There are places one steps into and instantly everything falls away. The noise. The pressure. The relentless pace of daily life. On the wild northern coast of Sardinia, far from the tourist trail yet only a few hours' flight away, lies one such place: Casa Portobello. Set within the private nature reserve of Portobello di Gallura , this elegant retreat rises above the sea, an oasis for those in search of something authentic, unhurried, and truly special.
Living within the landscape
From the moment of arrival, one thing is clear: the house does not simply stand in nature, it is part of it. Granite, wood, pale limestone and soft, earthy tones echo the surrounding landscape , allowing interior and exterior to flow seamlessly into one another. The architecture follows the terrain, hugging the contours of the hillside and opening generously towards the sea. Large windows, airy rooms, terraces in every direction: light seems to be a permanent resident here.
The villa offers four stylishly appointed bedrooms, each with its own character, yet always with a sense of space and tranquillity. The bathrooms, too, are far more than purely functional rooms: they are filled with natural light, some featuring natural stone walls and views out into the greenery, places where even the morning shower becomes something of a small ceremony.
Life happens outside
Sardinia is an island best experienced outdoors. And so Villa Portobello reveals its true strengths in its exterior spaces. A generous patio with lounge furniture, a pool set into the landscape, a covered summer kitchen with a large barbecue area: all of it invites long days spent beneath open skies. Early morning coffee on the terrace, when the air is still cool and the sea lies flat as lead. A midday dip in the pool or a stroll to one of the small coves. And in the evenings, cooking together, the scent of fresh fish on the grill, glasses clinking, laughter carried off by the breeze.
A private retreat by the sea
The villa forms part of a small, exclusive development within the nature reserve. Portobello di Gallura is more of a retreat than a holiday destination. No hotels, no bars, no souvenir shops; instead, Mediterranean calm, well-tended gardens and small paths that wind their way through the landscape. Security is high, access is controlled, and yet there is nothing stiff or exclusive about the atmosphere. It feels relaxed, almost like-minded company.
Seven different private beaches are within walking distance of the villa, small coves of fine sand nestled between rocks and juniper bushes. The water is crystal clear, its blues and greens shimmering in the sun like something from another world. For those who wish, a motorboat can be hired directly from the house, ideal for exploring the rugged coastline, spotting dolphins or discovering hidden coves accessible only from the sea.
Getting around in style
The villa comes with a golf cart, practical but also rather charming. It allows the extensive grounds of Portobello to be explored comfortably and quietly. Supermarkets, restaurants and small boutiques in the surrounding area are all easily reachable without needing to take the car. And yet every outing feels like a small escape from time itself, for around every bend new vistas, new scents and new colours await.
Villa Portobello, address and contact
Villa Portobello in Portobello, Sardinia, Italy
Further information and bookings:
Telephone: +41 41 712 37 45
E-mail: info@casainitalia.ch
Another holiday home from "Casa In Italia" can be found HERE!
