Sardinia · With kids

Cagliari's city beach: seven kilometres of shallow, calm water reached by bus, with kiosks, showers and pedalos. Any age.

A Bronze Age stone tower complex with tunnels and staircases, seen on a guided tour of about an hour. Ages 6+; bring hats and a torch.

Day boats from Palau tour the archipelago's granite islands and sandbars with swimming stops. Ages 5+; the crossing gets choppy after midday.

A sea cave near Alghero reached by 654 cliff steps or a boat from the harbour. Take the boat. Ages 6+.

Buses to the good coves are rare, so a hire car is close to essential and August books out by spring. Restaurants open around 7.30pm.