Family Focused Sardinia Holidays

If you're looking for a fun-filled family destination, consider Sardinia. Holidays to this delightful southern Italian island have so much to offer family groups. Not only is there a host of lovely beaches, offering the ideal combination of warm, shallow waters, there are also plenty of fun activities families can undertake while exploring Sardinia. Holidays based on the southern side of the island not only place you within easy access of the beautiful beaches, you'll also be only a short drive from many other wonderful attractions. With water-based activities, horseback riding, walking and many other highlights, you'll enjoy the very best relaxed and active holidays rolled into one.

Family friendly beaches

One of the main reasons people head to the Mediterranean is to take advantage of the stunning beaches in places like Italy's Sardinia. Holidays here offer visitors a destination with diverse attractions. One place that should be added to the itinerary is Costa Rei, which is a very family friendly town about 50 kilometres from the capital city of Cagliari. The area’s safe turquoise waters, endless golden sands and constant sunshine make it a true beach paradise for those with young children in tow. If your chosen accommodation is close to Costa Rei, you won’t even need a car to get around, as the whole town is made for walking – everything, including the beaches, shops and restaurants, is within a short walk.

For a day at the beach, there are plenty of water sports available for children (and adults) of any age, as well as excellent shopping. Teenagers will enjoy the ambience, with plenty of young people out and about on the streets.

Further north is the lovely town of San Teodoro. You can spend the day swimming in the waters at the popular La Cinta beach, then take a stroll into the small fishing village, which has revamped itself in recent years to become quite picturesque.

Getting active with the family

If your family enjoys some more active pursuits while on a break, Sardinia holidays certainly fit the bill. Once you've had your fill of lazing around the beaches of the island, many have facilities to rent boats and even learn to surf! For an adventure for the entire family, book a day trip and explore the surrounding areas on horseback.

If you're an avid traditional fisherman you might want to consider booking a stay near Isola Rossa on the north-central coast. The "red island" on the coast is actually a quaint fishing village, and local fishermen still cast their nets off the shore every morning. The waters here are very sheltered and ideal for safe swimming for youngsters, while the large Aquafantasy Waterpark is just five minutes’ drive from the seafront. This vibrant new attraction caters to young children, teens and adults and is certainly worth a visit.

Carolyn Spinks is from ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect Sardinia holidays their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.