Family Holidays in Olbia & North East Sardinia

Why North East Sardinia Is Perfect for Families

When families search for Olbia vacation homes, Sardinia family holiday rentals or Sardinia holiday apartments, they are usually looking for three things: easy logistics, safe beaches and enough variety to keep everyone happy for a week or more. North East Sardinia delivers all three in a compact, manageable area.

• Short transfers: Olbia Costa Smeralda airport and the ferry port are just minutes from the city and 20–40 minutes from most major beach areas.
• Beaches for all ages: Many coves around Olbia and Golfo Aranci have shallow, clear water and soft sand that suit younger children and new swimmers.
• Services close by: Supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, playgrounds and family-friendly restaurants are concentrated around Olbia and the coastal towns.
• Day trips without long drives: Boat excursions, archaeological sites, hill villages and nature walks are all accessible in under 60–75 minutes by car.
• Wide choice of accommodation: From compact Sardinia self-catering apartments in Olbia to Costa Smeralda villas near the sea, there is a huge range of holiday homes Sardinia style in this corner of the island.

By comparison, the south of Sardinia also has beautiful beaches and some excellent resorts, but distances between towns are often longer, you have fewer ferry options and some attractions are more spread out. In the north east you can wake up in Olbia, enjoy a calm morning on a family beach near Golfo Aranci, take a short siesta at home, then head into the historic center on foot for dinner – all with minimal time in the car.

Where to Stay: Olbia, Golfo Aranci & Costa Smeralda

Olbia: Best All-Round Base for Families

Olbia is more than just an airport and ferry hub. It is a real Sardinian city with schools, parks, year-round services and a lively historic center around Corso Umberto. For families it offers the most practical combination of everyday convenience and holiday atmosphere.

• Playgrounds and green space in Parco Fausto Noce, ideal for morning walks or late-afternoon playtime.
• Easy access to multiple beaches within 10–20 minutes by car: Pittulongu, Bados, Mare e Rocce, Cala Banana and more.
• Full choice of supermarkets, pharmacies, emergency services and family-friendly restaurants (see family-friendly restaurants guide).
• A great selection of vacation rentals Sardinia style apartments that give you space, a kitchen and laundry – perfect for longer stays with children.

Golfo Aranci: Beachfront Village Vibe

Golfo Aranci is a compact seaside town about 20 minutes from Olbia. It is quieter than the city and built directly along the sea, with a flat, stroller-friendly promenade, several small beaches and relaxed restaurants.

• Multiple sandy beaches in walking distance, ideal for toddlers and younger kids.
• In summer, evening entertainment along the promenade and a friendly village atmosphere.
• Dolphin-spotting boat trips, perfect as a first sea excursion for families.
• Easy access to Sardinia beachfront villas and modern apartments suitable for families who want to step out and be at the water in minutes.

Costa Smeralda & Surrounding Villages

The wider Costa Smeralda area – including Porto Rotondo, San Pantaleo and Baja Sardinia – offers a mixture of stylish marinas and quieter residential areas. For families who like a bit of glamour alongside accessible beaches and services, this is an excellent choice.

• Porto Rotondo: pedestrian zones, marina views and easy boat access, with family-friendly restaurants.
• San Pantaleo: artistic village in the hills, great for markets and mountain views combined with day trips to the coast.
• Baja Sardinia: base for the Aquadream water park and several beaches suited to children.

This area is where you will find many Sardinia luxury villas and Costa Smeralda villas that work well for large or multi-generational groups who want privacy and space, while still being close to beaches and harbours.

Best Family Beaches Near Olbia & Golfo Aranci

The coastline around Olbia and Golfo Aranci is dotted with small bays, long sandy arcs and sheltered coves. Many have gently sloping seabeds, which is exactly what you want if you are planning a family beach holiday in Sardinia with younger kids. For a full overview see our dedicated guide: Best beaches near Olbia & Golfo Aranci.

Pittulongu: Classic Family “City Beach”

Just 10 minutes from Olbia, Pittulongu is a long, sandy beach with shallow water, several beach bars and services that make life easier with children.

• Gentle entry to the water, good for toddlers (always supervise closely).
• Beach bars and restaurants for lunch and gelato.
• Parking nearby; arrive early in July and August.
• Wide views of Tavolara Island that make every family photo look special.

Bados & Mare e Rocce: Playful Bays for All Ages

Just beyond Pittulongu, Bados and Mare e Rocce offer clear water, mixed sand and rock areas for simple snorkeling, and a relaxed atmosphere. Families often spend multiple days rotating between these two spots.

• Good mix of free beach and areas with sunbed rental.
• Option to rent SUP boards or small pedalos in high season.
• Ideal for older kids who want to explore rocks and calmer inlets.

Golfo Aranci Town Beaches

In Golfo Aranci you have several beach options directly along the town waterfront. These are small but very convenient with kids, especially if you prefer not to drive every day.

• Easy access from many Sardinia holiday rentals and apartments in town.
• Mix of sand and shallow water with views across the gulf.
• Restaurants, playgrounds and gelato just a few minutes’ walk away.

A Note on Safety

Sardinia’s waters are generally very clean and clear, but always supervise children closely, pay attention to lifeguards and flags, and choose beaches with facilities when travelling with younger kids. A simple beach kit (hats, rash vests, high-factor sunblock, water, snacks and shade) goes a long way towards a calm family day.

Family Activities & Day Trips from Olbia

A successful family holiday is often about variety. North East Sardinia lets you mix beach days with gentle adventures that work for different ages. For a full overview of options, see our guide to day trips from Olbia; below are highlights that families often enjoy.

1) Dolphin Watching in Golfo Aranci

Several operators offer respectful dolphin-watching excursions from Golfo Aranci. These trips introduce children to marine life in a calm, educational way, usually on small boats with explanations in English and Italian.

• Short duration suitable for kids, often 2–3 hours.
• Opportunities to see dolphins and learn about the marine ecosystem.
• Easy to combine with a seaside lunch and a relaxed afternoon on the beach.

2) Boat Trips & Snorkeling for Families

From Olbia, Golfo Aranci and nearby marinas you can join family-friendly boat excursions into the Tavolara Marine Protected Area or towards the islands of the Costa Smeralda. Routes can include calm bays for swimming, simple snorkeling and picnic stops.

For more on how to choose between group excursions, private charters and simple RIB rentals, see our dedicated guide: Renting a boat from Olbia & Golfo Aranci.

3) Water Parks & Adventure Parks

In summer, a day at a water park or adventure park can be a welcome break from traditional beach days and a big hit with older children and teens. North East Sardinia has seasonal water parks and activity centers within reach of Olbia, especially around the Costa Smeralda area.

Always check seasonal opening times in advance and consider visiting on a slightly cloudy day to avoid the peak heat.

4) Parks, Playgrounds & City Strolls

In Olbia, Parco Fausto Noce is a large urban park with walking paths, green spaces and playground areas. It is ideal for a relaxed afternoon with smaller kids, a picnic or a scooter ride.

The historic center offers pedestrian streets for easy stroller walks, cafés where children are welcome and occasional events in the main squares, especially in summer and during festivals.

5) Archaeology & Easy Culture Stops

Sardinia’s nuraghi and ancient sites make excellent short cultural visits. The key is to choose locations with easy access and combine them with play time or a beach stop.

• Nuraghe Riu Mulinu above Olbia, for a short scenic exploration.
• Nuraghe La Prisgiona and nearby Giants’ Tombs in Arzachena.
• Sacred Well of Sa Testa, close to the city and beaches.

6) Farm Visits & Rural Experiences

Families who want to see more of the “real Sardinia” can visit agriturismi, small farms and countryside villages inland. Children often enjoy seeing sheep, donkeys, goats and traditional bread-making or cheese-making. This side of the island is very accessible from Olbia and Golfo Aranci on simple day trips.

North East vs South Sardinia for Families

One of the most common questions in forums and travel planning sessions is whether to base a family holiday in North East Sardinia or in the south around Cagliari, Pula or Villasimius. Both regions have beautiful beaches and friendly people, but they offer different experiences.

Why Families Often Prefer the North East

• Compact geography: Many family-friendly beaches, towns and attractions are clustered within 30–60 minutes of Olbia, reducing time in the car.
• Two major gateways: Olbia offers both an international airport and a busy ferry port, often with direct routes from Italy and beyond.
• Choice of atmosphere: You can combine a real city (Olbia), a small seaside town (Golfo Aranci) and villages or marinas in the Costa Smeralda in one trip.
• Great range of rentals: From compact city apartments to Sardinia beachfront villas and Olbia vacation homes, the choice of self-catering options is particularly strong here.

The south also has excellent beaches and some family-friendly resorts, but distances between towns can feel longer and it is less central if you want to explore both northern and southern attractions in one trip. For a first family holiday in Sardinia, especially if you value flexibility and shorter drives, the north east is often the simplest and most rewarding choice.

Practical Tips for Family Travel in North East Sardinia

Best Time to Visit with Children

For most families, the best months for a Sardinia family holiday are late May, June, early July, September and early October. The sea is pleasant, temperatures are warm but not extreme and beaches are less crowded than in peak August.

• May–June: Great for toddlers and school-age kids who do not need the hottest water; wildflowers and quieter roads.
• July–early August: Highest energy and warmest sea, but also highest prices and more crowds – book Sardinia holiday rentals early.
• September–October: Excellent sea temperatures, calmer atmosphere, ideal for younger children and babies.

Getting Around

To make the most of North East Sardinia with children, renting a car is highly recommended. It gives you control over nap times, snack stops and shade. Public transport exists but is limited and not ideal if you want to visit multiple beaches or inland sites in one day.

If you plan to drive into Olbia’s historic center, review our dedicated guide to ZTL and traffic rules and consider booking our private parking at Via Sassari 20 to avoid fines and stress.

Food, Allergies & Eating Out

Sardinian cuisine is rich in simple, child-friendly dishes: tomato pasta, grilled fish, roasted potatoes, pizza, fresh bread and cheeses. Most restaurants are used to families and will happily prepare smaller portions or simple plates on request.

• Learn a few phrases in Italian for allergies and intolerances.
• Book earlier time slots for younger children where possible.
• Use supermarkets for breakfast, snacks and familiar items to create routine and reduce costs.

For suggestions on specific venues, see our guide to family-friendly restaurants in Olbia & Golfo Aranci.

Health, Safety & Emergencies

North East Sardinia has good health infrastructure for visitors, including hospitals in Olbia and pharmacies across the region. Save important numbers and locations in advance so you do not have to search under pressure.

Our dedicated guide to emergency numbers in Sardinia covers ambulances, police, coast guard and key medical contacts in and around Olbia.

Why Families Choose Rental12 in Olbia & North East Sardinia

When you search for Sardinia holiday rentals, you will see many options: agencies, private owners, international platforms and hotel-style suites. Rental12 is different because all homes belong to a single owner-operator group and are designed from the start for real life, not just photos.

• Space and privacy: Self-catering apartments and villas with separate bedrooms, living areas and outdoor space – ideal for nap times and early bedtimes.
• Fully equipped kitchens: Easy to prepare baby food, simple dinners or snacks at any hour.
• Laundry facilities: Washing machines and often dryers so you can pack lighter and handle beach clothes with ease.
• Location choice: City-center Olbia vacation homes, coastal apartments near beaches and high-end Sardinia luxury villas for bigger family groups.
• Support when you need it: A local team based in Olbia ready to help with practical questions, recommendations and small issues that can feel big on a family trip.

Many of our returning guests tell us they originally discovered us while searching for Sardinia self-catering apartments or vacation rentals Sardinia, then rebooked because the combination of design, cleanliness and local help made their family holiday in Sardinia feel calm and easy.

Family Holidays in North East Sardinia: FAQs