Bright turquoise coves, granite boulders and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, on Sardinia's glamorous north-east coast. Here's what Costa Smeralda is like, when to go and how long to stay.
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Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
May, June and September are ideal, with warm sea and far fewer boats in the coves. July and especially August are hot, expensive and busy, when the yachts arrive in Porto Cervo. Most hotels and beach bars close from late October to April, so this is a summer place.
Take a boat trip around the national park's islands, swimming at beaches you can't reach by road.
A crescent of white sand and clear water, reached by a short walk from the car park.
The yacht harbour and its piazza, for a look at the superyachts and an expensive coffee.
Little coves between pink granite rocks, with shallow water that suits small children.
A pretty hill village with a Thursday market, a short drive inland.
Wind-sculpted granite and hidden coves near Santa Teresa Gallura, an hour's drive away.
June and September, when the sea is warm and the beaches are calmer. August is the busiest and most expensive month, and the season is roughly May to early October.
It can be, especially in Porto Cervo in August. You can keep costs down by staying in Cannigione, Baja Sardinia or a farmhouse agriturismo inland and driving to the beaches.
Yes, really. The best beaches are spread out along the coast and buses are sparse, so hire a car at Olbia airport.
Fly into Olbia, which has plenty of flights from across Europe in summer. The coast starts about 20 to 30 minutes' drive north of the airport.
A week is ideal: a few beach days, a boat trip to La Maddalena and a day exploring the north of the island.
Put Costa Smeralda on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.