the famous designer Jean-Claude Lesuis. The area of this unique building is 350 square meters and includes spaces such as a dining area, a modern kitchen, a bedroom, and much more.

Villa in Porto Cervo

A magnificent villa has appeared on the market, located in the picturesque Porto Cervo, Italy, with an area of 300 square meters. This elite residential property is valued at4,250,000 €is located on the shores of Cala del Faro Bay and offers a stunning view of Costa Smeralda. The luxury complex provides the following amenities:

• Two private beaches
• Bar and restaurant
• Mini-club and sports grounds
• Transfer services and 24-hour security

These features provide a high level of security and comfortable living.

More spacious villa

Currently, another, more spacious villa is up for sale in the same region. The area of this luxurious property is1,600 square metersand it includes14 bedroomsand14 bathroomsLocated in the picturesque area of Porto Cervo and surrounded by the magnificent nature of Costa Smeralda, the villa sits on a plot of one and a half hectares with:

• Two pools
• Hydromassage jacuzzi

Villa on Pantodja Hill

Next on the list of attractive properties is a detached house located on the famous Pantodja Hill. This property covers an area of approximately300 square metersIt was designed by a famous French architect and offers a magnificent view of the Pevero Bay. The spacious and bright living room with kitchen connects to a covered terrace, from which there is a stunning view of the green garden.

Exceptional villa in La Selvia

On the coast of La Selvia, there is another exceptional villa, priced at12,000,000 €, with a total area of270 square metersThis dream spot on the Costa Smeralda is located by a long, wide beach with fine sand and crystal-clear water, the color of which constantly changes under the sunlight. This luxurious villa is just a few steps away from this amazing oasis.

Villa near Piazzetta di Porto

A villa in Porto Cervo is also available for sale, located near the famous Piazzetta di Porto. This unique offering is a luxurious residential property surrounded by a well-maintained private garden.3,500 square meterswhere the magnificent pool with a relaxation area is located. The total area of this property is770 square metersIt features spacious reception areas and living rooms, as well as a fully equipped kitchen.

Villa by architect Luigi Vietti

The next villa on the market is located in the picturesque area of Costa Smeralda and was designed by architect Luigi Vietti. The area of this remarkable property is600 square metersIt is a model of style and comfort, harmoniously combining traditional and modern design elements. Every detail in this house has been carefully considered to create a unique atmosphere and provide residents with the opportunity to enjoy their connection with the surrounding nature.

Conclusion

Thus, Porto Cervo offers a wide selection of magnificent villas, each of which can be the perfect option for both permanent living and vacationing, making it a true find for luxury lifestyle enthusiasts.

Stunning panoramic pool

In a vast area of five thousand square meters, there is a luxurious panoramic pool. The renowned architect and founder of the Vietti yacht club designed stylish villas that can impress those who appreciate elite real estate. The two-level building includes six comfortable bedrooms, a cozy living room with a fireplace, a dining area, a kitchen, and a pool artfully integrated among the rock formations. The interior finishes of the building stand out with magnificent marble and tiles from Cera Sarda.

Villa in Porto Cervo

Lionard Luxury Real Estate presents a luxurious villa in the picturesque Porto Cervo, Italy. The total area of this property is 222 square meters, featuring five bedrooms and five bathrooms. This estate is located in the most elite area of Costa Smeralda, on the island of Sardinia. The villa has three levels and is surrounded by a beautiful garden covering one hectare. The building is situated on a hillside, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Costa Smeralda is renowned for its breathtaking nature and provides its residents with a high level of comfort.

Another unique villa

Another wonderful villa from Lionard Luxury Real Estate is also located in Porto Cervo and covers an area of 452 square meters. It includes six bedrooms and six bathrooms. This beautiful property is situated up the hill from Cala di Volpe bay and is close to the famous Pevero Golf Club — one of the best golf courses in Sardinia.

• The building consists of a main structure and an additional building with a total area of 452 square meters.
• A plot of five thousand square meters is equipped with a luxurious swimming pool and a sunbathing area.

Luxurious villa with feng shui principles

A luxurious villa with an area of 672 square meters is also for sale in Porto Cervo, designed by a famous architect who adapted feng shui principles for its creation. This residence is surrounded by a picturesque park with lush Mediterranean vegetation. The architectural lines of the villa are executed in a modern style, reflecting diagonal shapes and clear proportions. Panoramic windows offer the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of nature.

Unique designer villa

In the heart of Costa Smeralda, not far from Porto Cervo and just a few steps from the coast, there is a unique designer villa for sale. This three-level residence covers an area of 1,155 square meters, and the adjacent plot features an open park of one hectare, which includes two swimming pools.

• The estate includes two interconnected buildings with spacious walkways.
• The first floor has about 497 square meters.

Residence with magnificent views

In addition, a residence of 498 square meters is for sale, offering magnificent views of the Porto Cervo coastline and the picturesque La Maddalena archipelago. This villa is perched on scenic hills and is a true masterpiece by the renowned architect Savina Cuelle, who oversaw the entire design and planning process. The villa features three floors and is surrounded by an impressive central hall, giving it a high-class character.

Conclusion

The conclusion of our research on Porto Cervo allows me to draw an important conclusion about how a small resort, initially lacking fame, managed to become one of the most attractive destinations for wealthy people from all over the world. The program initiated by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV has proven that thoughtful vision and care for nature can transform wild shores into luxurious oases that reflect high standards of living and a unique cultural atmosphere.

For 60 years, Porto Cervo has attracted attention not only for its beauty but also for the opportunities it offers. Every corner, every street of this resort village breathes history and prestige.

• Bright representatives of the global elite, sheikhs, and celebrities have made this place their second home.
• Luxurious villas and designer boutiques create an atmosphere of unparalleled chic.

But aside from its external glamour, Porto Cervo maintains its individuality and connection to nature. Its unique development model, based on harmony with the surrounding world, serves as an example for other tourist destinations.

Consortium“Costa Smeralda”not only provides the creation of infrastructure but also cares for landscape ecology, which is undoubtedly an important contribution to the sustainable development of the region.

All of this indicates that Porto Cervo is not just a resort. It is a lifestyle shaped by an unparalleled level of quality, safety, and exclusivity. We should cherish such places where a balance is achieved between modern needs and care for nature.

And then, perhaps, other cities and resorts around the world will follow the example of Porto Cervo, striving to create a unique cultural and natural environment for their residents and guests.