Child-Friendly Beaches in Sardinia: Our Tips for going to the Beach with your Kids

22

Apr

2023

We know that when planning a beach vacation with children, it is necessary to pay attention to certain amenities and special services that allow you to experience a relaxing and fun vacation. Sardinia is the ideal destination to take a family trip, in fact, among breathtaking beaches, natural areas and cultural attractions, fun is guaranteed. In this article we have decided to introduce you to the most beautiful family-friendly beaches on the island, so that all that’s left for you to do is to book enjoy your vacation!

The characteristics of suitable beaches for children

As a parent you know, when planning a beach vacation choosing the right beach is crucial, and if you get it wrong you risk ruining at least a day’s trip. That’s why we decided to come to your rescue. In our opinion, the most important features a beach must have to be suitable for children are:

Crystal clear water. We always want the best for our children, so clean water is an essential element. In addition to being aesthetically more attractive, crystal clear water instills more confidence in children who are learning to swim or who want to become expert divers;
A clean sea should always be associated with a generally shallow and sandy seabed that does not have a steep slope near the shore;
The shoreline should be strictly sand, so that your children are free to create the most beautiful castle or can have fun burying parts of your body under the sand (yes, we too have been victims of this game). The sand will also allow for walks and easier access to the water for all those bare feet excited to dive in;
Another very important element is the access to the beach. If as a couple you accepted to walk 1 hour on a dirt path under the sun to reach an amazing cove, this is no longer the case. Having immediate access to the beach thanks to a walkway that will allow you to carry your umbrella, tent, chair, beach chair, and the many toys you are sure to have with you will be something you will love more than the vision of that cove you so dreamed of;
Finally, the beach facilities. The better the equipment, the less stress for you. Those that are essential for us are: a bathroom, a lifeguard station for safety and refreshment places for a quick lunch, an ice cream snack or a sunset drink before heading home.

Child-friendly beaches in northern Sardinia

The northern coast of Sardinia, which by convention begins in the town of Alghero and ends in the territory of Olbia, encloses within it the much-loved and famous Costa Smeralda. Characterized by beautiful white sandy beaches with clear water in beautiful colors, amidst jet set and unspoiled nature, here are wonderful beaches suitable for even the youngest children. The first stop on a trip to northern Sardinia absolutely has to be Alghero, referred to precisely as the “family-friendly city.”

Among the most popular beaches in town is the well-known Le Bombarde, almost 1 kilometer long and characterized by clear, blue water and white sand. Very easy to reach, here you will also find bars and restaurants that are open all day until the sun goes down, when the merry nightlife begins. Moving on to one of the island’s most famous villages, Castelsardo, is Ampurias beach, a real gem. Distinguished by cream-colored grains of sand and crystal-clear water, the beach has all the amenities that make a family happy: lifeguard, disabled access, pay showers and a kiosk where you can refresh yourself after a long day of diving and swimming.

Turning instead to the territory of Olbia-Tempio, we want to recommend two spectacular beaches: the beach of Cala Brandinchi, which is located in the wonderful marine protected area of Capo Coda Cavallo in San Teodoro and the beach Punta Tegge in La Maddalena. The latter, located on the island of La Maddalena, is easily reached by following the coastal road. It is a small, paradise-style beach composed of light-colored, coarse-grained sand that plunges a transparent sea with shallow waters rich in fish. Your animal-loving kids will love this beach, and older kids will long remember snorkeling around here.

Accommodations where you can stay in northern Sardinia

Residence Borgo Monte Sixeri near Alghero
Agriturismo I Vigneti near Alghero
La Ciaccia Homes near Valledoria
Capo Falcone Charming Apartments near Stintino
Flats Isola Rossa
Home Sunshine in Palau
Le Onde Apartment in Palau

Best beaches for children in eastern Sardinia

The east coast of Sardinia is the most scenic, where sea and mountains meet creating a panorama that you will find hard to forget. On this coast there are numerous beaches suitable for the little ones, so we decided to list only those that in our opinion are unmissable. Impossible not to mention the magnificent marina of Orosei, which with its 5 kilometers of extension is the most convenient solution for those who, like you, travel with children in tow. In these parts you’ll find the wonderful Bidderosa oasis, that consists of five coves one more beautiful than the other guarded in a park of almost 900 hectares protected by the Forestry Authority. There is a limited entry in the peak season, that is, from May to October. It won’t be easy to reserve your place in this true oasis with a limited number of visitors, but if you do, it will really be worth it!

On the northern border of the oasis you will find instead the beautiful beach of Berchida, in the area of Siniscola. It is an uncrowded beach with shallow water, turquoise water and fine sand. It is also equipped with various amenities such as bars, canoe and pedal boat rentals and a large parking lot. Further south, in the municipality of Tortolì on the other hand, is the wonderful beach of Orrì, formed by soft white sand, clear water and shallow seabed, it is ideal for teaching your children the many types of diving. The beach is almost 4 kilometers long and offers many services such as beach equipment rental, refreshment stands, pedal boat rental and children’s games. In the street that runs along it, during summer evenings you can be part of the nightlife made up of clubs, music, stalls and entertainment for all ages!

Last but not least is the beautiful Torre di Barì beach in Bari Sardo. Divided in two, this beach presents a golden-colored coarse-grained sand to the north, while to the south it is characterized by white sand pebbles; the waters of both, on the other hand, are blue and clear. It, too, has all the essential bathing facilities, access for the disabled, ample parking and several eateries where you can enjoy excellent seafood dishes.

Three solutions for sleeping on the east coast

Holiday Home Taddore near Orosei
Residence Borgo degli Ulivi in Tortolì
Countryhotel Su Vrau near Posada

Beaches for children in southern Sardinia and near Cagliari

Although the north coast is the best known, in southern Sardinia you will be able to experience a very rich vacation made up of history, culture, green areas and stunning beaches. All along the southern coast you will find plenty of beaches suitable for children; the best known of all is Poetto, Cagliari‘s main beach that stretches for kilometers to the territory of Quartu Sant’Elena. Here there is everything you are looking for: shallow water, crystal clear waters, a sandy beach and all the bathing services such as beach chair and umbrella rentals, lifeguards for safety, bathrooms and a multitude of kiosks scattered all along the seafront where you can have lunch or a snack and after dinner have fun to the rhythm of music. The beach is also easily accessible as it can be reached by public transport from the city center.

In the famous town of Villasimius, which won the Sustainable Top 100 destinations award in 2019, there are two family-friendly beaches: Simius and Campus. The latter enclosed between two headlands is sheltered and suitable even on slightly windier days. Both beautiful white sand beaches that plunge into a bright blue expanse.

For a trip out of town, on the other hand, we recommend visiting the island of San Pietro and its lovable town of Carloforte. A piece of Liguria in Sardinia that you’ll recognize from its linguistic, traditional and gastronomic influences. Here, too, the beaches are all child-proof and the island is very quiet, a true paradise for families.

Last but not least, we recommend the beach of Su Giudeu, in the municipality of Chia. The beach is a real paradise, characterized by an expanse of fine, golden sand that slopes gently into an expanse of crystal blue sea. It is also well served and has all the amenities needed to be comfortable on the beach with children.

Three family-friendly accommodations in southern Sardinia

Hotel residence Cormoran in Villasimius
Holidays House Marina Blu in Costa Rei
Casa Chiara in Santa Margherita di Pula
Lantana Resort in Pula
Penthouse Terrazza sul Mare in Calasetta

The best child-friendly seaside resorts in western Sardinia

Known to be the wildest and most unspoiled coastline, on impact you might think it is not suitable for families, but this is a common To dispel this myth, we want to recommend what we think are the child-proof beaches. In the territory of the Sulcis Iglesiente, in Buggerru, we cannot fail to mention the beautiful beach of Cala Domestica, which we are sure will please all members of your family. Whether your afternoon is dedicated to building giant castles or Olympic diving and swimming, you will love spending your days at this beach. Equipped with all the essential amenities, we recommend that you don’t miss a great seafood lunch at the beach kiosk.

In the Oristano area, on the other hand, a visit to the magical territory of Sinis, in the municipality of Cabras, is mandatory. Here you will find incredible beaches immersed in a magnificent natural territory. Try it to believe! We are talking about the beaches of Is Arutas and Mari Ermi, two beaches connected to each other and both characterized by very beautiful small grains of white sand that are often stolen by visitors (don’t do it, these beaches need to be preserved to remain so beautiful!) and an expanse of crystal clear water that with the reflection of the sun produces beautiful plays of light. Here you will find some of the essential services such as the access walkway, parking, lifeguard service, and two kiosks where you can enjoy some excellent seafood dishes. Among these we recommend you try the mullet roe, considered the gold of Cabras.

Without moving from the territory of Oristano, we also suggest a visit to the beach of Putzu Idu, in the municipality of San Vero di Milis. Characterized by an extremely shallow seabed for several meters, it is the ideal place to let children free to splash and play in the water. The beach is equipped with all the main services and is located on a promenade that offers several booths to book sup, canoe and surf excursions. The kiosks, open all day, in the evening become the protagonists of the summer nightlife of San Vero and the neighboring municipalities.