4 Trekking Routes to Explore with the Whole Family in Sardinia

At any time of year, Sardinia is the ideal destination for an outdoor holiday full of fun and nature discovery. We know that when travelling with the family it is good to organise activities beforehand and always have a plan B ready so that the little ones don’t get bored. So, if you visit Sardinia in the summer, beyond relaxing on the most child-friendly beaches, you could think about organising a nature trip on one of these four trails that are also suitable for a family trekking tour. We bet your children will also love feeling a bit like Indiana Jones discovering unexplored territories!

From the Capo Ferro Lighthouse to the discovery of hidden coves and breathtaking views

The Capo Ferro Lighthouse is located in Porto Cervo and is the perfect destination for a half-day trip to the Costa Smeralda, even out of season. Although it is not possible to visit the lighthouse internally as it is a military area, it is an excellent starting point for exploring the Capo Ferro promontory. In fact, from here, as well as enjoying a marvellous view of the sea, you can follow several paths leading to the other two lighthouses in the area: the old lighthouse, now abandoned, and the red lighthouse. Of the two, the latter is the most striking and photographed because it is built on the rocks opposite Isola delle Bisce and surrounded by a spectacular natural landscape. To best conclude this walk, if time permits, take a swim at the beach of Cala del Faro and the beautiful Cala Granu.

Family holiday villas in Costa Smeralda

– For a dream holiday on the Costa Smeralda, we recommend the Capriccioli Villas, which are located only 150 metres from the beach of the same name, famous for being one of the most exclusive beaches in the area. The villas are located on an estate and are divided into Villa Padronale, Casa Terrazza and Casa Pietra. All three are carefully furnished and immersed in a fragrant green garden and share a swimming pool equipped with sun loungers and sunshades.
– Twenty kilometres away from Porto Cervo but still on the Costa Smeralda are the Villini Oleandru, three very pretty three-room apartments furnished in a modern style perfect for a family holiday. These villas are also only 200 metres from the sea and there is also a boat rental nearby as well as a cycle path to the centre of Cannigione.

Excursion to Cala Luna, one of Ogliastra’s most beautiful beaches

Cala Luna beach is one of the most famous Ogliastra beaches in the Gulf of Orosei. It can also be reached by sea with one of the many boats that depart daily from Cala Gonone. For a more sporty excursion, we recommend the hike that starts from Cala Friuli. The path is a bit bumpy and is a continuous up and down in the midst of Mediterranean nature where you will feel the need to stop every now and then to photograph the splendid views you will find in front of you. It takes about two hours of walking and then there is paradise: a shimmering turquoise sea, soft sand and natural caves where you can take refuge and capture spectacular views. We recommend you do this route if your children are already old enough and, in any case, not with a pushchair in tow.

Cala Luna Sardinia, Gennargentu and Gulf of Orosei National Park, Baunei. Original public domain image from Wikimedia Commons

Sleep a stone’s throw from the blue sea of Ogliastra

– Choose Hotel Cala Luna for a relaxing and comfortable stay right by the sea. The nearest beach is only 40 metres away and the Cala Gonone marina, from which boats depart to visit Cala Luna and the other wonderful beaches of Ogliastra, is only 100 metres away. The hotel offers rooms of different types, three restaurants, a gym, a beach bar, and the possibility of booking beauty treatments.
– Other perfect hotel for families are the Relax Cala I Ginepri in Cala Gonone and the Hotel Ispinigoli near the famous cave, not far away from Dorgali.

A walk to the Sella del Diavolo, Cagliari’s most famous lookout point

The Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) is Cagliari‘s most famous promontory and divides the Golfo degli Angeli (Gulf of Angels) in two, the Poetto on one side and Calamosca on the other. With a hike to the Sella del Diavolo you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city, the Molentargius park, the Saline and the Poetto beach. The path, also suitable for children, starts in front of the Hotel Calamosca and is well signposted all the way. At the top you will find tables and benches where you can take a picnic break or an Instagram selfie! Once you’re rested, if you think you can go on, we recommend that you don’t turn back but continue along the path that stretches through the vegetation to the coves of Cala Fighera and Calamosca. Trust us, it’s worth it!

Where to sleep in Cagliari with the family

– For small families we recommend Home Carales located in a quiet area of the Castello district in the centre of Cagliari. It is a renovated flat in a historic house furnished in a modern, cosy style and offers an open-plan living room, a bedroom with a third bed in the loft area, and a bathroom with a large, comfortable shower.
– If you need a place for up to 5 people and perhaps you have a dog we recommend the pet friendly Suite Sophia in central position in Cagliari, only a stone throw away from the Botanic Garden and the main sights of the city. Nearby you can taste some of the best ice creams in Cagliari.

Walking in nature in the Aymerich Park with the whole family

In the province of Oristano, in Laconi, not everyone knows that there is a wonderful park ideal for an excursion with the children during windy summer days or during an off-season trip to Sardinia. The Aymerich Park covers an area of more than 22 hectares rich in all kinds
of plants, from native species such as the holm oak to more unusual plants such as the Corsican pine. The main final destination of anyone visiting this park is the large waterfall that you will encounter after a long walk in the middle of nature among streams, bridges and
caves. To add a bit of culture to your day, don’t forget to also visit the ruins of the Aymerich Castle, built as a defence building for the Kingdom of Arborea. We are sure the children will love climbing up to the first floor and looking out of the window just like little royals while you, the parent, will play the role of the subject.

Family accommodations in the province of Oristano

– Cabras is the ideal village in which to stay and discover the beauties of the Oristano area. The B&B Sa Cottilla is located in an old campidanese house that has been renovated with taste and care. The rooms are all located in the external annexe and overlook a small courtyard. Inside there is also a two-room apartment ideal for a family of four.
– For a more authentic experience in contact with the local community, we recommend staying in the albergo diffuso Acquae Sinis, a charming residence divided into three houses in the centre of Cabras. In the Dependance Thermae there are all the main services of the hotel and the Spa while in the dependance Mistras and Pontis there are rooms for guests who wish to relax in a natural environment
characterised by local plants and unique atmospheres.