The Costa Smeralda, in the northeast of Sardinia, owes its name to the magnificent emerald colour of the island's waters. This portion of coast is windswept and unspoilt. The hills are covered with sweet-smelling gorse which extend down to the clear limpid waters as at the archipelago of La Maddalena. It is paradise for those keen on sailing, windsurfing, golf and tennis. The main resorts are Porto Cervo, Cala di Volpe and Baia Sardinia.