If there’s a hidden gem in Europe, it has to be Sardegna. To me, it’s the most outstanding island, with white sand and paradisiacal beaches that rival those in the Caribbean. I remember being so excited to visit, but also a bit nervous—this was our first international trip with our one-year-old!
Weather and Preparing for the Sun
The first thing on my mind was the weather. We chose to travel in August, which, as you may know, is one of the hottest months in Europe. Since we planned to explore many beaches across Sardegna, I made sure our baby had the best UV protection, including a stroller that could shield her from the sun while keeping her cool and comfortable.
Our Baby Zen Yoyo stroller turned out to be a lifesaver. Not only is it lightweight, but it also adapts well to various weather conditions with its multiple accessories. It handled every challenge we threw at it, from sandy beaches to cobblestone streets, and was our go-to every single day.
Getting Around Sardegna
Sardegna has a well-developed transportation system, so commuting around the island was easy. We took a train from Cagliari to Olbia and relied on buses and trams, which were stroller-friendly. Taxis are another convenient option, though prices increase during peak season. If you plan to take a taxi, be sure to check that they have a car seat available.
Exploring Cagliari
We spent our first days in Cagliari, the capital, where history and beauty abound. For beach time, we visited Poetto Beach, Cagliari’s main beach. Even though it’s public, it’s beautifully clean, with powdery sand and one of the most intense blue shades of water I’ve ever seen. It does get crowded in August, but the beach is large, so it never feels cramped. With no waves, it’s perfect for families, and our little one had a blast!
Another beach we loved in Cagliari was Su Giudeu Beach, which was ideal for toddlers. Its golden sand and turquoise waters are simply stunning, and much of the beach is shallow, so our daughter could safely wade and play. We were lucky to find a sunbed close to the shore with a bar nearby—convenient, though a bit pricey, as you’d expect in a tourist spot.
Discovering Olbia and Its Beaches
Next, we headed to Olbia, a charming, small city. We found delightful restaurants, enjoyed evening walks, and let our daughter play in the public playgrounds. Olbia’s best treasures, however, are its nearby beaches. We explored Mare et Rocce Beach and Porto Istana Beach—two of the area’s most spectacular spots. The colors of the water, a blend of turquoise and deep blue, contrast beautifully with the white sand and mountain backdrop. These beaches were like postcards come to life!
During our beach days, I kept my daughter well-hydrated, reapplied sunscreen every two hours, and made sure she wore her hat. Feeding her at the beach was a bit of a challenge, but I managed with ready-to-eat baby food that local restaurants kindly heated for us. As she was starting to eat solids, we were also able to share some of our meals with her.
The Unmissable La Maddalena Archipelago
We couldn’t leave without visiting La Maddalena Archipelago—an absolutely breathtaking collection of beaches and a National Park. We splurged on a private boat tour, which allowed us to stay longer at each beach and move at our own pace. While the ferry is a more budget-friendly option, the flexibility of a private boat was worth every penny. If you’re visiting, I recommend stopping at the port in La Maddalena to explore the colorful town and grab a gelato. Our daughter’s face lit up at her first taste!
Our favorite beaches in La Maddalena were Cala Coticcio, Cala Santa Maria, and Pirate Beach Bay. These beaches are pristine, with stunning views and crystal-clear water. They can get busy in August, but we were fortunate to find them not too crowded. Since this is a protected area, there are no sunbeds or bars, so remember to bring your own umbrella. No worries if you don’t have one—umbrellas are sold nearby, though they sell out quickly.
Ending Our Trip in Cabras
Our final destination was Cabras, a small town without sidewalks, which made walking a bit inconvenient. Still, we spent four peaceful days here. Cabras isn’t as large or tourist-heavy as Cagliari or Olbia, but the friendly locals made it a memorable experience. While there, we visited Is Arutas Beach, a true paradise with its clear water and unique sand made of pink and white quartz. Nearby Mari Ermi Beach is similarly stunning, yet less crowded, offering a more secluded feel. Both beaches are completely worth the visit!
To round off our time in Cabras, we explored the Civico Giovanni Marongiu Museum, where we admired the Giants of Mont’e Prama collection and nearby Roman ruins. Though the tour wasn’t the best organized and access was somewhat limited, it’s a fascinating stop if you’re interested in ancient history.
There’s no doubt that Sardegna is a real gem that shines on its own. This is a destination I’d visit again in a heartbeat if I have the chance.
