The 15 Best Beaches with Kids in Sardinia

Reading time: 6 minutes

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1. Bosa Marina
• 2. Maria Pia
• 3. Badesi Mare
• 4. Rena Bianca
• 5. Pittulongu
• 6. La Cinta
• 7. La Caletta
• 8. Sa Capannizza
• 9. Santa Maria Navarrese
• 10. Marina di Cardedu
• 11. Marina di Bari Sardo
• 12. Spiaggia di Simius
• 13. Su Giudeu
• 14. Torre dei Corsari
• 15. Putzu Idu
• Conclusion

Introduction

Sardinia: A Paradise for Holidays with Kids
Sardinia is a true paradise for anyone planning a holiday with children. With its beautiful coastline, unspoiled nature, and family-friendly beaches, this wonderful island offers everything you need for a fun and relaxing vacation—both for the little ones and their parents.

In my experience, every beach in Sardinia is amazing and offers many options for families with kids. The variety of landscapes, clear waters, and shallow sandy seabeds that gently slope into the sea make this island perfect for children of all ages.

In this article, I’ll share a selection of the best beaches in Sardinia for kids. Here you can enjoy the sun, the sea, and lots of fun in a safe environment with all the services you need for a perfect family holiday. But keep in mind—these beaches are just a few of the many beautiful spots Sardinia has to offer. The options are much wider!

1. Bosa Marina

Bosa Marina is one of the best child-friendly beaches on Sardinia’s west coast. With soft golden sand and a gently sloping seabed, it’s ideal for little ones to play safely in the clear water.

Closest town: Bosa – a charming medieval village just 3 km from the beach.

Nearest airport/port: Alghero Airport, about 50 km (50 minutes by car).

Available services: This beach is well-equipped with beach clubs, sunbed and umbrella rentals, bars, restaurants, showers, and toilets. There are also playgrounds for kids and water sports available.

Nearby attractions:

• Malaspina Castle (3 km): A medieval fortress with amazing views over the Temo river valley.

• Bosa Old Town (3 km): A colorful and picturesque village, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.

• Tannery Museum (3.5 km): Learn about the town’s leather-making history in this small but interesting museum.

• Compoltitu Beach (7 km): A lovely small bay reached by a short walk—great for an adventure with older kids.

2. Maria Pia

Maria Pia Beach, near Alghero, is one of the top beaches for families with kids in Sardinia. The white, soft sand and shallow turquoise sea make it a perfect spot for children. Behind the beach, a pine forest provides natural shade—ideal during the hottest hours.

Closest town: Alghero, about 4 km away.

Nearest airport/port: Alghero Airport, just 7 km (15 minutes by car).

Available services: Equipped beach with sunbed and umbrella rentals, bars, restaurants, and a small playground. Lifeguard service is also available.

Nearby attractions:

• Alghero Old Town (4 km): Enjoy a walk along its walls, towers, and narrow Catalan-style streets.

• Coral Museum (4.5 km): A family-friendly museum where you can learn about Alghero’s coral tradition.

• Neptune’s Caves (20 km): Impressive sea caves you can reach by boat—an exciting trip for the whole family.

• Porto Conte Regional Park (10 km): A protected nature area with easy trails and wildlife, suitable for children.

• Bombarde Beach (6 km): Another great beach for families, with golden sand and crystal-clear water.

3. Badesi Mare

Badesi Mare is a long stretch of white sandy beach, perfect for kids thanks to its shallow and calm waters. Even during busy periods, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax and play.

Closest town: Badesi, about 5 km away.

Nearest airport/port: Alghero Airport, about 80 km (1 hour and 20 minutes by car).

Available services: Beach clubs, bars and restaurants, umbrella and sunbed rentals, toilets, and showers. There are also surf and kitesurf schools for older children and teens.

Nearby attractions:

• Badesi town: Small shops, ice cream parlors, restaurants.

• Castelsardo (25 min by car): One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with a medieval castle, artisan shops, and stunning views.

• Elephant Rock: A natural rock shaped like an elephant—kids love it!

• Domus de Janas in Sedini: Ancient tombs carved into the rock, located in a small, charming village.

4. Rena Bianca

Rena Bianca, located in Santa Teresa Gallura, is one of the best beaches for kids in Sardinia. It has soft white sand and calm, shallow water, which makes it very safe even for little children. The beach is well protected from wind and waves.

Closest town: Santa Teresa Gallura (right next to the beach).

Nearest airport or port: Olbia Airport, about 60 km away (1 hour by car).

Available services: The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, beach bars, restaurants, toilets, showers, and lifeguard service.

Nearby attractions:

• Longonsardo Tower: great view of Corsica.

• Boat trips to the La Maddalena Archipelago.

• Santa Teresa Gallura old town: shops and family-friendly restaurants.

• Capo Testa: easy hiking among granite rocks.

5. Pittulongu

Pittulongu, also known as "Spiaggia dei Milanesi", is a great beach for children near Olbia. The fine white sand and shallow turquoise sea make it perfect for families.

Closest town: Olbia, about 5 km away.

Nearest airport or port: Olbia airport and port, about 7 km away (15 minutes by car).

Available services: The beach is equipped with sunbed and umbrella rentals, beach bars, restaurants, toilets, showers, and a playground for children.

Nearby attractions:

• Olbia city: old town, archaeological museum, and San Simplicio Basilica.

• Boat trip to Tavolara Island.

• Fausto Noce Park: a green space perfect for kids.

• Nearby beaches: Bados, Mare e Rocce.

6. La Cinta

La Cinta is one of the most beautiful family-friendly beaches on the east coast of Sardinia. It's about 5 km long and has white sand and shallow, clear water—ideal for kids.

Closest town: San Teodoro, about 2 km away.

Nearest airport or port: Olbia Airport, about 30 km away (30 minutes by car).

Available services: Many beach facilities, bars, restaurants, equipment rentals (beach and boat), toilets, showers, and play areas for kids.

Nearby attractions:

• San Teodoro Lagoon: great for birdwatching and kayaking.

• San Teodoro town center: evening markets, ice cream shops, and family restaurants.

• Boat tours to the Tavolara Marine Protected Area.

• MAST – San Teodoro Archaeological Museum.

7. La Caletta

La Caletta is a long, sandy beach with fine white sand and shallow water, ideal for families. It’s easy to reach and has a pine forest nearby that offers natural shade.

 

Closest town: La Caletta (a part of Siniscola), directly accessible.

Nearest airport or port: Olbia Airport, about 50 km away (45 minutes by car); La Caletta also has a small tourist port.

Available services: The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, beach bars, restaurants, toilets, showers, and organized boat trips to nearby beaches.

Nearby attractions:

• Tourist port: boat excursions to Berchida and Orosei.

• Weekly market and local shops in the town.

• Aragonese Tower in nearby Santa Lucia.

8. Sa Capannizza

Sa Capannizza is a quiet beach with soft sand and clear water. It’s easy to reach from the nearby town and has parking, showers, and a beach bar. A great spot for families looking to relax.

Closest town: Budoni (1 km away).

Nearest airport or port: Olbia Airport, about 37 km (40 minutes by car).

Available services: A few beach clubs, bars and restaurants, sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, and toilets.

Nearby attractions:

• Budoni town center: lively in summer with street markets and family events.

• Sant’Anna Lagoon: perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.

• Coastal bike paths.

9. Santa Maria Navarrese

Santa Maria Navarrese is a beach with fine sand mixed with pebbles. The shallow, clear water is great for kids who love exploring sea life.

Closest town: Santa Maria Navarrese (part of Baunei), directly accessible.

Nearest airport or port: Cagliari Airport, about 140 km (2 hours by car); small tourist port in town.

Available services: Beach clubs, bars, restaurants, sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, and toilets. Boat trips leave from the port to beautiful hidden beaches along the coast.

Nearby attractions:

• Spanish tower and medieval church in town.

• Boat tours to Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and other famous beaches in the Gulf of Orosei.

• Coastal walking trail to Pedra Longa.

• Playground in the town center.

10. Marina di Cardedu

Marina di Cardedu is a peaceful, lesser-known beach with golden sand and clean water—perfect for families who want a quiet holiday.

Closest town: Cardedu (about 3 km away).

Nearest airport or port: Cagliari Airport, about 135 km (1 hour and 50 minutes by car).

Available services: A few beach clubs, bars and restaurants, sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, and toilets.

11. Marina di Bari Sardo

Marina di Bari Sardo is a long beach on the east coast of Sardinia, great for families. It has soft golden sand and clear, shallow water.

Closest town: Bari Sardo (about 4 km away).

Nearest airport or port: Cagliari Airport, about 140 km (1 hour and 40 minutes by car).

Available services: Some beach clubs, bars and restaurants, umbrella and sunbed rentals, showers, and toilets. There are also quiet natural areas nearby for those who prefer peace.

Nearby attractions:

• Barì Tower: an old coastal watchtower open to visitors.

• The Red Rocks of Arbatax: a scenic spot about 30 minutes away by car.

12. Spiaggia di Simius

Spiaggia di Simius, in Villasimius, is one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Sardinia and a top choice for families. It has shallow turquoise water and soft white sand—perfect for kids.

Closest town: Villasimius (about 2 km away).

Nearest airport or port: Cagliari Airport, about 67 km (1 hour by car).

Available services: Fully equipped beach with clubs, restaurants, bars, boat rentals, showers, toilets, and play areas for children.

Nearby attractions:

• Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area (4 km): Boat tours and snorkeling—great for teaching kids about sea life.

• Porto Giunco Tower (3 km): A scenic Spanish tower with views of the coast, reachable by a short walk.

• Notteri Pond (3 km): Natural area with pink flamingos—kids will love it.

• Archaeological Museum of Villasimius (2 km): Small but interesting, with exhibits and kids’ activities.

• Porto Giunco Beach (3.5 km): Another amazing beach nearby, with white sand and crystal-clear water.

13. Su Giudeu

Su Giudeu, located in the Chia area, is one of the best beaches for children. It has soft sand, clear and shallow water, and small lagoons where kids can play safely.

Nearest village: Chia (a part of Domus de Maria), about 3 km away.

Nearest airport or port: Cagliari Airport, about 60 km (1 hour by car).

Available services: Beach clubs with umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, nearby bars and restaurants, toilets, and showers.

Nearby attractions:

• Chia Tower: a scenic old Spanish watchtower

• Ruins of Bithia: ancient Phoenician and Roman remains near the sea

• Capo Spartivento Lighthouse: amazing views and walking trails

14. Torre dei Corsari

Torre dei Corsari, on the Costa Verde, has a wide beach with fine golden sand. The shallow, clear water makes it great for small children.

Nearest village: Torre dei Corsari (part of Arbus), directly accessible.

Nearest airport or port: Cagliari Airport, about 100 km (1 hour and 30 minutes by car).

Available services: Some beach clubs, bars and restaurants, umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, toilets, and showers. It’s quieter than many other tourist areas.

Nearby attractions:

• Piscinas Dunes: among the highest sand dunes in Europe

• Montevecchio Mines: historic mining site, now UNESCO heritage

15. Putzu Idu

Putzu Idu, on the Sinis Peninsula, is one of the best beaches for kids on Sardinia’s west coast. It offers fine, light sand and calm, shallow waters.

Nearest village: San Vero Milis, about 10 km away.

Nearest airport or port: Cagliari Airport, about 115 km (1 hour and 30 minutes by car).

Available services: Some beach clubs, bars and restaurants, umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, toilets, and showers. The area is also popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Nearby attractions:

• Is Arutas and Mari Ermi: stunning white quartz beaches (deeper waters)

• Marine Protected Area of the Sinis Peninsula

• Cabras Civic Museum and the Giants of Mont’e Prama

• Tharros: a scenic archaeological site with Phoenician, Punic, and Roman ruins

 

Conclusion

During the years I lived in Sardinia, I had the chance to visit many of its beautiful beaches, often with families and kids. It’s amazing how many options the island offers for those looking for safe, quiet places for children.

From north to south, on both the eastern and western coasts, Sardinia is a true paradise for families looking for sea, sand, and relaxation — and the best beaches for kids.

In this article, I’ve chosen some of the beaches that impressed me most for their welcoming vibe, shallow sandy bottoms, clear waters, and useful services like bars, bathrooms, and shaded areas. Some are fully equipped, while others are more wild and natural — but still great for kids.

Packing buckets, spades, and sunscreen is just the beginning. What awaits you is a holiday full of sandcastles, safe swims, and memories to treasure. With its generous nature and stunning sea, Sardinia will charm both young and old — just like it did for me.

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This article is part of the series “The Beaches of Sardinia,” dedicated to exploring the island’s most fascinating coastal areas. For more destinations, check out the other articles in the section.