Costa Smeralda with children

Children read this coastline in their own way. Where we see granite and junipers, they look for shallow water that lasts for twenty paces and a boat returning before dinner. Here is our take: beaches, opening times, minimum ages, and homes built for groups.

Beaches with shallow waters

Across every beach in the municipality of Arzachena, the rules remain the same: no single use plastic, no smoking, taking sand or shells is strictly forbidden, and pets are not allowed. At designated parking areas, charges apply from June to October 2026.

Capriccioli and its four coves

Capriccioli is a granite headland with four coves: two on the eastern flank, sheltered from the mistral, and two facing west over the bay of Cala di Volpe. Fine sand, shallow water, ancient junipers above the tide line: one swims and snorkels in the very same metre of sea. Sunbeds and parasols for hire, a bar, paid parking, an accessible ramp, and the Lu Pustali bus stop in summer.

Grande Pevero

Grande Pevero is a crescent of soft, powdery white sand shelving into shallow sea, well suited to families. Behind it sit the largest dune system in the Arzachena area and the La Padula lagoon, where migratory birds rest. Just beyond begins the green of Pevero Golf.

Romazzino

The beach at Romazzino encloses a bay some three hundred metres deep and five hundred wide, between Punta Capaccia and Punta Romazzino. Fine white sand near the car park, coarser towards the east, with genuine shelter from the mistral: local municipal guidelines mark it suitable for children. Broad stretches remain free beach, while the section managed by the historic namesake hotel reserves rentals and dining for its guests. Overlooking the bay are the homes of Romazzino.

A day on the water in the archipelago

The northern stretch of the coast faces a national park. You reach it in company aboard a motor vessel, or independently with a few formal arrangements.

By boat across the La Maddalena archipelago

A day among the islands is best spent on the water (La Maddalena Archipelago by boat): setting out in the morning and returning in late afternoon, with swims in quiet coves and a stop ashore. With younger children it is the easiest option, as no one needs to navigate.

Park permits for private navigation

Taking the helm brings you into the first national park of Sardinia, established by law on 4 January 1994, taking in every island within the municipality of La Maddalena and over one hundred and eighty kilometres of coastline (La Maddalena Archipelago by boat). To navigate, moor, or anchor within three hundred metres of the shore, a Park permit is mandatory and can be purchased online.

Access restrictions on the Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli

On Budelli, stepping onto the Spiaggia Rosa is forbidden: one admires it from a raised boardwalk trail. It is the perfect place to show children that some treasures are meant only to be looked at.

The trails of Caprera and guided walks to Cala Coticcio

Across Caprera, the Park network spans sixteen trails, restored since 2011 along the old late nineteenth century military tracks (Trails of Caprera and Cala Coticcio). Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina are strict conservation zones: access is permitted solely with an authorised Park nature guide, following payment of a three euro environmental fee.

Learning new skills: sailing, diving, riding

A family week runs more smoothly when everyone learns something new. Minimum ages are set by the schools, and they are often younger than one might expect.

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda sailing school

The YCCS Sailing School has been operating since 1978 at the club sailing centre in Porto Cervo, with outings setting off from Giglio beach. It opens from May to October and welcomes pupils aged six and above on dinghies such as Laser Bug and RS Feva; from thirteen years old, one moves on to J24 and VIKO S35 cabin cruisers.

Orso Diving Club and Centro Sub Portorotondo

The Orso Diving Club has been running since 1987 with a floating base in Poltu Quatu, opens from 8 to 19 and offers SSI courses from eight years old, snorkeling and diving in the marine parks of La Maddalena and Tavolara, alongside exclusive excursions for a single family. From the same jetty departs Whale Watching Sardinia, a full day above the underwater canyon of Caprera. In Porto Rotondo, the Centro Sub Portorotondo has been working since 1996 with PADI courses for adults and children.

Sporting Club Sardinia at Porto Pollo

In the bay of Porto Pollo, between Palau and Santa Teresa, shallow water and steady breezes create an ideal natural training ground. Sporting Club Sardinia Porto Pollo runs daily from 9:30 to 18:30, from Easter until early November, welcoming youngsters to Play Surf courses from age four.

La Prugnola Ranch and the educational farm

In the Arzachena hinterland towards Bassacutena, La Prugnola Ranch covers over thirty hectares crossed by the Liscia river: horse riding treks for adults and children along ancient tracks and river fords, an educational farm, and a summer camp.

Alternatives to the beach

The mistral sets in, young skin needs a rest, and children look for something different.

Aquadream in Baja Sardinia

Aquadream is the water park of the coast, located in La Crucitta, just a few minutes north of Porto Cervo. It opens daily from 10 to 18 with the Toboga and Trottola slides and the Jungle Land area dedicated to little ones.

La Prisgiona and the giants tomb of Coddu Ecchju

The nuragic complex of La Prisgiona and the neighbouring giants’ tomb of Coddu Ecchju stand in the Capichera region, on a granite rise overlooking the plain of Arzachena (La Prisgiona and Coddu Ecchju giants tomb). In the 2026 season they can be visited every day from 9 to 19: an hour of shade, stone and narrative.

The Garibaldi Museums on Caprera

Garibaldini Museums of Caprera bring together the Compendio Garibaldino, including the Casa Bianca where Garibaldi lived from 1856, and the Memoriale at Forte Arbuticci. Open Tuesday to Sunday; admission is eight and six euros, combined ticket twelve, and free under eighteen.

Pitch and putt at Capo d’Orso

Nine short holes to start together

Beside the Hotel Capo d’Orso in Palau, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub with a sea view, Golf Capo d’Orso Pitch and Putt offers nine short holes, a putting course, and an indoor simulator. Par 3 holes with tight rough and compact greens challenge seasoned players, while the resident professional provides tailor made lessons: father and daughter can play the same hole with equal pleasure. Bookings are made through the hotel. For the championship course, see our feature Golf in Costa Smeralda, from Pevero to coastal courses.

Homes that work best for families

Outdoor grounds and swimming pools

VG01 comprises two villas linked by an underground corridor: a two level pool fronting the main house, a second pool and football pitch behind the other, covered verandas, and expansive lawns. In Liscia di Vacca, VLV03 features a heated pool, landscaped garden, a second outdoor kitchen, and equipment tailored to young children; VLV01 adds a waterfall pool and a padel court.

Bedrooms and guest houses

Bedroom layouts define a holiday. VG01 provides seven en suite bedrooms alongside two staff rooms; VCV03 offers six en suite bedrooms, several with private access, plus a master suite reached via the garden. VR01 pairs five en suite bedrooms with an independent suite and direct access to both the beach and a secluded cove. For smaller parties, VST01 holds three bedrooms and a basement living area, while APC02 has three bedrooms and a village view terrace.

Speak with an adviser

Tell us the ages of your children and your dates. We confirm property availability, secure lessons well in advance, and plan the week around the wind, never against it. If your dates remain flexible, begin with When to visit the Costa Smeralda, month by month.