Nice trips with children in Sardinia

Sardinia is a wonderfully varied island for a family holiday. It combines shallow, sheltered beaches with rugged mountain interiors, ancient stone monuments and a food culture that tends to go down well with children. The island is large enough that most families pick one region and explore it properly rather than trying to see everything in a single trip.

Beaches

The island’s coastline is long and varied, and many of its beaches are well suited to young swimmers. The water is generally clear and calm in the early summer, and a number of coves shelve gently, which makes them safer for children than the more exposed stretches. Popular family choices include the long sandy bays of the south, such as those around Chia and Villasimius, and the beaches of the north-east near Palau and Santa Teresa Gallura, where boat trips to the Maddalena archipelago are easy to arrange.

Boat trips and marine life

Boat excursions run from several harbours, and many are designed with families in mind. Shorter trips tend to focus on swimming stops in sheltered bays, while longer ones visit the islands off the north coast. Snorkelling trips offer a gentle introduction to the underwater world, and the clear water around the Maddalena islands is particularly rewarding for beginners.

Ancient sites and the interior

Sardinia’s interior is worth a day or two of any family itinerary. The island is home to thousands of nuraghi, the distinctive stone towers built in the Bronze Age, and the best known is Su Nuraxi at Barumini in the south. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is straightforward to visit with children, with guided tours available.

Further inland, the mountains of the Gennargentu area and the gorge of Su Gorropu offer walking and jeep excursions. These are better suited to older children who are comfortable on uneven ground, and several operators run combined four-wheel-drive and hiking trips.

Caves and rock formations

The island has a number of show caves that are easy to visit as a family. They tend to be cool inside even in high summer, so a light layer is worth packing. Coastal rock formations and sea caves can also be seen on many of the boat trips.

Food and drink

Sardinian cooking is hearty and generally child-friendly. Expect roast meats, flatbreads such as pane carasau, pecorino cheese, and simple pasta dishes. Seafood is excellent along the coast. Many families find that agriturismo accommodation works well, as these rural guesthouses often serve home-cooked meals and give children space to run around.

Getting around

A hire car is close to essential for exploring the island at your own pace, particularly if you want to combine beach days with trips inland. Roads are generally good, though mountain routes are slower than they look on a map. Distances between the north and south of the island are considerable, so it is worth planning your route around a single base or two rather than moving every night.

Practical notes

The summer months are hot, so plan beach time for the morning and late afternoon and keep the middle of the day for shade, caves or a long lunch. Sun protection, hats and plenty of water are essential. Spring and early autumn are often more comfortable for sightseeing and walking, and the sea remains warm enough for swimming well into October.