I would definitely rent a car. We took our elementary kids to Sardinia and explored most of the island. We all enjoyed trying out new beaches and exploring different towns. We were there in July so I can't speak to Fall weather.

Anonymous wrote:And for the life of me can’t fathom why someone based in Europe would come to a DC based anonymous parenting forum for travel suggestions. Wut?

There’s a lot of people living overseas that lived in the DC area at some point. You know all those people that this administration is firing that kept US soft power going? Those people.

Anonymous wrote:Just wrapped a week in Santa Teresa di Gallura with two ES-aged kids. We stayed at Hotel Corallaro which is walking distance to the town square and steps away from Rena Bianca beach (calm waves for little kids). The town itself is a great size for walking with plenty of restaurants and about a mile walk from the port where we took the ferry to Corsica for the day as well as a boat tour of La Madalenna islands. We didn’t explore the rest of the island because we opted not to rent a car, but that is certainly an option. It was a perfect, relaxing getaway with minimal crowds (most tourists were Italian).

NP and I know this thread is from last year, but did you have to make reservations for this beach? I was actually looking at that exact hotel and another nearby (love the combo of small town+beach over an isolated resort) but a couple reviews were giving me pause, that they couldn’t go to the beach because it was “sold out” and had been for months! Did you have any issues?

Anonymous wrote:Is it pleasant to do thinks like walk into town in July/August? Or unbearably hot?

Because of its location on the northern tip, it tends to be windier than other parts of the island. Humidity was low but the sun was strong. It was about 82F all week — warm but not unbearable at all. Evenings were perfect!

Anonymous wrote:Just wrapped a week in Santa Teresa di Gallura with two ES-aged kids. We stayed at Hotel Corallaro which is walking distance to the town square and steps away from Rena Bianca beach (calm waves for little kids). The town itself is a great size for walking with plenty of restaurants and about a mile walk from the port where we took the ferry to Corsica for the day as well as a boat tour of La Madalenna islands. We didn’t explore the rest of the island because we opted not to rent a car, but that is certainly an option. It was a perfect, relaxing getaway with minimal crowds (most tourists were Italian).

OP here- thanks! Thats great to hear that you managed without a car too. And thanks for the other suggestions.

(And to the snarky PP-we do not live in Europe right now. I added that info to head off the inevitable “omg why are you going all the way to Europe for the beach” comments. Can’t win lol)

Is it pleasant to do thinks like walk into town in July/August? Or unbearably hot?

Just wrapped a week in Santa Teresa di Gallura with two ES-aged kids. We stayed at Hotel Corallaro which is walking distance to the town square and steps away from Rena Bianca beach (calm waves for little kids). The town itself is a great size for walking with plenty of restaurants and about a mile walk from the port where we took the ferry to Corsica for the day as well as a boat tour of La Madalenna islands. We didn’t explore the rest of the island because we opted not to rent a car, but that is certainly an option. It was a perfect, relaxing getaway with minimal crowds (most tourists were Italian).

Also, July or August only.

Check out the Conrad and Curio by Hilton in Chia Laguna. Access to 2 private beach areas via golf cart, seats always waiting for you. Calm water. This is in the south - you'd fly into Cagliari.

Late October is a big no (unless climate change makes it like summer). I went to Sardinia almost every summer from 1980 to 1999, mostly in June/July but a couple of times in September and September was remarkably cooler, late october to me would be too cold (caveat, my experience is limited to the North of Sardinia). We never went in august because too crowded too expensive. Best time for me was july, more toward the beginning than the end. Also the water tends to be cold (for me, used to the warmer water or Tuacany), if you swim in MD you are fine). I really loved Alghero because it is a small town that is a real town, not just a touristic resort, the town is very nice and has lots of history. The sea is great, with large beaches, although you may need a car to reach them. santa Teresa di Gallura is also very nice snd i think family friendly. I am not a fan of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, and similar places, super expensive, full of noisy young people. I dont know the South just rhat Cagliari has large beautiful beaches but it is is also a larger industrial town

Anonymous wrote:And for the life of me can’t fathom why someone based in Europe would come to a DC based anonymous parenting forum for travel suggestions. Wut?

They didn’t say they are based in Europe. Honestly if you are not adding something constructive just keep it to yourself or go post on politics or another forum.

And for the life of me can’t fathom why someone based in Europe would come to a DC based anonymous parenting forum for travel suggestions. Wut?

You should check out the Strictly Sardinia blog. She has lots of thoughtful recommendations on this topic.

Considering a vacation to Sardinia next year (we’ll be coming from elsewhere in Europe). Kids are ES-age. Any recommendations for a good town to base ourselves? Ideally with a kid friendly beach. Also- we could go either in the main summer season (July/aug) or late October. Is one preferable over the other? I imagine October would be much less crowded but would it still be warm enough to swim?