Sardinia Crowned as Premier Family Destination in easyJet's Holiday Index
Choosing the perfect family holiday destination often involves balancing stunning natural scenery with practical considerations like accessibility and budget. According to easyJet's newly released Family Holiday Index, Sardinia has emerged as a top choice for families, offering spectacular beaches, warm May weather, and remarkably affordable flights starting from just £35.
What Makes Sardinia Stand Out for Families?
The Family Holiday Index evaluates destinations based on multiple factors including ease of access, beach and water quality, pricing, and availability of family-friendly activities. While Spanish locations dominated the top ten rankings, Sardinia secured the sixth position, earning the nickname 'Caribbean of Europe' due to its pristine landscapes and breathtaking coastlines.
Sardinia's appeal lies in its vast selection of beaches, numerous family activities, and straightforward accessibility from the United Kingdom. The island features two main airports: Cagliari Elmas Airport in the south, which is the largest, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the north, particularly busy during the summer months.
Affordable Travel Options and Seasonal Services
EasyJet operates seasonal flights to Olbia from Bristol, Edinburgh, London-Gatwick, and London-Luton. For those planning to travel to Cagliari, Ryanair and British Airways offer additional routes. One-way flights to Sardinia with easyJet start from as low as £35.60 in May, with journey times ranging between two-and-a-half to three hours, making it a manageable trip for children.
Families can also book comprehensive holiday packages through easyJet Holidays. For example, a package for four people staying in a quadruple room at Borgo di Campagna, departing on 8th May, is priced at £340 per person.
Family-Friendly Beaches and Regulated Access
Spiaggia La Pelosa is widely regarded as one of Sardinia's top beaches, ideal for families with its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and gentle waves. The clear blue sea remains shallow even at a distance from the shore, perfect for children who enjoy paddling and splashing.
Unlike many overcrowded beaches, access to La Pelosa is strictly regulated during the summer period from 1st June to 1st October. Visitors must reserve a spot in advance, with an entry fee of €3.50 per person for those aged over 12. This system helps manage crowds and ensures a more enjoyable experience.
Exploring Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena Archipelago
The Costa Smeralda offers a selection of beaches along a 35-mile stretch of coastline in the north-east of the island. This chic area is known for superyachts, high-end resorts, fine dining, and designer boutiques.
For families with children who love swimming, a boat excursion to the La Maddalena Archipelago is highly recommended. This National Park consists of seven small islands accessible only by sea. Numerous tour companies provide full-day boat trips, allowing families to explore multiple islands and pause for swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
Historical Sites and Child-Friendly Cuisine
Sardinia boasts numerous fascinating ancient locations perfect for aspiring historians. Su Nuraxi di Barumini contains remnants of a Bronze Age defensive settlement with structures dating back millennia. Cagliari's Castello, perched atop a hillside, features ancient architecture, museums, and historical landmarks.
Children studying the Roman Empire will particularly enjoy guided tours of the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, where they can learn about gladiatorial combat and public executions that once took place there.
Sardinian cuisine is typically child-friendly, with options even for fussy eaters. Throughout the day, street food stalls sell Spianadina, traditional flatbreads often stuffed with cheese and ham. In the evening, numerous welcoming, authentic eateries offer wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta that children can savor.
