Colourful Early Summer Scene Overlooking Cala Batistoni Beach Baia Sardinia With Island Detail Baia Sardinia Sardinia Italy. Royalty-Free Stock Image

This sandy beach known as the Cala Batistoni is very popular with visitors to Baia Sardinia and is packed with families in the summer. 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! 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 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. The natural areas on the Sardinian coast are protected by the Coastal Conservation Agency.