Our beachclub on Sardinia, Baia dei Mori, is situated on the north east coast, to the south of the famous Costa Smeralda. Located on a beautiful bay with fine, golden sand gently shelving into the crystal clear water it’s a perfect spot for family holidays. Away from the beach, there’s so much history and culture to capture the imagination of little ones and grown ups too.
For most families a buffet is a brilliantly convenient option and no more so than at Baia dei Mori Beachclub. The food caters for all tastes with plenty of familiar favourites that are just perfect for children with shytaste buds! There’s plenty of local dishes to try too, so kids who are willing to be adventurous with their food have a wide range of new flavours open to them.
With a club board menu (breakfast and lunch every day plus four evening meals) you’re encouraged to explore the local restaurants on non-inclusive meal nights. The Sardinians can’t resist children (bambini) and kids are made to feel welcome in restaurants and cafés, eating out is a pretty relaxed affair. You’ll find that very few restaurants have high chairs, so if you need one remember to bring your travel one with you or sit your toddlers on your lap. You’ll also find few places have baby changing facilities.
Food choices are pretty easy, I don’t know any child who doesn’t like the Italian staples of pizza and pasta, so they will be in food heaven here. Almost always on the table will be found carasau, also known as "carta musica' (sheet music) a traditional flatbread which is a fantastic finger food for children. And the Italians are rightly famous for Gelato (ice cream), so that’s dessert sorted!
There's two local restaurants within walking distance of the beachclub, one is situated on a hill with spectacular views across the bay, it's open for lunch and dinner. There isn't a children's menu but you'll always be able to get a bowl of pasta and in the evening they fired up the wood burning pizza oven. The other is hidden amongst pine trees that border the shore, again there'sno specific kids menu, but there's a playground or the beach to keep them entertained.
Baia dei Mori Beachclub has a whole host of activities for the whole family to enjoy with watersports galore, tennis, kids’ clubs for all ages and some excellent mountain biking and road biking facilities. It doesn’t end there though, do make time to get out and about, the island of Sardinia also has plenty of historical, cultural and natural attractions that will be the icing on the cake for your family holiday.
Tavolara Island: To reach this tiny island and smallest kingdom in the world, you’ll have to jump on a ferry from the mainland. At approximately 8km long, 1.5km wide and 500m high it’s easy to spot Tavolara, rising majestically from the turquoise sea. Children will love the fact that they are visiting a kingdom, where descendants of the island royalty still live. The island has long resisted the temptation to cash in on its unique status and natural beauty by refusing to develop houses, roads and tourist facilities. Instead there is just one beach bar and one restaurant. The island is also home to one of the largest marine reserves in Sardinia, snorkelling in the clear water you will see an abundance of sea life. If you would rather stay dry, you can hire a canoe and explore the bay.
Posada: For history buffs in the family, the ancient town of Posada is a must see, with pastel coloured houses, cobbled streets, charming cafés and a historic medieval centre. The town is dominated by the Castello della Fava, one of the best known castles in Sardinia and recognised by its tall tower. It’s possible to climb the tower where you'llbe rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the mountainous surroundings.
Dorgali: The maps of Sardinia are dotted with nuraghi - stone towers used as homes and fortresses by the island's early inhabitants - in Dorgali (about 1 hour 30 minutes drive away) a groupof 70 survive to create an eerie ghost town. There’s also vast caves and grottos to explore, both sites are great for a family day out and are sure to ignite the imagination.
It’s really easy to get around Sardinia even with children in tow. From the airport it’s a family friendly 40-minute transfer to the beachclub. Whilst our coaches don’t have child seats you are more than welcome to bring your own child seat or you could book a private taxi transfer.
Baia dei Mori Beachclub itself is very family friendly and easy for families to get around. It’s all on one level and the way to the beach features a wooden boardwalk, there’s also a supply of pushchairs which you are free to use. If you want to explore away from the beachclub it’s best to hire a car as public transport is limited. The reception team can organise the hire car for you and also advise on places to visit.
The local village of Tanaunella is 10-15 minutes walk or a short (uphill) bike ride away, it has a couple of bars, two pizzerias and a small supermarket. Once things get a bit busier (usually around June) there will be free buses from the beachclub to thelocal town of Budoni, 3km away.
Currency: Euro Local time: GMT/BST+1 Flight time from UK: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes Visa info: Visa is not required for UK passport holders. Car hire: Note that the law requires drivers to carry personal ID, licence and car documents while on the road. Can you drink the tap water?: We do not recommend that you drink the tap water,bottled water (acqua minerale) is readily available to buy and is provided at mealtimes in the beachclub. Is there somewhere to buy nappies and other baby essentials? Our well-stocked shop in the beachclub sell nappies, milk, formula milk, suntan lotion and various other goods for children. There’s also a 24-hour baby room where you can make feeds, warm milk and sterilise bottles. Will there be baby changing facilities available in resort / local restaurants? There are baby rooms, together with changing facilities, at every Neilson beachclub. Facilities in local restaurants will of course vary so it’s always worth taking one of those roll-up/fold up changing mats with you when you head out, in case you need to improvise. What is there for teens to do in and around the beachclub? There’s a great club for teens (up to 17 years). The Neilson team encourage the teens to sign up for activities and organise group fun and games. They also arrange evening meals, quizzes and excursions. Are their lifeguards on the beach and around the pool?Yes, there are lifeguards and there is a safety tower on the beach with a member of the Neilson team on duty as well as safety boats in the water. Is Sardinia safe for families to travel to? We rely on the UK government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for their official ‘Travel Advice’ to the areas in which we operate. We recommend that you check this advice before you book and monitor it before you travel, to ensure you are fully aware of the advice being offered to travellers. Visitwww.gov.uk/foreign-advice-travel/italy for recommendations and advice for you holiday to Sardinia.
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