Summer has finally arrived, and there’s nothing better than spending a vacation with your family. When planning such a trip, it is important to consider the needs of the little ones to ensure a pleasant and relaxing stay.
First of all, you need to think about where to stay. If you’ve chosen Sardinia as the destination for your next trip, we can assure you that you won’t regret it. This wonderful pearl of the Mediterranean offers a wealth of places to visit, combining relaxation and fun. Beyond its charming beaches, Sardinia offers warm hospitality, great food, numerous historical attractions, and places worth visiting. Moreover, it is an ideal destination for families, especially with little ones.
To make your trip comfortable and relaxing while avoiding stress, hassles, and frustration, we recommend using the car rental service. This way, you’ll be free to travel wherever you want, according to your family’s schedule, and avoid long public transport rides that might annoy the little ones. You can choose to book the vehicle online or directly on-site by visiting agencies at the airports. Many of these offer the possibility to book a vehicle without a credit card, such as Ellepi, located at Olbia Airport.
In this article, we’ve chosen 3 places to visit in Sardinia, perfect for family vacations.
Beaches for Kids in Sardinia
Which beaches should you not miss if you’re traveling with kids? Below, we’ve selected some perfect spots for children, characterized by shallow waters that make the sea more accessible to children with more peace of mind and safety for parents.
1. North-East Coast
The north-east coast of the island is about 30 km from Olbia airport. The history of this area is relatively recent. It was Prince Karim Aga Khan IV who discovered this region. Seeing the potential in this uninhabited and wild land, he decided to transform it into a true precious jewel of the Mediterranean, which today welcomes tourists from all over the world, including famous national and international personalities. This tourist region is full of beaches and places to visit, even with children.
The center of the area is Porto Cervo, a location where you can take long walks among many clubs, restaurants, and luxury boutiques or enjoy some relaxation in the beautiful square. Not far from Porto Cervo’s center is Gregoland, a fun and safe playground for kids. You also can’t miss the beautiful beaches of the north coast, most of which are easily accessible and equipped with services, such as Grande Pevero Beach. Finally, the area offers the chance to do many boat and dinghy trips, allowing you to visit dream islands such as the Maddalena Archipelago. If you have a vehicle, you can visit North Sardinia in a few days, planning the areas you want to see day by day.
2. Alghero
Alghero is a city in the north-western region of Sardinia and has Catalan origins, making it a perfect place to spend time with kids.
Its city walls frame the beautiful historic center, where you can take long walks in complete safety. The fairy-tale atmosphere continues with ramparts, Aragonese towers, and the charming churches of the city. The city also boasts numerous bike paths that are very easy to navigate, even for the little ones. Starting from the tourist port and following the bike path, you can reach the Capo Caccia promontory and enjoy a unique panoramic view. Alghero also offers many beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water, all easily accessible without stress and fairly spacious, such as Maria Pia Beach. Don’t miss the beautiful Neptune’s Grotto and the Le Ragnatele Adventure Park for your kids’ entertainment.
3. San Teodoro
Just 25 km from Olbia is the beautiful San Teodoro, a tourist destination that offers wonderful beaches with enchanting colors and breathtaking views.
The city center is full of restaurants where you can enjoy typical Sardinian dishes, numerous shops for shopping, and many places to spend an evening with friends or family. San Teodoro is also rich in history: there are two nuragic complexes worth visiting, the Naracheddu nuraghe and the Lu Naracu one. Don’t miss the beautiful Cala Brandinchi, also known as Little Tahiti, Lu Impostu beach, and the La Cinta beach. All these places have fine white sand and the water is typically crystal clear, ranging from azure to emerald green. Visiting the San Teodoro lagoon to observe the pink flamingos is another activity that kids will enjoy, as well as swimming with dolphins and boat excursions for the more adventurous ones.
4. Villasimius
One of the most popular locations in South Sardinia, Villasimius is an ideal destination for those looking for a more vibrant vacation, not just the sea. The town is very lively, especially in the summer, and it’s the perfect base for discovering this part of Sardinia, with archaeological sites (such as the Phoenician and Roman settlement of Cuccureddus) and nuraghes.
In Villasimius, there are several beaches available to tourists, but the most suitable for children is probably Porto Giunco, a one-kilometer stretch of white sand with shallow waters and many services available for tourists.
5. Palau
Palau is the perfect destination for families who want to explore by sea the many shades of blue in Sardinian waters. From here, you can embark on trips to discover the park and the Maddalena Archipelago beaches, with plenty of cruises departing and returning even in one day, a perfect option for kids.
There are many sandy beaches suitable for children, like Sciumara, and all around is lush nature that serves as a habitat for many species of animals.
The little ones will have fun exploring a natural masterpiece that seems created by an artist: the Bear Rock, the symbol of Palau, sculpted by the wind over time.
Where to take kids to have fun in Sardinia?
Beyond the beaches, Sardinia has other places where fun for kids is guaranteed. Among those we recommend you can find:
- Sardinia in Miniature
- Trenino Verde
- Cala Gonone Aquarium
Sardinia in Miniature
Sardinia in Miniature is a fascinating destination that gives children the opportunity to uniquely and engagingly explore the beauties of the entire island. Located in a theme park, this attraction features miniature replicas of famous Sardinian sites and monuments, allowing visitors to appreciate the variety and architectural diversity of the island in one place. It’s an educational and fun experience for the whole family, offering an immersion into the history and culture of Sardinia.
Trenino Verde
Another charming way to explore Sardinia, especially when traveling with kids and looking for fun activities for them, is to hop on the Trenino Verde, a picturesque railway that crosses breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled areas. This steam train offers a nostalgic journey through valleys, mountains, and picturesque villages, allowing passengers to admire the natural beauty of the island while enjoying a unique experience.
Cala Gonone Aquarium
For marine life lovers, the Cala Gonone Aquarium is a must-visit. Located on the eastern coast of Sardinia, in the area of the most beautiful beaches of Ogliastra, this fascinating aquarium offers the chance to discover the island’s rich marine biodiversity. The little ones can get a close look at a variety of marine species, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals.
It’s an educational experience that provides a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
The Best Places to Stay with Kids on Vacation
When traveling with kids, it’s important to choose a destination and hotel that are comfortable and suited to the family’s needs. There are several factors to consider when choosing a family-friendly hotel.
First of all, it’s advisable to look for properties that offer spacious and comfortable rooms to ensure a suitable environment for the whole family. It’s also useful to check if the hotel provides cribs or cots for younger children, as well as if they offer additional beds or sofa beds for older children.
The presence of services and facilities for children is another important factor to consider. Some hotels offer play areas for the little ones, with games and activities suitable for their age. Others provide babysitting or child assistance services, which can be valuable for parents who want some time to relax or explore the destination on their own.
Finally, the presence of restaurants or dining options within the hotel can be very convenient for families. Some hotels offer children’s menus or meals specifically prepared for them. Additionally, it’s helpful to check if the hotel has facilities for preparing baby food or if special meals can be requested for children.
Choosing a family-friendly hotel with these features can make traveling with kids more comfortable and enjoyable for all family members. It’s advisable to read hotel reviews and contact the property directly to confirm the availability of the necessary services and amenities.
Wondering where the best places to stay are and where you can find all the services we’ve mentioned? From San Teodoro to Villasimius, from Cagliari to Chia, every area of Sardinia will offer you a wide range of accommodations to meet your needs.
Sardinia is rich in wonderful places waiting to be discovered, but above all, perfect for enjoying a family vacation full of adventure, fun, and relaxation. Discover all the other must-see places in Sardinia!
