Planning a vacation in Sardinia with your family? Here's what you can do! We've prepared for you a list of the top 30 activities for you and your kids. Make the most out of your vacation by trying the delicious local food, exploring pristine beaches and creating many lasting memories:
Sardinia is the second largest island of Italy after Sicily and you can easily reach it by ferry from Rome and Livorno or by plane to Cagliari or other cities airports.
1. Visit a “Green Flag” beach: in Italy, the most family-friendly beaches are awarded the “Bandiera Verde”, an award that acknowledges the high quality of services such as playgrounds, nearby restaurants, presence of lifeguards, etc. The Sardina region features many of these, such as Is Arutas, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Quartu Sant'Elena and more. Look for these special locations to spend a relaxing day at the beach with your family!
2. La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The Sardinia region is famous for its incredible landscapes and biodiversity, which can be admired in this National Park encompassing a group of islands between Sardinia and Corsica. A boat tour of the area is perfect for families who want to admire the flora and fauna. You may also choose between various itineraries on foot to explore the different islands.
3. "Su Nuraxi" Archaeological Zone: this is one of the most significant components of the rich archaeological heritage of Sardinia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you and your family will discover the secrets of the "nuraghes", imposing prehistoric constructions: a unique opportunity immerse yourself in the history of this fascinating region.
4. The Niala Forest: discover the fairy-tale atmosphere of this oasis, characterized by the presence of natural pools, j, numerous paths and a rich flora. Your family will be delighted by many unexpected surprised, such as the works of artist Pinuccio Sciola and the remarkable 19th century San Girolamo bridge.
5. Try the local food: Sardinia, due to being an island, features a culinary tradition that is very different from that of the mainland. Make sure to try the best high-quality ingredients such as the pecorino sardo (a type of cheese made with sheep's milk), the "malloreddus" (Sardinian gnocchi) and the "panadas" (lamb meat and potatoes in a wrap).
The Street Art of Orgosolo: Your children will love walking around the town of Orgosolo and spotting its 150 vibrant murals that attract many tourists all year round. These colorful masterpieces are created with water-based paints and feature a variety of different styles, creating a unique atmosphere.
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7. Parco della Giara di Gesturi: this unique protected natural area is characterized by the presence of a small breed of wild horses called "cavallini della Giara". Your family will have the opportunity to admire them in their natural habitat, to join a guided tour of the area or explore the Giara plateau and its geological peculiarities.
8. The Neptune's Cave in Alghero: also called "Neptune's Grotto", this is one of the largest marine caves in Italy and it's the jewel of the protected area of Capo Caccia-Isola Piana. You can reach the cave by boat or going down 600 steps on the promontory, which offers a spectacular view of the sea. Visitors can explore the various parts of the cave, featuring stalagmite formations, interesting vegetation and other fascinating highlights.
9. Sardegna Avventura Park: located in the forest of the municipality of Santa Lucia, this is the largest tree-lined park on the island. We recommend this destination for families with both children and teenagers, as the park offers numerous activities for all ages such as circuits with ziplines, hanging pipes and swinging logs.
10. Oasis of Bidderosa: if you're looking for a quiet day at the beach with your family, make sure to visit the oasis of Bidderosa, encompassing five charming coves. You can choose to relax by the sea or go on a hike to explore the beautiful flora and fauna of the area.
11. Visit Sassari: Sassari is one of the most important cities in Sardinia. You and your family can discover the cultural heritage of the city by visiting the art gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Sassari) or Piazza d'Italia, the beating heart of Sassari. However, this is also the ideal starting point for many excursions in the nature: not far from the city, for example, you'll find Lake Baratz.
12. Take the Asinara Green Train: you and your family can hop on this train, which is the transport service for the Asinara National Park. Thanks to expert and multilingual guides, you will enjoy a fun excursion while learning about the environmental importance of the park. Your children will admire breathtaking landscapes and explore the park in a unique way.
13. Aquafantasy: this is a water park with plenty of rides for children and adults, as well as a restaurant and a picnic area. This park is also accessible to people with disabilities, and pet friendly. Here you and your kids can spend a day of fun and adventure!
14. Visit Cagliari: this fascinating city is the perfect destination for your vacation in Sardinia. You and your family can explore the historical center, visit the archaeological sites or the religious buildings, as well as simply grab a bite of the local food and take a leisurely walk.
15. Park of the gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu: if your family loves the outdoor, they'll be amazed by this spectacular protected area. Choose among the many itineraries for trekking and mountain bike excursions, visit the authentic villages nearby and be dazzled by the smells and sounds of the Mediterranean landscape.
16 Join a boat tour of the area: a boat trip is a great way to make the most out of your stay in Sardinia. Your children will be able to see places accessible only by boat, listen to stories and anecdotes from the local guides, and try their hand at different activities.
17. Museum of Coal: a visit to this unique museum is guaranteed to impress your family. You will learn about the Serbariu coal mine, its importance in the economic development of the area, and you will have the opportunity to explore the underground area of the mine. This suggestive tour will certainly amaze your kids!
18. Nuragica: this is an interactive and multisensory exhibition in that allows visitors to explore the living environment of the Sardinian civilization through a Virtual Reality system. This experience is suitable for families with kids: enjoy this interactive educational journey!
19. Sardegna in Miniatura: this is a complex of educational and entertainment areas dedicated to children and located in the heart of the region, near the Su Nuraxu Archaeological Zone. Your little ones will be amazed by the scale reproductions of the monuments of the island, the Dinosaur Park, the Aviary where they can observe many colorful parrots, the planetary and much more.
20. Visit the Archaeological Park of Pula: your family will be fascinated by the remains of the ancient city of Nora, the first Phoenician city in Sardinia. You can take a walk through cobbled streets and admire the amphitheatre, the Forum, the necropolis and the aqueduct.
21. Museum of Bread: if you want to learn more about this staple of the Italian cuisine, you can't miss the Casa Museo del Pane in the town of Orgosolo. The unique exhibition of this little museum focuses on the "pane Carasau", the crunchy and crumbly traditional Sardinian flatbread. Your kids will have the opportunity to learn about the rich cultural tradition of Sardinia.
22. Discover the festivals of Sardinia: the region is characterized by a unique culture reflected in a number of local festivals. On August 14th in Sassari is celebrated the "Faradda de li candelieri", a parade of wooden candlesticks weighing hundreds of kg and carried on the shoulders of 8 bearers. On May 1st in Cagliari you can admire the procession dedicated to Sant'Efisio, or the Sardinian Cavalcade held at the end of May.
23. Necropolis of the Anghelu Ruju: this remarkable site features 38 prehistoric graves decorated with figures related to the cult of the dead. Among the artifacts found here there are vases, necklaces and little statues. Your family will feel like jumping back in time, reaching the fascinating past of the island!
24. Terras Noas Farmhouse: immerse yourself in tradition and nature in this farmhouse. Here you will find an educational farm established more than 20 years ago where children can take part in learning activities such as the "Bread Laboratory", the "Wheat Supply Chain", "Farm Animals" and much more.
25. Butterfly House Sardinia: just a few km from Alghero you will find a special place that your little ones will absolutely adore. This is a theme park of 5 hectares, where you can try local dishes, admire beautiful flowers and walk through a reproduction of the rainforest ecosystem, where you will be dazzled by colorful tropical butterflies.
26. S'Abba Frisca Museum Park: if you want your kids to really understand the cultural richness of Sardinia, you simply can't skip a visit to this unique place. Here, you will find a Park with over 400 botanical species; an educational farm for kids; a "living museum" of traditions and authentic Sardinian crafts and the possibility to taste the local food.
27. Visit the Cala Gonone Aquarium: if your children love nature and the animals, they will have plenty of fun in this place. The aquarium features many display tanks with species of fish from the Amazon, the tropical seas and the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the thrill of touching a real stingray or a starfish!
28. Day trip to Corsica: if your family is the adventurous type, you can even take one of the various ferries that connect Sardinia and Corsica to explore the French island (the fastest one takes about 1 hour). Among the highlights of Corsica there's the town of Bonifacio, featuring a picturesque harbor, the old town and breathtaking cliffs.
29. Matherland Natura Park: this unique luna park changes its location during the year, moving between the cities of Sassari, Alghero, Olbia, Porto Torres and Cagliari. The attractions here are for both children and adults: your whole family can enjoy the thrill of the trampolines, the roller coaster, the carousel and many more!
30. Rent a bike: the region features many trails with varying levels of difficulty that you can enjoy with your family. This is the perfect way to explore the island away from the bustle of bigger cities: an ideal choice for adults and children who like the outdoor.
