Porto Rotondo

Porto Rotondo is a luxurious seaside resort town and frazione of the municipality of Olbia in northeastern Sardinia, situated along the Costa Smeralda in the Gallura region. Built in the early 1960s at the behest of Luigi and Nicolò Donà delle Rose, its structure is partly modeled on Venice to pay homage to the founders, featuring a "Piazzetta San Marco." It stands alongside Porto Cervo as a symbolic location of the Costa Smeralda.

The town is a hub for the Italian and international jet-set, particularly in summer, with a lively social life centered around fashionable clubs and resorts overlooking the harbor. The population peaks at 32,000 in August, making it one of Italy's most popular tourist resorts. Key attractions include the Church of San Lorenzo, a spectacular structure designed by sculptors Andrea Cascella and Mario Ceroli. Constructed from pine and granite, it features a megalithic cross and altar made entirely of granite, with an interior resembling an overturned ship hull containing thousands of figures shaped from Russian pine.

The area is suitable for year-round discovery via walking, biking, or boating. Visitors can enjoy activities such as eating ice cream at the port, taking sunset aperitifs, and dining on local specialties. While specific opening hours and admission fees do not apply to the public town and harbor, individual venues operate according to their own schedules. Exploring Porto Rotondo offers a glimpse into the glamorous side of Sardinian tourism. For travelers, it serves as a vibrant destination for socializing and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. The combination of unique architecture and coastal beauty makes it a memorable stop on the Costa Smeralda.