Southern Sardinia: A Family Guide to Italy's Hidden Paradise
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When my sister and I started planning our family trip to Sardinia, Italy, we quickly realized that travel resources for the southern part of the island were surprisingly limited. Most guides focus on the famous Costa Smeralda in the north, leaving southern Sardinia's treasures largely undiscovered. So I wanted to share everything I wish I had known before visiting this sun-soaked gem of the Mediterranean. Southern Sardinia is perfect for families looking to escape the crowds as it delivers stunning beaches, fascinating history, and gentle hikes, all under 2 hours from Cagliari, the island’s historic capital. If you're planning a trip to Sardinia with kids, or just looking for off-the-beaten-path coastal vibes, this post is for you!
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Follow along on the vlog to see our family trip to Italy.
Our 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Cagliari Airport & Beach day - Genn'e Mari
Day 2: Beach-hopping – Genn'e Mari & Porto Giunco
Day 3: Explore Cagliari & Devil’s Saddle Boat Trip
Day 4: Beach hopping – Simius & Cann’e Sisa
Day 5: Travel back to Rome, Italy
Getting There: Flying into Cagliari
We flew from Rome to Cagliari on Aeroitalia, a budget airline that made the short domestic hop easy and affordable. The flight was just over an hour, and the views of Sardinia's turquoise coastline as we descended were absolutely breathtaking.
We traveled as a group of five: my sister, her husband, their two energetic 9-year-old twin boys, and me. We went back and forth comparing different airlines having never flown any of them. We were very pleased with our experience with Aeroitalia as the flight was smooth and hassle-free.
Renting a Car in Sardinia
After arriving in Cagliari, we picked up a rental car from Avis at the airport. We reserved the car a couple of months ahead of time to ensure we got an automatic and were not stuck driving a manual transmission. This made the whole process go smoothly. Within 30 minutes of landing, we were on the road with our luggage packed and the boys already asking "Are we there yet?"
Essential Tips for Driving in Sardinia:
Driving is on the right side of the road (same as the U.S.), so American drivers will feel right at home
You'll want an international driver's license, which my sister and brother-in-law obtained easily through AAA before the trip
Roads can be winding and narrow, especially near the coast, so stay alert, but traffic is generally light and the scenery makes every curve worthwhile
Gas stations can be sparse in rural areas, so fill up when you see one
Use GoogleMaps over other maps as it gives the most accurate information
When parking, blue lines indicate you have to pay and white lines indicates the parking is free
Where We Stayed: Torre Delle Stelle
We checked into a cozy Airbnb in Torre Delle Stelle, a quiet coastal town about 45 minutes southeast of Cagliari. The drive there took us through rolling hills dotted with wild Mediterranean vegetation and breathtaking coastal views.
This area was peaceful and absolutely perfect for families. It had two stunning beaches within walking distance, ample parking everywhere, and local markets for stocking up on fresh bread, local cheese, and that incredible Sardinian wine. We loved sitting on the terrace every morning watching the sunrise and evening with the sunset over the blue waters.
We chose this Airbnb partly because the host, Matty, gets exceptional reviews, and now we know exactly why. His hospitality was above and beyond anything we'd experienced. When we arrived, exhausted from travel, we discovered he had stocked the house with everything we could possibly need: a full day's worth of groceries, fresh beach towels, a large umbrella, comfortable beach chairs, even sunscreen and snorkeling masks. It was like arriving at your best friend's house who had thought of every detail. Being unfamiliar with the island, this thoughtful preparation made our entire stay effortless.
The Beaches: Hidden Gems of Southern Sardinia
One of the biggest highlights of our trip was discovering some absolutely stunning beaches that felt like our own private paradise. Unlike the crowded shores we'd experienced elsewhere in Italy, these beaches offered space to breathe and crystal-clear waters that rivaled any Caribbean destination. If we found that a beach was too crowded, we could easily find another beach that offered more space with the same stunning surroundings.
Tip: Some beaches have either paid parking lots or parking along side the road, which requires to you get there early. So plan ahead.
Spiaggia di Genn'e Mari
Spiaggia di Genn'e Mari
This became our go-to morning beach, just a 10-minute walk from our Airbnb. The sand here is very fine and white, and the water shimmers from shallow turquoise to deep sapphire blue. What made it perfect for families was the long shallow entrance into the water. The boys could wade out quite far while still feeling secure. There's a small beach bar that serves excellent paninis and cold drinks, and the parking situation couldn't be easier.
Spiaggia di Cann'e Sisa
Spiaggia di Cann'e Sisa
While still in the neighborhood of Torre Delle Stelle, this beach felt like stepping into a postcard. The cove is protected by dramatic rock formations that create natural pools perfect for kids to explore. We rarely saw more than a dozen people here, even during peak afternoon hours.
Spiaggia di Porto Giunco
Spiaggia di Porto Giunco
This beach required a bit more driving but was absolutely worth the journey. Although we didn’t see any, this beach is near a lagoon that is home to many pink flamingoes. The beach has excellent facilities and a large parking area, making it perfect for a full day trip.
Spiaggia di Simius
Simius is a very popular beach
Spiaggia di Simius
Connected to Porto Giunco, this stretch of coastline offered the most pristine swimming conditions we encountered. The water here is protected from wind and waves, creating an almost lake-like swimming environment. We set up camp on the beautiful white sand and watched the kids build elaborate sand castles. The water was the clearest we had ever seen. It was perfect for snorkeling and seeing the different marine life. Because of this, it was the most crowded beach we had experienced but still one of our favorites.
Family Beach Tips for Southern Sardinia:
Visit beaches early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds
Many beaches lack shade, so bring a good umbrella or pop-up tent
The water temperature in late summer was perfect—warm enough for hours of swimming but refreshing on hot days
Pack plenty of water and snacks; beach bars aren't always available at the smaller coves
Be sure to cover up when walking around the towns. Sardinia is still a conservative island
Boat Days: Exploring Sardinia from the Water
We booked a snorkeling tour through GetYourGuide, and it was one of the highlights of our entire trip. The tour departed from Cagliari's marina and took us to the famous Devil's Saddle (Sella del Diavolo) area for snorkeling and exploration.
Our Snorkeling Adventure: The Devil's Saddle location was beyond stunning—crystal clear waters with underwater visibility that seemed to stretch forever. As soon as we slipped into the water, we were surrounded by schools of colorful fish darting between ancient rock formations. The boys spotted sea urchins, starfish, and tons of different types of fish. Our tour guide, Alma, and the boat captain were really chill and even took a dive into the waters with us.
Why This Tour Was Perfect for Families:
Completely family-focused - The crew immediately assessed everyone's swimming abilities and adjusted accordingly
Safety was paramount - Life vests, pool noodles, and constant supervision meant even nervous swimmers felt confident
All equipment included - Snorkeling gear and masks
Flexible timing - We could stay in the water as long or as little as we wanted
What Made This Experience Magical: The pool noodles were genius for the kids (and honestly, for this adult too). They provided just enough flotation to feel completely relaxed while snorkeling, allowing us to focus on the incredible underwater world rather than worrying about treading water. The boys went from hesitant to fearless within minutes, and by the end of the tour, they were diving down to get closer looks at the fish.
Planning Tips for Families Visiting Southern Sardinia
What We Wish We'd Known:
Book accommodations early—southern Sardinia has fewer tourist options, but the ones available are spectacular
Pack reef-safe sunscreen; the Mediterranean sun is intense and the water is so clear you'll want to protect the marine life
Bring snacks—having drinks and snacks for beach days was essential
Learn a few Italian phrases; southern Sardinia is less touristy, so English isn't as widely spoken
Budget for boat tours—they're worth every euro and provide access to areas impossible to reach by land
Best Time to Visit: We went in mid-July, which provided perfect weather but also coincided with peak Italian vacation season. The beaches were definitely more crowded during this time, especially the more accessible ones like Porto Giunco. However, we found that even during the busiest summer month, the smaller coves like Cann'e Sisa remained relatively peaceful. For better deals and fewer crowds while maintaining beautiful weather, consider visiting during shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October).
Final Thoughts
Southern Sardinia exceeded every expectation we had. Unlike the resort towns of the north, this region felt authentic, unspoiled, and genuinely welcoming to families. The combination of pristine beaches, incredible snorkeling, warm hospitality, and affordable prices made it one of our most memorable family vacations.
The boys are already asking when we can return, and honestly, we're already researching dates for next year. There's something magical about a place where the biggest decision of the day is which beautiful beach to visit and whether to have gelato before or after dinner.
If you're looking for a Mediterranean destination that offers both relaxation and adventure, where kids can run free on empty beaches and adults can actually unwind, southern Sardinia should be at the top of your list. Just don't tell too many people, we'd love to keep these hidden gems relatively secret for a little while longer.
