Discover Sardinia with Toddlers: Your Ultimate Family Travel Guide

Written by Brittany Britten | Updated October 18, 2024

Planning a trip to Sardinia with toddlers? Discover the best beaches, activities, places to stay, and essential tips for a stress-free family vacation in Italy.

The best Sardinian meal at Bacco Bistro in Bosa. 

Why Visit Sardinia with Kids?

Sardinia, the stunning island gem off Italy's coast, is an ideal destination for families traveling with young children. Famous for powdery white-sand beaches with gentle, toddler-friendly waters, Sardinia combines natural beauty with cultural richness.

With charming towns like Budoni and Bosa, delicious local cuisine, and scenic drives, Sardinia offers families a unique, memorable adventure. Renting a car is essential for exploring beyond the beaten path—so you can enjoy hidden beaches, playgrounds, and local eateries at your own pace.

Whether you're wandering pine forests near Budoni Beach or savoring mortadella and burrata pizza at a local pizzeria, Sardinia promises an unforgettable family trip.

Best Time to Visit Sardinia with Toddlers

Peak season: June 15 – September 15
Expect crowds and paid parking in popular spots during these months. Towns prepare for tourists with open restaurants, events, and bustling beaches.

Shoulder season: April–early June and mid-September–October
Highly recommended for families! Enjoy mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Perfect for hiking, exploring towns, and quieter beach days.

Winter months: November–March
Colder temperatures, especially in the mountains. Many smaller villages reduce tourist amenities in off-season.

Pro Tip: For families with toddlers, April to November generally offers the best experience.

Porto Taverna Beach in Sardinia

Getting to Sardinia with Toddlers: Flights and Ferries

Flights to Sardinia

• Direct flights available to Olbia or Cagliari from major European cities.

• Quickest option for families wanting minimal travel time with little kids.

Ferries to Sardinia

• A scenic, kid-friendly adventure.

• Livorno to Olbia overnight ferries (e.g., Grimaldi Lines) offer private cabins for better rest.

• Alternative routes: Civitavecchia to Cagliari, Genoa, Barcelona, Toulon.

We booked a suite on the Livorno–Olbia ferry with Grimaldi Lines—it was perfect! Toddlers loved waking up in a new place.

Grimaldi Lines Overnight Ferry from Livorno to Olbia

Renting a Car in Sardinia: Essential Tips for Families

Public transportation is limited, so renting a car is essential for exploring Sardinia with toddlers.

Tips for family car rental in Sardinia:

• Book in advance for better rates and availability of child seats.

• Choose a spacious vehicle for car seats and luggage.

• Compare rates on platforms like Discover Cars (we used them and rented from Target Rent at Olbia Airport for ~35 euros/day).

Driving tips:

• Rural roads can be narrow; drive carefully.

• Use Google Maps offline if needed.

• Ask locals for directions—they're usually happy to help.

With your own car, you can explore beaches, agriturismo stays, and scenic towns on your own schedule.

Views from the tourist train in Bosa. You can catch the train at Piazza IV Novembre. 

Best Toddler-Friendly Beaches in Sardinia

Budoni Beach

• White sand and clear, shallow water perfect for toddlers.

• Pineta di Sant'Anna pine forest at the southern end offers shaded walking paths and a playground next to the restaurant Shardana.

We loved Budoni Beach for not only the white sand, but for the beautiful pine forest Pineta di Sant'Anna at the southern end. You'll find walking paths, the restaurant Shardana with a beautiful patio, and a playground visible from the patio!

La Cinta Beach, San Teodoro

• Expansive shoreline and crystal-clear turquoise water.

• Ideal for toddlers who love exploring and splashing safely.

The white sand at Budoni Beach

Porto Taverna Beach

• Calm waves, scenic boardwalk approach.

• Park at the "field" (parcheggio) and stroll along the boardwalk to the beach.

Crystal clear, shallow water at Porto Taverna Beach - perfect for toddlers!

La Pelosa Beach, Stintino

• Renowned for shallow, clear water and powdery white sand.

• Watch for summer crowds—arrive early and use required beach mats to protect the sand.

• Stunning views of Torre della Pelosa watchtower add a historic touch.

Family-Friendly Activities and Local Adventures

The beautiful streetside dining at Ristobottega Don Carlo in Bosa.

Explore Bosa

• Ride the tourist train from Piazza IV Novembre—kids love it!

• Stroll colorful streets with cobblestones and pastel buildings.

• Climb to the Castle of Serravalle (lots of stairs = great for toddler energy).

The climb up to Castle of Serraville from the town of Bosa has a lot of stairs, but a great way to burn off some toddler energy!

Enjoy Local Markets

• Budoni’s evening market is vibrant (though late for some toddlers!).

• Browse local crafts, snacks, and meet friendly vendors.

Agriturismo Stays

• Farm-stay experiences with animals and authentic Sardinian meals.

• Many have playgrounds, spacious rooms, cribs, and family-friendly amenities.

• A wonderful way to experience local culture and food in a relaxed setting.

Pro Tip: Look for properties near major attractions to reduce driving time with kids.

Where to Stay in Sardinia with Toddlers

• Beachfront resorts: Pools, playgrounds, kid-friendly menus.

• Apartments and vacation rentals: More space, kitchen access, flexibility.

• Agriturismo stays: Immersive local experiences, great food, family-friendly hosts.

We stayed in an apartment rental in Bosa—perfect for walking distance to restaurants, sights, and playgrounds.

Outside our apartment rental in Bosa. 

 

Final Tips for Stress-Free Travel to Sardinia with Kids

• Pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, and snacks.

• Bring a lightweight stroller or baby carrier for towns with cobblestones.

• Rent a car with child seat options.

•  Choose shoulder season for best balance of weather and crowds.

Plan Your Family Adventure to Sardinia

Sardinia is one of the best family travel destinations in Italy, offering toddler-friendly beaches, charming towns, and unforgettable local experiences.

Ready to plan your trip to Italy? Check out some of our favorite beaches and an amazing agriturismo stay in Tuscany, too!