Sardinia ranked highly as a family destination(Image: Getty Images)
Selecting the perfect family holiday spot can prove tricky. You want somewhere with beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, but practicality matters too, meaning you need a destination that’s straightforward to get to and won’t break the bank.
EasyJet recently launched its new Family Holiday Index, a ranking system for the finest holiday locations for families with youngsters, based on multiple criteria.
These encompass journey convenience, proximity to beaches and water, affordability, and the variety of family-friendly attractions on offer.
Drawing on this information, they created a top ten list of family holiday hotspots, with Spanish destinations securing six of the ten positions. Yet, sitting at number six was an Italian island frequently dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’ thanks to its spectacular beaches and unspoilt landscape, reports Wales Online
Sardinia scored well as a family-friendly destination due to its extensive selection of beaches, activities for families, and convenient access from the UK.
Sardinia ranked highly as a family destination(Image: Getty Images)
The island features two main airports: Cagliari Elmas Airport in the southern region, which is the biggest, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the northern area, which proves particularly busy throughout the summer season.
EasyJet operates seasonal flights to Olbia from Bristol, Edinburgh, London-Gatwick, and London-Luton. Should you wish to fly to Cagliari from the UK, services are offered by Ryanair and British Airways.
Flights to Sardinia with easyJet start from merely £35.60 one way in May, with trips to the island lasting between two-and-a-half to three hours, making them suitable for most youngsters.
Holidays to Sardinia can also be booked via easyJet Holidays, with a package for four people staying in a quadruple room at Borgo di Campagna, departing May 8, costing £340 per person.
The ease of travel to Sardinia make it a great spot to visit(Image: Jorg Greuel via Getty Images)
Spiaggia La Pelosa is considered one of the island’s most beautiful beaches and it’s perfect for families. Its shoreline is covered in soft white sand, though portions of the terrain are slightly rocky, and the sea is a stunning shade of turquoise and usually has only gentle waves.
You can wade far from the shore and still only be knee-deep in the crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for children who enjoy paddling and splashing around.
Unlike many overcrowded beaches, entry to La Pelosa is carefully controlled during the summer from June 1 and October 1. Guests must book a place in advance, and there’s an entrance fee of €3.50 per person for those over 12 (just over £3). However, this ensures you aren’t competing with crowds to find a spot.
The Costa Smeralda offers a range of beaches along a 35-mile stretch of coastline in the north-east of the island. It’s an elegant destination where you’ll often spot superyachts pulling into dock, and here you’ll find several upmarket resorts with fine dining and designer boutiques.
Children who love swimming will delight in a coastal trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago, a protected National Park made up of seven small islands that can only be reached by boat.
Sardinia has great access to beaches and water(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Many tour operators offer full-day boat trips, making it possible to visit several islands while stopping amid the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, giving passengers the chance to dive straight into the sea for a swim or a spot of snorkelling.
For youngsters with a budding interest in history, Sardinia offers a wealth of fascinating ancient sites to explore. Su Nuraxi di Barumini contains the remains of a Bronze Age fortress, featuring structures that span thousands of years. Perched on a hilltop, Cagliari’s Castello district is packed with historic buildings, museums and sites of considerable historical importance.
Pupils currently studying the Roman Empire at school will be especially enthralled by a guided tour of Cagliari’s Roman Amphitheatre, where they’ll hear gruesome tales of deadly combat between gladiators or clashes pitting humans against wild animals.
This remarkable venue also served as the setting for numerous public executions, cementing its place as one of the most significant structures in ancient Cagliari. Sardinian cuisine tends to cater well to younger palates, with even the fussiest of eaters likely to find something they enjoy.
Throughout the day, keep an eye out for street vendors selling Spianadina, traditional flatbreads commonly filled with cheese and ham, making for a straightforward lunchtime option.
As evening approaches, there is no shortage of warm, authentic restaurants where children can tuck into wood-fired pizza and freshly made pasta.
Best Cotswolds holiday cottage deals
The Cotswolds is famous for its rolling hills, honey-coloured villages and quintessential English charm. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of places to stay, starting from £38 per night.
If you’d rather a South West staycation, there’s a one-of-a-kind holiday home in Devon, which was voted one of the most-wanted in the UK in 2025. Holiday Cottages picked its top 10 properties. Securing fifth place is The Gun House, a truly unique property in Shaldon.
A former military guard tower overlooking the coast, this historic gem offers a truly one-of-a-kind stay. Its unique history and luxurious finish make it a must-book destination. It has even appeared on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
There’s also this large barn in Cadeleigh, Devon, which is great for big families. West Farleigh Barn sleeps eleven and has room for four dogs. The barn features an extensive enclosed garden, equipped with a luxurious private hot tub, and even an outdoor shower.
Further features include a sheltered patio complete with a pool table, alongside access to communal leisure amenities such as a children’s play area, badminton court and mini golf, creating a truly memorable retreat.
Across the border, Cornwall apartment No. 1 took the top spot for most-wanted holiday accommodation in the UK for 2025. The Bude apartment sleeps four and is flooded with natural light and luxury features, as well as its own private sauna.
If you’re looking to visit Somerset, check out this gorgeous Pheasant Cottage on Sykes Cottages, which has recently undergone a complete rebuild to provide luxorious accommodation in a stunning setting.
Or there’s the Castle Hotel in Taunton on Booking.com, which has a stylish brasserie, luxurious bedrooms and leafy gardens. There’s also this Lilac Cottage near Wells. It has a 4.9 rating on Sykes Cottages and sleeps four, with room for one well-behaved dog.