Porto Cervo Piazzetta & Marina

Porto Cervo was built from scratch in the 1960s by the Aga Khan's consortium as the heart of the Costa Smeralda, and it still looks the part: low, ochre-washed buildings with arches and wooden balconies, tumbling down to a marina full of superyachts. The Piazzetta is the place to people-watch over a very expensive coffee, surrounded by designer boutiques. Walk up to the Stella Maris church, with its white curves and a painting attributed to El Greco, and down to the Old and New Port. The resort is a 45-minute drive from Olbia and more in July and August, so combine it with a swim at Capriccioli or Romazzino on the way and keep a close eye on the clock.