There are few places where the art of fine living feels so natural at home as in Porto Cervo. Cradled by the emerald waters of the Costa Smeralda, this iconic destination is not only a haven of serenity and refinement, but also a place where elegance takes centre stage in every season. And each May, the region welcomes one of its most anticipated cultural and gastronomic moments: the Porto Cervo Wine & Food Festival.
From 8th to 11th May 2025, the event will take place at the Cervo Conference Center, in the heart of the village. This annual celebration brings together wine experts, passionate gourmets, and international producers in a vibrant, elegant atmosphere. While the first two days (8th and 9th May) are reserved for industry professionals, the public is warmly invited to attend on 10th and 11th May, with an exciting programme of tastings, masterclasses and live events.
A Festival for the Senses
For this 14th edition, the Porto Cervo Wine & Food Festival reaffirms its position as Sardinia’s most exclusive gastronomic event. Between celebrated Sardinian wineries, Michelin-starred chefs, and international culinary talent, the festival offers a true immersion into the Mediterranean’s most refined flavours.
From exclusive wine tastings to live cooking shows and mixology sessions, each detail is carefully curated to reflect the art of taste and hospitality. For two full days, the public will enjoy the opportunity to meet artisans, discover rare vintages, and taste the harmony between land, sea, and savoir-faire.
And for those looking to turn this exceptional weekend into a fully immersive experience, the festival becomes the perfect occasion to enjoy Porto Cervo from within, in the comfort of one of the region’s most elegant villas. At Barnes Porto Cervo, we invite you to discover our handpicked selection of exclusive residences available during the festival period, each one offering a private haven just minutes from the energy of the event
Featured Villas for an Unforgettable Stay
Villa W A contemporary exclusive villa of 1,500 m² in the heart of Porto Cervo, Villa W is composed of two interconnected villas featuring seven luxurious suites and two staff bedrooms, all overlooking panoramic sea views. This remarkable estate offers a 130 m² infinity heated pool, expansive terraces, and refined outdoor living areas. Inside, a private spa with hammam and sauna, a home cinema, a wine cellar, and even, ensure an experience of absolute comfort and Mediterranean sophistication.
Villa Marlene Located just 500 metres from the sea in Liscia di Vacca, Villa Marlene boasts a stunning infinity pool, panoramic rooftop terrace, and five refined bedrooms including a private annex. Surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens, this villa is ideal for those seeking serenity, sea views, and effortless sophistication just minutes from Porto Cervo’s vibrant heart.
Villa Des Arts Set high in the peaceful Monte Moro hills, Villa Des Arts combines bright, breezy interiors with a spectacular sea-view pool and manicured garden. Its modern design, panoramic living room, and sun-drenched terrace create a perfect atmosphere for relaxation. A true haven of elegance with four bedrooms and timeless views over the coast.
Villa Mélodie Overlooking the Pevero Golf course and shimmering sea, Villa Mélodie is a refined retreat featuring a panoramic heated pool, large terraces, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. With four elegant bedrooms, a dedicated fitness area, and a private staff room, it offers both comfort and privacy just minutes from Cala di Volpe and Costa Smeralda’s most iconic beaches.
Practical Information
Dates: 8–9 May (professionals only) | 10–11 May (open to the public)
Location: Cervo Conference Center, Porto Cervo
Programme: Wine tastings, culinary masterclasses, live shows, mixology, and more
Access: Limited entry—early arrival is recommended
Whether you are attending as a devoted epicurean or simply drawn by the festive spirit and charm of the coast, the Porto Cervo Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of excellence in all its forms.
And when the glasses are empty and the music fades, there is nothing quite like returning to the quiet luxury of your private villa: where the art of living continues long after the festival lights go down.
As spring gently embraces the Mediterranean, the charming enclave of Porto Rotondo is preparing to host one of the most anticipated events of the season: the IV edition of the Sardinia Boat Show. From April 30th to May 4th, 2025, this prestigious event will transform the idyllic marina into a captivating showcase of maritime excellence, yachting enthusiasts, industry leaders, and connoisseurs from around the globe. For those who treasure the art of sailing, this is more than an event, it is an invitation to immerse oneself in the very heartbeat of Sardinia’s nautical culture.
A Premier Nautical Showcase
Under the auspices of Cipnes Gallura and the significant financial support of the Sardinia Region, the Sardinia Boat Show has rapidly carved out its place as a flagship event within the international nautical calendar. The 2024 edition of the fair witnessed remarkable success, with 140 stands, 153 exhibitors, and an impressive 18,000 visitors gracing the picturesque shores of Porto Rotondo. The 2025 edition is poised to elevate the experience further, reflecting Sardinia’s commitment to establishing itself as a hub of maritime excellence. For seasoned mariners and newcomers alike, the fair offers a rare glimpse into the latest innovations, designs, and trends that define the industry today.
Exhibitors and Innovations
The Sardinia Boat Show is a confluence of tradition and innovation. Exhibitors range from legendary yacht builders showcasing their latest masterpieces to pioneering marine technology firms unveiling cutting-edge advancements. Attendees can expect to encounter a spectrum of vessels, from sleek sailing yachts to powerful motorboats, each embodying the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design. A particular focus this year will be on sustainable solutions, with several exhibitors presenting eco-friendly technologies that promise to reshape the future of nautical travel. Electric and hybrid propulsion systems, biodegradable materials, and energy-efficient solutions will be in the spotlight, underscoring a collective move toward greener seas.
Engaging Activities and Workshops
The Sardinia Boat Show offers more than luxury yachts, presenting a curated programme of workshops led by industry experts. From hands-on sailing demonstrations to in-depth seminars on maritime regulations and safety, attendees can gain valuable insights into the world of yachting. Interactive sessions allow guests to experience the thrill of life at sea, bridging the gap between knowledge and adventure. Whether mastering navigation techniques or exploring the latest yacht innovations, these activities enrich the fair’s offering with both excitement and expertise.
Culinary & Cultural Experiences
Beyond its nautical showcase, the event celebrates Sardinia’s rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. The “Gourmet Pier” will feature renowned chefs preparing exquisite dishes, from traditional Sardinian specialities made with fresh, local ingredients to refined international cuisine. Accompanying the culinary delights, art exhibitions and live music will create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere, blending sophistication with entertainment for an unforgettable experience.
Discovering Porto Rotondo
Set between Punta Nuraghe and Punta Volpe, Porto Rotondo offers far more than just its picturesque marina. This charming coastal village invites visitors to wander its elegant piazzas, browse exclusive boutiques, and take in breathtaking sea views. Guests of the Sardinia Boat Show are encouraged to explore its unique charm, whether enjoying a sunset aperitivo by the harbour, discovering local art galleries, or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of the Costa Smeralda.
Plan Your Visit
For yachting enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those who appreciate life’s finest pleasures, the Sardinia Boat Show 2025 is an unmissable event. As the sea breeze carries the scent of salt and tradition, visitors will be immersed in an experience whereelegance, innovation, and Sardinian hospitality converge. From world-class yachts to unforgettable moments by the Mediterranean, this event promises to leave a lasting impression.
Embark on a captivating voyage into the realms of luxury, culture, and tradition as we delve into the allure of three remarkable events, each weaving its own tapestry of opulence, excitement, and refinement. Find here the presentation of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, Rally Italia Sardegna and the San Simplicio
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta: Where Luxury Meets the Sea | 04/06 – 08/06
In the world of luxury yachting, few events rival the prestige and glamour of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta. Hosted in some of the most breathtaking locations around the globe, this annual gathering of elite sailors and majestic vessels epitomizes elegance, opulence, and the sheer thrill of competitive sailing. This exceptional event will take place between the 04/06/2024 and the 08/06/2024.
Against the backdrop of azure waters and picturesque coastlines, the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta transforms the sea into a theater of sporting excellence and nautical prowess. With sleek superyachts gliding gracefully across the waves, spectators are treated to a mesmerizing display of speed, skill, and sophistication.
At the heart of the regatta lies a fierce spirit of competition, as some of the world’s most magnificent yachts live for victory in a series of thrilling races. From exhilarating downwind sprints to tactical upwind battles, each race presents a unique challenge, testing the crew’s teamwork, strategy, and sailing prowess to the fullest.
Beyond the excitement of the races, the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta offers participants and spectators alike an unparalleled experience of luxury and refinement. From glamorous soirées and exclusive cocktail parties to a sumptuous on-board dining and VIP hospitality, every aspect of the event is designed to delight the senses and indulge the discerning tastes of its distinguished guests
Drawing participants from around the world, the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta transcends borders and cultures to unite sailing enthusiasts in a shared passion for the sea. With competitors hailing from diverse backgrounds and sailing traditions, the regatta celebrates the universal allure of yachting and the enduring appeal of life on the water.
While rooted in a rich maritime heritage, the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta also embraces innovation and technological advancement, showcasing the latest developments in yacht design, construction, and performance. From cutting-edge sail technology to state-of-the-art navigation systems, the regatta serves as a platform for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of luxury yachting. For more information
Indulge in sophistication and enhance your lifestyle with our exquisite selection of upscale villas that will ensure unparalleled comfort throughout this event.
Villa Marlene features a sophisticated interior with a luminous living room, state-of-the-art kitchen, and four luxurious bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. Externally, it boasts a stunning swimming pool, a spacious furnished terrace, and a landscaped Mediterranean garden. Additional amenities include a separate annex and staff quarters, enhancing both privacy and convenience.
Villa Jade boasts a stunning seafront location with direct beach access. It features a sleek, open-plan interior with large glass windows for panoramic sea views. The exterior includes both a heated and an infinity pool, complemented by an inviting outdoor terrace. Designed for 14 guests, the villa has 6 en-suite bedrooms, a separate room for staff, and an additional guesthouse. Key features include a wellness area with a gym, sauna, and steam room, along with complete air conditioning throughout.
Rally Italia Sardegna: Where Thrills Meet Scenic Splendor | 30/05 – 02/06
The Rally Italia Sardegna, an exhilarating motorsport spectacle, descends upon the rugged landscapes of Sardinia, captivating audiences with a thrilling blend of speed, skill, and breathtaking scenery. As one of the highlights on the World Rally Championship calendar, this event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe to witness the drama unfold amidst the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean island.
Each year, the Rally Italia Sardegna showcases the world’s finest rally drivers as they navigate their high-performance machines through the challenging terrain of Sardinia’s diverse landscapes. From dusty gravel tracks to winding mountain roads, competitors are put to the test as they race against the clock in pursuit of victory. This competition will take place from 30 May 2024 to 02 June 2024.
But the Rally Italia Sardegna is more than just a motorsport competition; it’s a celebration of Sardinia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Spectators are treated to a feast for the senses as they watch the action unfold against a backdrop of rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and picturesque villages.
The rally’s itinerary takes participants on a journey through some of Sardinia’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic town of Alghero, with its charming cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, and the stunning Costa Smeralda, renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
In addition to the main event, the Rally Italia Sardegna offers a range of activities and attractions for fans of all ages. From autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with drivers to live entertainment and food stalls serving up local delicacies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy both on and off the track.
As the sun sets on another thrilling edition of the Rally Italia Sardegna, spectators depart with memories of heart-pounding action, breathtaking scenery, and the warm hospitality of the Sardinian people. For motorsport enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, this event is a must-see on the global motorsport calendar, offering an unforgettable experience that combines adrenaline-fueled excitement with the natural beauty of one of Italy’s most captivating destinations. For more information
Indulge in sophistication and enhance your lifestyle with our exquisite selection of upscale villas that will ensure unparalleled comfort throughout this event.
Villa Des Arts combines a stunning exterior with a luxurious interior. It features a swimming pool with a sea view, a lush garden, and a covered terrace. Inside, the villa offers a bright living room with sea views, a fully equipped kitchen, and four comfortable bedrooms accommodating up to eight guests. Modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV ensuring a comfortable stay, while the outdoor tanning beds and furnished veranda contribute to its delightful ambiance
Villa The Rock is a luxurious villa, a marvel of contemporary architecture, blending elegantly with its natural Mediterranean surroundings. It boasts a stunning multi-level swimming pool and panoramic sea views. Inside, the villa features an elegant living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a lavish SPA area. With six well-appointed bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and separate entrance, the villa offers both privacy and comfort. The roof, covered in a lush green lawn, serves as a serene solarium, enhancing the property’s allure.
San Simplicio: A Historic and Cultural Celebration in the Heart of Sardinia | 10/05 – 15/05
Every year, in the month of May, the bustling city of Olbia in Sardinia comes alive with vibrant festivities and ancient traditions to celebrate San Simplicio, the city’s patron saint. This religious and cultural festival, which dates back centuries, attracts thousands of visitors from across the island and beyond to partake in an unforgettable celebration of faith, music, and camaraderie. This event will take place from 10/05/2024 to 15/05/2024.
The festivities of San Simplicio commence with a solemn procession through the cobblestone streets of the old town, where the faithful carry the statue of the saint in procession through narrow alleyways, punctuated by sacred chants and devout prayers. This iconic procession is followed by a series of religious ceremonies, including solemn masses and special blessings, providing participants with the opportunity to renew their faith and pay homage to their patron saint.
But San Simplicio is more than just a religious celebration. It is also a lively popular festival, where the city streets transform into a sprawling open-air market, filled with colorful stalls offering a variety of local products, traditional crafts, and Sardinian culinary specialties. Demonstrations of traditional folk dances, live music, and street performances add a festive touch to the joyful atmosphere of the celebration, giving visitors an authentic glimpse into the vibrant culture of Sardinia.
The festivities of San Simplicio culminate with a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the night sky with brilliant colors and creating a magical atmosphere that transports spectators into a world of enchantment and wonder. This explosion of colors and lights is the perfect culmination for a festival that celebrates the richness of Sardinia’s history, culture, and spirituality. For more information
Indulge in sophistication and enhance your lifestyle with our exquisite selection of upscale villas that will ensure unparalleled comfort throughout this event
Villa Cristal extends over more than 250m2 on a 6000m2 property area and offers 6 bedrooms, totaling 12 beds and 6 bathrooms. The villa’s most notable feature is its private beach access, allowing guests to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and soft sands at their leisure. The villa is conveniently located near many of the area’s beautiful beaches, with the nearest just steps away. Experience the serenity and awe-inspiring sea vistas, amidst the expansive 6,000 m2 private grounds and tended garden.
Villa Horse is a beautiful 600m2 villa situated on a 10.000m2 property area and offers 9 bedrooms , totaling 18 beds and 7 bathrooms. The highlight of the villa is its stunning sea-view swimming pool, providing the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. The villa is also conveniently located near the beaches, with the nearest just 0.5m away. To enhance your stay, the villa also includes a dedicated office space and a wellness area complete with a sauna, gym, and hammam
Soft, delicate, and harmonious lines, tenuous colors, natural and refined materials, wandering through the alleys of Costa Smeralda is like getting lost in an open-air art gallery, where architecture is the undisputed queen.
The Costa Smeralda style was born on March 17, 1962, when the visionary inventor and founder of the Costa Smeralda, Prince Karim Aga Khan, brought together the best architects of the time, Michele Busiri Vici, Jacques Couëlle, Luigi Vietti, Raymond Martin and Antonio Simon Mossa , for the first Architecture Committee meeting, wanted by the members of the Costa Smeralda Consortium.
The “Comitato di Architettura”, guardian of the beauty and style of Costa Smeralda, represents the control and protection body of real estate development within the Consortium’s borders.
All projects subject to a municipal building permit, pass through the Architecture Committee’s desks, which is responsible for approving, rejecting or requesting changes to projects, to preserve local architectural traditions and harmony with the surrounding nature.
This protection and defense body is unique within Mediterranean tourist destinations, which makes the Costa Smeralda an icon of style that goes far beyond the Mediterranean borders.
According to the French historian Simone Gerlat, the functions of the Architecture Committee are similar to the French art academies established in the seventeenth century, created to monitor and protect the stylistic thread that distinguishes a particular current, which in this case manifests itself in an architecture unique and recognizable from all over the world.
The Costa Smeralda style expresses a Mediterranean spirit that winks at local tradition, a perfect homogeneous synthesis between the different sensibilities of the architects who have contributed, and a generous and extraordinary nature.
According to Vietti, the rugged vegetation of Gallura, especially its junipers, inspired the design of this movement.
The guidelines of the Costa Smeralda style are very precise and codified by the Building Regulations, which protect the urban development of the territory:
Soft, sinuous and never squared lines
Respect for the serenity of the landscape
Soft, pastel and never vivid colours
Use of the local stone par excellence, the famous Gallura granite
Use of juniper and local hand-carved woods
The result is a unique style that gives the area an unmistakable identity, a real trademark of elegance.
Respect and harmony with natural beauty, almost with a sense of sacrality, is the dominant feature of the Costa Smeralda style. This feature is also evident in the construction of “not seen” villas perched on the rocky hills, that follow the course of the land and vegetation and almost never rise more than two floors above the ground level. In this way the buildings are perfectly integrated into the context, without obstructing the view of the nearby buildings.
Over the last few years the Costa Smeralda style, especially as regards the interiors, has also left room for more decisive lines and the integration of materials with an industrial character, widely used in the latest frontiers of design, which opens the way to the evolution of a style that, in any case, maintains its strong personality and identity.
M. Carta
Sources: Consorzio Costa Smeralda https://www.consorziocostasmeralda.com/
The Costa Smeralda is known all over the world for its paradisiacal beaches, unspoiled nature and its glamour, but not everyone knows that the area hides inside a much deeper cultural heritage that holds about 6000 years of history.
In fact, during the Neolithic period, the first organized civilization preserved up to the present day was born in the municipality of Arzachena, known as the “Cultura di Arzachena”. It was an agro-pastoral civilization with strong attitudes to trade, navigation and observation and study of the stars.
The Archaeological Park of the municipality includes 8 sites scattered within the Gallura countryside, testifying to several millennia of history, from the Neolithic (V millennium BC – 3000 BC) to the final period of the Bronze Age (II millennium BC – 1800 / 900 BC).
Tempio di Malchittu
Although it is not known to which divinity it was consecrated, Malchittu was undoubtedly a sacred temple also a theater of ceremonies and rituals, constituted as a “megaron” with an atrium and ritual chamber. The path leading to the temple, which dominates the valley, passes between incredible granite rocks modeled by the typically Gallura mistral.
21 minutes from Porto Cervo.
Tomba Moru
The Tomba Moru is the result of one of the first restorations in history. In fact it was born as a funerary monument (allée couverte), then transformed into a “Tomba dei Giganti” (megalithic gallery grave) during the Recent Bronze Age (1300-1000 BC), with expansion of the mound and the enclosure of stones impaled in the ground and addition of the exedra (semi-circular ceremonial space outside the entrance to the tomb).
17 minutes from Porto Cervo.
Nuraghe Albucciu
The Albucciu Nuraghe is one of the most significant examples of “protonuraghe”, ancestors of the nuraghi arranged in a corridor. The roof was subsequently modified in the form of a tholos (trunk-ogival). The archaeological complex, located a few tens of meters from the Moru Tomb and the Malchittu Temple, also includes the remains of circular huts that were part of the nuragic village.
18 minutes from Porto Cervo
Nuraghe La Prisgiona
La Prisgiona, a Nuragic architectural pearl that dominates the Capichera
valley, is one of the most fascinating testimonies of the island’s nuragic ingenuity and also one of the most structured. It is a complex consisting of a fortress, an extensive village of about 100 huts (some of which have yet to be exhumed), a well for the village’s water supply (still functioning) and a funerary monument in the proximity, a sort of metropolis for the times. The different types of artifacts found testify that it was a dynamic and organized civilization, skilled in large-scale trade with other peoples of the Mediterranean, in the processing and conservation of food and drinks (the first traces of viticulture in Sardinia date back, of facts, to the nuragic period) and in manufacturing. Each hut was organized to fulfill its function by creating a leading social structure in the area.
24 minutes from Porto Cervo.
Tomba dei Giganti di Coddu ‘Ecchiu
The Tomb of the Giants of Coddu ‘Ecchiu, dates back to a very ancient period, around 2500 BC. It was born with a collective burial function and its peculiarity lies in the central exedra about 4m high, today the highest found, which makes this site one of the most evocative monuments of Nuragic Sardinia.
24 minutes from Porto Cervo.
Necropoli Li muri
The Necropolis of Li Muri is a precious testimony of prehistoric culture in Sardinia as it is the oldest site of the Arzachena Nuragic park (dating back to the end of the 5th millennium BC), giving clear traces of the fervent Neolith
ic activity on the island. The main peculiarity lies in the structure, unique on the island, formed by 4 original stone circles, a fifth inserted during the Bronze Age. Similar structures have been found in scattered areas between the Mediterranean and the Balkans, making this site one of the main examples of European megalism.
28 minutes from Porto Cervo.
Tomba dei Giganti di Li Lolghi
Li Lolghi is a “Tomba dei Giganti” located on a hilly relief that can be dated in two different phases in the Bronze Age, ancient phase and middle phase. It consists of a sepulchral chamber 27 meters long and an exedra of 26 meters.
27 minutes from Porto Cervo.
Fungo di Lu Monti Incappiddhatu
This particular site consists of a huge granite boulder eroded by the wind to create a large mushroom. The findings made around the rock testify that since prehistoric times (about 3500 BC) “the mushroom” was frequented and used as a rain shelter.
21 minutes from Porto Cervo.
Here are the 8 sites kept in the heart of the Costa Smeralda area.
The Sardinian archaeological culture is incredibly developed, providing the island with a historical heritage of extreme importance and unique in the world .
“In Sardinia it is enough to lie down next to the Giants’ tombs to free the mind and body from negative influences” (Aristotle).
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