15 Feb 2026 Attraction
![[HERO] The Sardinia Family Survival Kit: 7 Things to Know Before You Book](https://cdn.marblism.com/H08OGso4xAa.webp)
Planning a family holiday to Sardinia sounds brilliant until you're knee-deep in flight comparisons, villa searches, and the sudden realisation that you have absolutely no idea which airport to fly into. If you're booking Sardinia holiday rentals 2027, this survival kit is for you – the practical, no-nonsense essentials that make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
Sardinia isn't a one-airport island, and your choice completely changes your journey. There are three main airports, but for most families, it comes down to two:
Olbia Airport (OLB) serves the north-east, making it perfect if you're heading to Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, or the stunning beaches around Palau. It's also the closest to Costa Smeralda properties if you're after that iconic Sardinian luxury vibe.
Alghero Airport (AHO) is your gateway to the north-west – ideal for Alghero's old town, the beautiful North West Sardinia region, and beaches like La Pelosa.
Landing at the wrong airport can add hours of driving with tired kids in the back. Match your airport to your accommodation, and you'll thank yourself later.
Not all Sardinian beaches are created equal when you've got little ones in tow. Some require hiking down rocky paths, others involve boat trips, and a few are simply too exposed for small children.
La Pelosa near Stintino is the gold standard for families. The water stays ridiculously shallow for ages, it's calm and protected, and the turquoise colour is straight out of a postcard. Pack sun cream, snacks, and prepare for one of those "can we come back tomorrow?" days.
Other family winners include Cala Brandinchi (nicknamed "Little Tahiti" for good reason) and Porto Giunco in the south near Villasimius. These beaches offer proper facilities, gentle entry into the water, and enough visual wow-factor to keep everyone happy.
Sardinia runs on Mediterranean time, which means the island genuinely slows down between roughly 1pm and 4pm. Shops close, restaurants take a break, and even supermarkets might shut their doors.
Don't plan your big grocery run at 2:30pm and then get frustrated. Instead, embrace siesta as your family reset button – head back to your villa or apartment, have lunch, let the kids splash in the pool or nap, then venture out refreshed when the island wakes up again.
This rhythm actually works brilliantly for families. Early morning beach visits avoid the heat, lazy lunches become your downtime, and late afternoons and evenings are perfect for exploring towns and enjoying dinner.
When you're paying upfront for a family holiday months in advance, financial security should be non-negotiable. Unfortunately, not all booking platforms offer the same protection.
At World Wide Apartments, we're a London-based company with secure payment processing. Your funds are held in a UK Trust Account and paid directly to property suppliers – not disappeared into some overseas account with zero recourse if things go wrong.
It's one of those details that seems boring until you hear a horror story from someone who lost their entire holiday deposit. With our Best Price Guarantee and proper financial safeguards, you can book with confidence knowing your family trip is protected.
Public transport exists in Sardinia, but it's not designed for families trying to beach-hop with bags, buggies, and tired children. A rental car transforms your trip from restrictive to free-flowing.
Pre-book your car when you book your flights – prices creep up closer to travel dates, and availability can be patchy during peak summer weeks. Most families find a mid-size car or small SUV hits the sweet spot between space and manoeuvrability on narrow coastal roads.
Having your own wheels means spontaneous detours to that stunning viewpoint, easy trips to local markets, and the freedom to leave the beach when the kids have had enough (not when the bus schedule says so).
If you want an authentic Sardinian experience that doesn't involve stressing about whether your kids will eat anything, book a table at an agriturismo. These are family-run farm restaurants, usually set in the countryside, serving multi-course meals made from produce grown on-site.
The vibe is relaxed, portions are generous, and the food is simple and flavourful – roasted meats, fresh pasta, local cheese, seasonal vegetables. Many agriturismos have outdoor space where kids can wander safely while adults enjoy another glass of Cannonau wine.
It's also brilliant value. For a fixed price (usually €25–35 per adult), you'll get multiple courses, wine, water, and coffee. Kids' portions are often available at reduced rates.
Things change. Flights get delayed, arrival times shift, kids get sick, plans need adjusting. When you're booking Sardinia holiday rentals 2027, it helps to have real people on the other end who can actually help.
Our team can guide you through choosing the right region and property type for your family's needs – whether you prioritise beach proximity, villa space, or budget. We'll also answer those slightly random questions like "is there a washing machine?" and "how far is the nearest supermarket?" that turn out to be surprisingly important when you're there.
If something unexpected happens, you're not left firing emails into the void hoping someone eventually responds.
Your accommodation choice sets the tone for the entire trip. Hotels can feel cramped with kids, while a villa or apartment gives you space to breathe, a kitchen for easy breakfasts and lunches, and often a private pool that becomes the holiday hero.
For a relaxed base with stunning beaches and historic towns, start with North West Sardinia properties around Alghero and Fertilia. For the famous Costa Smeralda beaches and a more polished feel, you'll want to look at Costa Smeralda properties.
Either way, booking early for 2027 gives you the pick of the best properties before they disappear. Remember: prime villas with pools in great locations get snapped up fast.
Sardinia delivers everything a family holiday should be – stunning beaches, fantastic food, genuine culture, and that slower Mediterranean pace that actually lets you relax. But it rewards a bit of smart planning.
Get your airport right, choose family-friendly beaches, embrace siesta time, book with proper financial protection through a UK Trust Account, sort your car hire early, try an agriturismo, and pick a base that gives you space and freedom.
Ready to start planning? Browse our full range of Sardinia holiday rentals or check out our existing Sardinia family holidays guide for more insider tips. Your 2027 family adventure starts here.
