Planning a visit to Sardinia as a family soon? It can definitely be exciting to travel as a family and enjoy new experiences together. Sardinia is a beautiful beach holiday destination and kids will definitely have a good time swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. But, Aside from the beach, there are other activities that you can enjoy in Sardinia for your family holiday.
The best areas in Sardinia for families are the ones with good beaches and other activities to do. You can enjoy some of the wonderful beaches in Alghero, Villasimius, Costa Rei, and San Teodoro. On the other hand, you and your family can also enjoy historical sites in Olbia, Sassari, and Cagliari.
In this article, we will talk about some of the family-friendly areas in Sardinia that you can stay in. Sardinia has a lot to offer and if you are ready to explore the island with your family, read on!
Best Areas To Stay In Sardinia For Families
Planning a vacation to Sardinia with your family can be tough, especially if you have little kids. You have to schedule your trip according to your children’s school holidays. This means you will likely plan your trip to Sardinia during the summer months. If you live in a country with the same summer months as Sardinia, expect the touristy areas to be crowded. Sardinia is known for its amazing beaches but there are other activities that you and your family can enjoy together.
Let us take a look at some of the family-friendly destinations on the island of Sardinia.
Olbia
If your family loves a good Old Town atmosphere, visiting Olbia can be a great bonding experience. You and your family can take a walk around Olbia’s city center and sample several local delicacies. There is also a museum that showcases the history of Olbia and the island of Sardinia. This can be a great learning experience for you and your kids.
There are also other historical sites that you can visit such as the San Paolo Church and Basilica di San Simplicio. If you want to spend time at the beach, Olbia is also the gateway to the iconic Costa Smeralda. You can head on to Sardinia’s northern coastline for its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts.
Villasimius
Villasimius is a commune located in the province of Cagliari in South Sardinia and it is a great place to travel with family. If you are a family of beach lovers, Villasimius is home to some of Sardinia’s sandy beaches that have shallow and calm waters. This is a perfect destination for families with small children or those who are not confident with swimming.
Aside from swimming, your family can also enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in some of the crystal-clear waters of the beaches in Villasimius. Some of the beaches with shallow, calm waters in Villasimius are Spiaggia di Notteri, Cala Pira, and Punta Molentis. You might also spot some flamingos in the lake next to Spiaggia di Notteri.
Aside from the beautiful beaches, you and your family can also visit Fortezza Vecchia, an ancient castle near Villasimius that was built in the 14th century. If you are taking a trip with older members of your family (like a sibling or cousin’s trip), Villasimius also comes alive at night and there are several bars and clubs that you can go to.
Costa Rei
Costa Rei, just about 30 minutes away from Villasimius, is another place in Sardinia with great beaches. Costa Rei’s main beach is about 12 km long of fine golden sand and turquoise waters that kids will definitely enjoy.
There are also water sports activities that you and your family can partake in. You can rent several sports equipment such as standup paddleboards and kayaks. Costa Rei is also home to one of the best diving spots in Sardinia. This is a great activity if you are traveling with older children. Hiking trails and horseback riding are also some of the activities that you and your family can enjoy. If you want to spend more time in the water, boat trips from Costa Rei to nearby islands are available. If your family is looking for a luxury hotel with a private beach, Sant’Elmo Beach Hotel is located in Costa Rei and is one of the most famous hotels in the area. The hotel has family rooms located on the hotel’s ground floor.
San Teodoro
San Teodoro is located on the north east coast of Sardinia and is just about 25 minutes away from Olbia Airport. Like the rest of Sardinia, San Teodoro also has some of the best beaches on the island.
Cala Brandinchi, dubbed “Little Tahiti”, is perfect for families as it has shallow waters which are not only ideal for swimming but for canoeing and paddleboarding as well. Do take note that access to Cala Brandinchi is limited and a little over 1,300 people can only visit each day. There is an entrance fee but if you are staying in San Teodoro, you can visit for free. You still have to book in advance to access the beach.
Aside from the beach, you and your family can also immerse in nature by visiting the Lagoon of San Teodoro or trekking in Monte Nieddu. If your children are not averse to walking, this can be a great bonding experience.
Sassari
Sassari has a lot of things to offer as it is the second-largest city in Sardinia after Cagliari. The city of Sassari is rich in history and there are several historical sites that you and your family can go to. Some of the sites that you can visit with the family are Museo della Brigata Sassari and the Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari. You can also take a stroll in Sardinia’s biggest square, Piazza d’Italia. You can find several restaurants, shops, and even 19th-century architecture in the piazza.
The Asinara National Park, which is just under 2 hours away from Sassari, also offers family-friendly activities such as hiking, biking, and diving. There are also powdery white sand beaches with crystal clear waters in Asinara if you want to spend a couple of hours swimming. You can also book sailing trips from Stintino that can take you around Asinara. After your trip to Asinara, you can go to La Pelosa Beach on your way back to Sassari.
Alghero
Alghero is located on the northwest coast of Sardinia and is one of the popular destinations on the island. Alghero also has some of the most kid-friendly beaches which is perfect if you are traveling with small children. Some of the best child-friendly beaches in Sardinia are Spiaggia di Maria, Spiaggia Mugoni, Pia, Le Bombarde, and Ampurias Beach.
You can also hire a boat to explore the marine cave of Frecce delle Grotte di Antonio Piccinnu. There is also horseback riding in Alghero that your kids can enjoy. If your children (or you!) are a fan of dinosaurs, head on to Porto Conte Park for a day of thrilling ancient adventures. The park also offers interactive exhibits and expert guides will guide you through the park. Porto Conte Park is just 30 minutes away from Alghero by bus.
Cagliari
Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital city, is also a family-friendly destination in South Sardinia. You can book a private tour of Cagliari’s old town to learn more about the city’s history and culture. You can also go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi, an ancient archeological site that was built by the Nuragic civilization.
Aside from historical sites, some of the best beaches can also be found in Cagliari. The beaches in and near Cagliari are Poetto Beach, Tuerredda Beach, Su Giudo, and Cala Cipolla
Wrap Up
Sardinia is a great destination for families with its stunning beaches and rich culture. There are also a lot of family-friendly luxury hotels and accommodations where you can stay on the island. There are hotels with spacious rooms and some even have a private beach if you want to enjoy a beach life. In this article, we have listed 7 family-friendly areas in Sardinia that you can visit so you can have an easier time planning your itinerary. If you have any other questions, let us know how we can help!
