The stunning Costa Smeralda (or, “Emerald Coast”) in Sardinia is famous for its beaches. These are some of the most truly beautiful beaches in Italy and in the world, characterised by crystal clear waters lapping white powdery sands and framed by lush vegetation. If you have found a luxury villa in Sardinia and are looking to spend time on a beach that seems too gorgeous to be real, then you need to make your way to this true paradise on earth. In particular, we recommend the beach of Poltu di Li Cogghj.
Poltu di Li Cogghj is today more often known as the Spiaggia del Principe, the, “Prince's Beach,” since it was famously chosen as the Ishmaelite prince Karim Aga Khan's favourite of all of the many beautiful beaches of the Costa Smeralda due to its especially fine white sands and its crystalline waters that range in hue from green to blue and gleam picturesquely, due to their shallowness and the flecks of granite among the sand. The prince's choosing of the beach as the best and the bestowing of this new title has seen the original name all but fall completely out of use, which is, perhaps a good thing as it rolls off the tongue less easily and given that it translates to the, “Port of Skins.” A rather less pretty name for a beach, it was so-named as the beach was originally used as a place for the loading of various local products but especially leather and leather goods.
Poltu di Li Cogghj is today more often known as the Spiaggia del Principe, the, “Prince's Beach,” since it was famously chosen as the Ishmaelite prince Karim Aga Khan's favourite of all of the many beautiful beaches of the Costa Smeralda due to its especially fine white sands and its crystalline waters that range in hue from green to blue and gleam picturesquely, due to their shallowness and the flecks of granite among the sand. The prince's choosing of the beach as the best and the bestowing of this new title has seen the original name all but fall completely out of use, which is, perhaps a good thing as it rolls off the tongue less easily and given that it translates to the, “Port of Skins.” A rather less pretty name for a beach, it was so-named as the beach was originally used as a place for the loading of various local products but especially leather and leather goods.
Located in a horseshoe-shaped bay, near the small village of Cala di Volpe, between Romazzino beach and Capriccioli, the Poltu di Li Cogghj, or Spiaggia del Principe, is positioned in quite a secluded spot that can only be reached on foot along two different paths. However, this trek leads you through the lovely colours and scents of the surrounding Mediterranean scrub and is a pleasant excursion in its own right and not overly long, anyway. To reach the beach, you simply head along the Via Romazzino from the junction for Romazzino, take the second street on the right onto Via degli Asfodeli, and then head up to the electric barrier on Via dei Cyclamini. Once there, you will find both paid and free parking options and a pedestrian path that will lead you to the beach in about 5 minutes. This is the easiest and simplest route to the beach and is, therefore, recommended for the elderly and children. However, if you are more interested in a more scenic route and you are more able, you can head to the entrance in Loc. Piccolo Romazzino by heading along Via Romazzino and then turning right onto Via della Mimosa. There is only paid parking at this path entrance but there is plenty of parking available. It is also a rather steep route that can present some challenges but boasts exceptional views over the coast. Unfortunately, neither route is particularly accessible for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
Once you reach the beach itself, you'll be glad to note that it is a free beach and that it also is well-equipped with various services that will ensure a lovely day at the beach for everyone in your party: umbrella and sunbed rentals and a bar selling snacks, simple meals, drinks, and ice-creams from morning until sunset. Shallow and clear as the water is, it is this is a particularly good spot for those with kids and those looking to go snorkelling. Do note, however, that this is a very famous and scenic beach and, as a result, is very busy during the peak times of the summer months. In August, especially, it can be very busy but if you head early or late in the day, you'll likely find a spot easily enough. If you're not a fan of crowds then you can just find a luxury villa in Italy or a luxury villa in Sardinia and visit off-season and you'll likely have much more of the beach to yourself. Either way, we recommend seeing this stunner for yourself as there is a very good reason as to why it won over the heart of a prince.
