Sardinia with the family: practical guide

Alghero is a large maritime town nestled in the northwestern part of the island. Most of its inhabitants are Catalan and reserve the use of their language for its lanes and administrations. Famous for its port, its fortifications that were built during the Second World War and its red corals, Alghero enjoys 68 km of coastline and idyllic spots where it is nice to swim until the end of autumn. Itinerary

The coastal town of Olbia, located on the north-east of the island, is famous for its Romanesque-Pisan cathedral San Simplicio cathedral, its many archaeological sites and its wild bays of fine sand and emerald waters that seduce thousands of holidaymakers every year in search of a change of scenery and relaxation. Itinerary

To the south-west, there is Cagliari, a capital of 150,000 inhabitants and the economic, political and cultural center of the island. Its Mediterranean climate and its hundreds of coves make it a wonderful seaside resort. It also has a rich historical heritage that brings together traces and vestiges of dozens of civilizations since the Neolithic Age! Itinerary

Navigate to the archipelago of La Maddalena, located at the northern end of the peninsula. The most beautiful sand castles are built on its paradisiacal beaches where pink flamingos eat pizzas and biscuits of all kinds. Practical information: 40€ ferry crossing (15 mins) for 2 people and 1 car. Embark every 20 mins from the port of Palau. Itinerary

Visit the farmhouse Costiolu. On the programme of your excursion: a meeting with the two shepherds, milking sheep, a visit to the garden and tasting the fiore sardo, the local cheese which is always accompanied with a hint of honey. Practical information: Strada Statale 389 Nuoro-Bitti Lardine 1, 08100 Ollolai Tel. +39 348 3834178. Itinerary

Lose yourself in the village of Orgosolo discovering its colorful wall murals. Hand-drawn by the residents, they reflect the way of life of the locals and depict the scandals of Italian and world politics. Postal Code: 08027, Nuoro. Itinerary

Walk the ramparts of the medieval castle of Bosa, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with pastel houses and a navigable river. Dungeons, towers and drawbridge: the ideal setting for playing princesses and knights. Practical information: 4€/person for a 1h visit. 08013, Bosa. Itinerary

Descend into the Grotto of Neptune, located a few kilometres from Alghero. This is where children compete to find the longest stalagmites and stalactites. A treasure of geomorphology that amuses young and old! Practical information: 1 guided tour is organized every hour; 13€/adult and 7€/child. Itinerary

Slide on the dunes of Piscinas desert, formerly one of the main ore sites of the peninsula. The areas still shelter the remains of their industrial golden age. A playground of character for hide-and-seeks and photo lovers. Postal code: 09031, Arbus. Itinerary

Unlock the secrets of longevity by coasting the 30 centenarians of Villagrande Strisaili, a charming town nestled in the eastern region of the island. A meeting at the top between the pre-war generation and your little ones that is made for the 21st century. Postal code: 08049, Ogliastra. Itinerary

Teach your elders to practice snorkeling in the turquoise and crystalline waters of the Capo Carbonara, a protected marine area bordered by arid mountains and white sand beaches, just minutes from the center of Villasimius. After enjoying the Sardinian waters, get inspire with our guide of the best diving spots. Postal code: 09049, Villasimius. Itinerary

Walk in the streets of Cagliari and discover its historic monuments, its botanical garden and its famous fish market where you will find bottarga, the delicious Sardinian caviar to sprinkle on your spaghetti. Practical information: Botanical Garden – Viale Sant’Ignazio da Laconi, 11, 09123; 4€/visitor. Itinerary

Organize a hike in the Parco della Giara, a high plateau of limestone crossed by ponds where there are small wild horses, wild boars, hares and also jays, whose feathers have the reputation of bringing wealth and fortune. Postal code: 09029, Tuili. Itinerary

We put on our jersey and we go to the doors of the unmissable Aquafantasy. There’s something for everyone: a wild river for parents, a baby lagoon, kamikaze toboggans and multi-tracks for teens. Practical information: Toddlers measuring less than one metre in height are free in the aquapark. Other children pay 14€ and their parents 18€. +39 079 685027 ; Itinerary

Travel the entire island in just a few hours at the Park Sardegna in Miniatura. The site also has a natural park, an aviary, an astronomy museum, a planetarium and a dinosaur park, enough to satisfy the whole family. Practical information: 16€/child and 18€/adult. +39 070 936 1004 ; Itinerary

Athletes aged 3 and over can spend a great afternoon at the Park La Ragnatele in which they can venture into its hook-and-branch path, climbed its lush trees and dart into the air from the top of the zip line. Practical information: +39 079 930338 ; Itinerary

The Argentiera beach where you can watch beautiful sunsets – the Lazzaretto beach, appreciated for its crystal-clear waters where it is pleasant to dive and kayak – the beach Bombarde, surrounded by a large pine forest and white sand dunes – Saline beach, a wild paradise for surf lovers – the cove of Costa Paradiso with its granite valley and green emerald waters.

The beach of Domus de Maria near Chia, named « Best beach in Italy » with its submerged limestone rocks – the beach of Teulada for its warm and turquoise waters – the beaches of Costarei and Villasimius, which regularly compete for the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

The pristine beaches of the Costa Verde for nature lovers – the heavenly beaches of the Sinis Peninsula (Maltese Islands) with their indigenous waters and brilliant white sand – the hilly beaches of Piscinas, you can never have too much!

The beautiful pebble and sandy beach of Cala Luna, famous for its photogenic cavities – the beach classified « Italian National Monument » of Cala Goloritzè, worthy of the most beautiful marine sites of the Caribbean – the wild beach of Cala Mariolu, accessible from the sea or a hiking trail for the more adventurous.

Visit the port of Alghero for a family dinner at the table of the seafood restaurant Nautilus. This elegant establishment unveils to your toddlers all the flavours of the Mediterranean with its fried shrimp cones. An original way to interest toddlers in the fruits of the sea, normally enjoyed by Mom and Dad! Practical information: Forte della Maddalenetta, 4 / A, 07041, Alghero. +39 333 430 0979 ; Itinerary

The Northern Cape, on the banks of the Costa Smeralda to discover the prestigious setting of the Phi Beach, a gem of architecture and decoration between land and sea. In addition to its lounge bar and open-air disco, the Sardinian restaurant, which is both simple and sophisticated, has become a refuge for dolce vita families over the years. Practical information: Arzachena Località Forte Cappellini, 07021. +39 0789 955012 ; Itinerary

We go down to the south of the island to order the ice-cream of our dreams at Intenso Gelateria in Cagliari. Its cornets, filled with ice- creams and garnished with fresh exotic fruits delight the taste buds of the big and small, thanks to the 1,001 flavours offered. Practical information: Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 46, 09127 Cagliari. +39 070 204 8288 ; Itinerary

A little further up in the neighborhood is the small restaurant La Pergola Bianca, which serves generous cuisine in a friendly and dynamic atmosphere. On the menu: pizza, spaghetti, bucco osse, tiramisu, tuna salad. Practical information: Via Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, 47, 09128, Cagliari. +39 340 910 8377 ; Itinerary

Make the Rocks of the Sound Garden of Pinuccio Sciola sing, a Sardinian sculptor and muralist who, after having cut huge blocks of stones so that they emitted a sweet melody at a mere touch, exposed them to the sight and, most importantly, to the ears of all, located just a few kilometres away from Alghero. Itinerary

Discover together Sardinian culture, history and traditions at S’Abba Frisca Museum. Enjoy a brief tour of the collection and then head towards the park surrounding the property where your children will have the opportunity to caress loving donkeys in a small farmhouse. Practical information: Strada Cartoe, 08022 Dorgali NU. +39 333 765 5405 ; Itinerary

Take your children to the underground galleries of the Mining Museum, now classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, where you will find the tools and machines of the miners who dug up treasures of silver, lead, iron and copper. Practical information: Via Roma 47, 09016, Iglesias. +39 339 4051486 ; Itinerary

Adolescents love to visit the small and colorful Monte di Mola Museum where the works of big names such as Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring are exhibited, as well as some paintings and photographs of famous local artists. Practical information: Via Porto Vecchio, 1, 07021 Porto Cervo ; Itinerary