Linen & Luggage
Beaches & Islands · Best Jun, Sep

Sardinia packing list for families

Sardinia is all about the water, from shallow sandy beaches to boat days in the La Maddalena islands. Packing for strong sun, wind, and plenty of swimming makes it an easy beach trip with kids.

Clear turquoise water at Valle dell'Erica beach, Sardinia

Photo by Massimo Virgilio on Unsplash

Kristina's notes on Sardinia

  1. A boat day around the La Maddalena islands is the highlight for most families. Book a private boat if you can, so you set the pace for naps and swims.
  2. Taking sand, shells, or pebbles off Sardinian beaches is illegal and can mean a fine, so remind kids before they fill their pockets. Some popular beaches, like La Pelosa, limit summer visitors and ask for a mat under your towel.
  3. The mistral wind can blow for a few days at a time, so pick a base where you can switch to a sheltered beach. A pop-up sun tent is worth packing for little ones.
Best timeJun, Sep
PlugsType L, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Your packing edit

Sardinia

This time of year

    Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.

    Carry-on8

    Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
    Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
    Kids' headphones, volume-limited
    Tablet with downloaded shows
    Snack box with dividers
    Reusable water bottles
    Change of clothes for each kid
    Car seat travel bag

    Clothing4

    Daytime outfits8 per person
    Pajamas2 per person
    One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
    Underwear and socks9 per person

    Shoes1

    Sandals

    Beach & pool10

    Swimsuits2 per person
    UPF rash guardsOur pick
    Mineral sunscreen
    Wide-brim sun hats
    Swim diapers
    Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
    Lightweight beach tote
    Goggles
    Snorkel mask setOur pickThe water is clear enough to see fish from the shore.
    Beach matSome beaches ask you to use a mat under towels.

    Little ones5

    Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
    Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
    Travel blackout shades
    Favorite lovey, plus a backup
    Pop-up beach sun shelterShade and wind protection on open beaches.

    Health & toiletries5

    Travel first-aid kit
    Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
    Bug spray
    Hanging toiletry bag
    Motion sickness bandsBoat days can get choppy when the wind picks up.

    Documents & tech3

    Portable phone chargerOur pick
    Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
    Travel plug adapterOur pickType L, bring an adapter
    The outfit edit

    Island whites

    White, sand, sea glass, coral

    For the grown-ups

    • Linen shirt or linen set
    • A white cover-up dress
    • Leather slides for dinner

    For the kids

    • Seersucker or linen shorts
    • Matching-print swimsuits
    • Soft cotton sundress

    For photos

    • Everyone in white and one pop of coral
    • Shoot at golden hour on the sand
    Month by month

    Sardinia weather and what's happening

    Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.

    MonthTypical highWhat it's likeDon't miss
    January58°F 14°CMild and quiet, with windy days
    February59°F 15°CMild and quiet, with windy daysSa Sartiglia horse festival in Oristano at Carnival
    March62°F 17°CWarm spring, sea still cool
    April66°F 19°CWarm spring, sea still cool
    May73°F 23°CWarm spring, sea still coolFesta di Sant'Efisio procession in Cagliari on May 1 Cavalcata Sarda costume parade in Sassari in May
    June81°F 27°CHot, dry, and very sunnyBoat season around La Maddalena
    July87°F 31°CHot, dry, and very sunnyBoat season around La Maddalena
    August88°F 31°CHot, dry, and very sunnyBoat season around La Maddalena
    September82°F 28°CHot, dry, and very sunnyBoat season around La Maddalena Warm water and quieter beaches after the August rush
    October75°F 24°CWarm sea into October, rain returns in NovemberWarm water and quieter beaches after the August rush
    November66°F 19°CWarm sea into October, rain returns in November
    December60°F 16°CMild and quiet, with windy days
    Questions families ask

    Sardinia with kids, answered

    When is the best time to visit Sardinia with kids?

    The best time is Jun, Sep. Warm sea into October, rain returns in November

    What's the weather like in Sardinia?

    Typical daytime highs range from about 58°F (14°C) in January to about 88°F (31°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.

    Do I need a passport for Sardinia?

    Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.

    What kind of plug adapter do I need for Sardinia?

    Type L, bring an adapter.

    What's your top tip for Sardinia with kids?

    A boat day around the La Maddalena islands is the highlight for most families. Book a private boat if you can, so you set the pace for naps and swims.

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    Want the whole trip handled?

    I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.

    As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.

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