By Sarah Wolf
Looking for a break from the architecture and history in Rome? I can’t say enough about taking a trip to Sardinia! It’s a short, 55-minute direct flight from Roma to Olbia, and the airport is easy to maneuver. The beaches are something you don’t get in most of Italy… luxurious sand! The water is crystal clear (think the Greek Islands) and the food is sublimely Italian. It’s the perfect location for a break with a toddler from the easily overpacked days in Rome.
Planning ahead
Make your reservations early if you are going during high season (July & August). If you are going during shoulder season, prepare for some restaurants to be closed. Most enjoyably to us as Americans, all the other vacationers were Italian. Every woman over the age of 50 stopped to coo over our little darling — “Ciao Bellissima” — which was lovely. I can’t say we did much except enjoy the gorgeous Ira Beach near Porto Rondo and eat all the yummy food!
Beaches
The beach clubs along Ira Beach both seemed to be about the same and were nice. Our best beach meal was at Ira Beach Club, we also rented daily chairs from them. Our splurge day included a yacht ride for my 40th birthday!! What a spectacular day — being taken to a little uninhabited island, swimming in the gorgeous waters, seeing dolphins, watching the bronze sea siren rise from the water at sunset, and eating the scrumptious food prepared by our host. It was 100% kid friendly and extremely special.
Unfortunately, the company we used seems to have shut down, but there are others in the area. Sardinia is a perfect trip to balance out the hustle of Roma.
If you are debating between Amalfi and Sardinia, don’t question for one moment longer and just go to Sardinia. It’s paradise for kids and parents alike!
Getting around
We rented a car to get around. We took our own infant life jacket for the boat ride.