Sardinia boasts over ten attractions perfect for families, and even a month on this captivating island may not be enough to experience them all. However, summer vacation is ideal for families traveling to Italy with children, as Sardinia truly offers a paradise-like setting.
Renowned for its unique charm, Sardinia is incredibly family-friendly, making it a wonderful holiday destination. If you’re wondering which area of Sardinia is best for families, I highly recommend the Eastern Coast. Specifically, The Gulf of Orosei, located on the central-eastern coastline, is one of the island’s most breathtaking spots. That said, virtually every part of Sardinia has something valuable to offer.
Continue reading for the top activities to enjoy with your kids on the East Coast of Sardinia, which we believe is the ideal destination for families!
Top Things to Do on the East Coast of Sardinia with Kids
1. Visit the Beach
Sardinia is blessed with numerous stunning beaches that provide both relaxation and fun for families. For a family vacation, choosing a hotel near the beach is a great idea. The gentle waves along the shore make it safe for kids to swim, build sandcastles, or search for shells. The best beaches in Sardinia are found on the Eastern Coast and are truly enchanting! You can easily reach these beaches by car, book a day-trip cruise, or hike to secluded areas to enjoy breathtaking views. Popular beaches to explore include Cala Goloritzè, Torre di Bari, and the Beaches of Orrì, all featuring crystal-clear waters and soft white sands.
Federico & Giacomo relaxing at Foxilioni beach in the Gulf of Orosei
Where to Stay Near the Best Beaches in Sardinia
With the East Coast featuring Sardinia’s finest beaches, a stay in the Gulf of Orosei is the best choice for families. This magical area will captivate you! As you drive from North to South, you’ll be amazed by the vibrant sea colors. The village of Arbatax sits centrally along the coast and serves as a fantastic base for exploring. For a memorable experience, consider booking a stay at Arbatax Park Resort or Hotel La Bitta, both famous for their excellent local cuisine. You can easily reach Arbatax via ferry from Genoa or Civitavecchia (Rome) during peak season.
Federico loves to dive. This photo was captured at Cala Goloritzè during a boat trip.
2. Visit a Nuragic Archaeological Site
For families visiting Sardinia for the first time, exploring a Nuragic archaeological site is an enriching experience. Nuraghes are ancient stone structures from the Bronze Age, originally built for defense. The one in Barumini has been recognized as a UNESCO site, and a visit to the Su Nuraxi archaeological site is highly recommended. For children, learning about these structures provides an exciting glimpse into the island’s history. A guided tour will help your child appreciate the significance of ancient Sardinia and its constructions.
Where to Stay Near Barumini
As one of the top attractions in Sardinia, Barumini offers fantastic accommodation options for families. I recommend the Hotel Su Nuraxi, which is ideally located near the UNESCO archaeological site. The hotel features a delicious restaurant offering local specialties (which you are sure to love) and even sells local olive oil.
3. Aquarium at Cala Gonone
The Aquarium in Sardinia is a fantastic venue for a fun and educational outing with your kids. Children are often mesmerized by the extensive range of colorful fish, vibrant corals, and diverse exhibits. While wandering through the Aquarium in Cala Gonone, children can learn about the lifecycle of Mediterranean fish, sharks, and sea urchins. There’s also a touch tank where kids can interact with aquatic creatures like stingrays and starfish.
During a day trip along the Gulf of Orosei, you can swim and dive inside a blue cave. It’s absolutely magical!
4. Explore Sardinia’s Caves
If your child is curious and loves adventure, a day spent exploring Sardinia’s many caves is sure to be enjoyable. Many caves are accessible on foot, while others might require joining a guided ferry tour. During this exploration, your children will discover how these natural formations developed over millennia and the secrets hidden within the island’s underground chambers. This activity is perfect for children of all ages.
We visited the cave on a super hot day! It was perfect, but don’t forget a sweater, a hat, and wear sneakers.
5. Savor Some Sardinian Cuisine
Sardinia offers some of the best traditional Italian meals, allowing you to fully experience the island’s culinary culture. Your kids will enjoy tasting local specialties like Malloreddus, a shell-shaped pasta, and Culurgiones, a delicious stuffed pasta with herbs. Pizza is, of course, another favorite delicacy that children will adore.
6. Enjoy Hiking and Nature
While Sardinia is primarily known for its beautiful coastline, exploring the island’s interior can reveal a different stunning perspective. With abundant hiking trails, Sardinia is home to Europe’s largest canyon and offers fantastic climbing opportunities. Additionally, your kids will love spotting unique animals such as the Mouflon, the Sardinian donkey, and the Corsican red deer. The best times to hike in Sardinia are from February to April and from mid-September to October, as summers can be too hot for hiking, especially with younger children.
This is the village of Ulassai, an idyllic spot on the East Coast of Sardinia, perfect for climbing, hiking, and exploring beautiful caves.
7. Ride the Little Green Train
Sardinia features charming little trains traversing various landscapes, but the Little Green Train is especially well-known. This train serves locals, and visitors can enjoy specific routes showcasing Sardinia’s historic villages, pastures, and abandoned stations. Train rides create excellent opportunities for kids to engage with locals and learn about Sardinian life. Every Friday, the train departs from Arbatax and journeys to Gairo, a historical abandoned village that’s fun to visit with children.
Take the green train to discover the beauty of inland Sardinia.
8. Discover a Ghost Town
Exploring Gairo Ghost Town is one of the most intriguing experiences available on the East Coast of Sardinia! Abandoned in the 1960s due to severe flooding, you can now wander through the ruins and witness a real ghost town. It’s not a heavily touristed area, but remember to avoid entering old buildings as it is prohibited.
9. Explore Sardinia on Horseback
Sardinia is home to many horses, making horseback riding a charming way to explore the countryside. Take your little ones on a horseback tour where they can learn about the history of horses in Sardinia while enjoying the scenic views. Tours are available in multiple locations and cater to beginners and intermediate riders.
10. Discover Local Street Art
For a deep dive into the culture of the Barbagia region, consider visiting the village of Orgosolo, famous for its stunning murals—over 150 in total! Located about 110km from Cagliari, Orgosolo is like an open-air museum. The first mural originated in 1969, primarily addressing political themes and serving as symbols of rebellion.
Our children enjoyed exploring the street art in Orgosolo.
Where to Stay Near Orgosolo
The Holiday Home Orgosolo (NU) IX is a wonderful accommodation option for families. Your kids will love the pool, BBQ facilities, and stunning mountain views.
How to Get to Sardinia
The best way to travel to Sardinia with kids is by car or campervan if you enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to book your ferry in advance, particularly during the high season (July and August). Ferries typically depart from Genoa, Savona, Livorno, and Civitavecchia, arriving at Porto Torres (Northwest Sardinia), Olbia, Golfo Aranci (Northeast Coast), Arbatax (only during peak season), and Cagliari (South).
Alternatively, you can fly into Sardinia and rent a car upon arrival. The two main airports are Cagliari and Olbia, with Olbia being the best starting point for visiting the East Coast, while Cagliari is located in the South.
Once you’ve figured out how to reach Sardinia with your family, the next step is planning activities. Use this guide to create an enjoyable itinerary for your family vacation in Sardinia.
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