Picturesque View Looking Across To Cala Batistoni Beach And Baia Sardinia In Summer With Moored Schooner. - Baia Sardinia, Gallura Stock Photography

The Coastline of the Costa Smeralda in the North of Sardinia is fringed with ornate granite rocks. This soft rock has been sculpted, by the elements, into amazing formations.This sandy beach, known as the Cala Batistoni, is very popular with visitors to Baia Sardinia. It is protected from boating activity with only pedalos permitted in the bathing area. In fact, if a large yacht visits the bay the passengers wishing to use the beach must transfer from their dingy to a pedalo!The main attraction in Baia Sardinia is the beach, Cala Batistoni which is packed with families in the summer. This area was named the ‘Costa Smeralda’ in 1959 by the Prince Aga Khan. He became convinced that his investment from the previous year was worthwhile and set about transforming Gallura into a tourist attraction. It has the reputation as an exclusive playground for the rich and famous. Each summer Italian celebrities and the wealthy flock to this area. Baia Sardinia is aimed at the family market and there are many modern holiday complexes and hotels overlooking the bay. The natural areas on the Sardinian coast are protected by the Coastal Conservation Agency.