Finding a beautiful, family-friendly place to stay in Sardinia is not as easy as it sounds. I searched for a place like this for years and have finally found it: Villa Maillard. With its heated pool, spacious rooms and wonderful location – just 25km from the capital Cagliari and the airport, and surrounded by hidden beach paradises in the south of the island such as Villasimius, Costa Rei, Chia and Pula – this villa is the perfect base for your next family trip to Sardinia.
Villa Maillard: A focus on families and a sure sense of style in every detail
Villa Maillard is not just any holiday home. It is the kind of place you would call special rather than standard – somewhere that wins you over with thoughtful design, high-quality materials and an unbeatable location.
Architecture and interior
Villa Maillard is a detached, fully renovated house on two floors with around 200 m² of living space, including a roof terrace. It sits on a fully fenced 1,000 m² plot in a quiet residential area – with open views of nature and the Mediterranean.
Inside, you can look forward to a blend of luxury and practicality. The rooms are spacious and you will find thoughtful details everywhere: elegant furniture, stylish decor and family-friendly amenities. Especially if you are travelling with children, you will love the generous living areas! The little ones can play here while the grown-ups relax.
Bedrooms for the whole family
Villa Maillard has three spacious bedrooms that can be used flexibly to suit different family set-ups – two upstairs and one downstairs. Each bedroom has a high-quality king-size bed (180 × 200 cm) that can be converted into two separate single beds if needed. There are 2 bathrooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. Another bathroom with a toilet is located outside – ideal when the kids are in the pool!
With room for up to 8 people in total – ideally a maximum of 6 adults – the villa is perfect for 2 families travelling together, a very large family or a group of friends who want to holiday together.
Kitchen and dining
The open-plan kitchen is fully equipped and just begs you to cook. It has high-quality appliances and plenty of work surface and space. There is a large dining table where everyone fits and where family meals become real holiday memories.
From spring 2027, Villa Maillard will also have a brand-new outdoor kitchen, equipped with a BBQ, a fridge and everything you need for the perfect barbecue evening.
If you would rather not cook yourselves: there are excellent restaurants nearby, and you can also book a private chef on request.
The outdoor area: your private paradise
Villa Maillard's real treasure lies outside its walls. The outdoor area is generously laid out, carefully planted and offers several spaces, each with its own character.
Terraces and lounge areas
The villa has several terraces on different levels, which makes the outdoor space varied and cosy. With comfortable lounge furniture, parasols and partly covered areas, you will always find a shady spot when the sun gets too strong. The terraces are ideal for breakfast with a sea view, an afternoon nap in the hammock or unwinding in the evening.
The heatable pool – the centrepiece
The heatable pool is an absolute highlight of Villa Maillard. With a pleasant temperature all year round (including the shoulder season), it is ideal for families with younger children. In the cooler months, pool heating can be booked for an extra charge.
The pool is generously sized and the sunbathing lawn offers plenty of space for everyone. The pool's shallow entry is ideal, even with small children.
Garden and play area
The 1,000 m² garden is fully fenced and has a Mediterranean design, with shady corners for reading and open areas for playing. And here comes the part that makes children's eyes light up: there is a trampoline (275 cm), a table tennis table and a swing. And, several times a day, the soundtrack of Sardinian nature: birdsong, cicadas and the sea in the distance.
Sardinia: the island itself
Why Sardinia is great for families
Sardinia is not just an island with spectacular beaches – it is also culturally fascinating, exceptional for food and surprisingly family-friendly. The pace is relaxed and there is something for everyone, from adventurous to laid-back. The island is big enough to spend 2-3 weeks without getting bored, yet small enough that driving times to the sights stay manageable.
The best time to visit Villa Maillard
May to September is the classic season, with bright sunshine and warm temperatures (25-30°C). It is ideal for beach holidays and water sports. However, these months are also the busiest with tourists. In your villa, though, you are sheltered from the crowds!
April and October are underrated insider tips: the weather is still (or already) fantastic (20-25°C), the beaches are emptier and prices are lower. With Villa Maillard's heated pool, you can even still enjoy a pleasant swim.
November to March: Sardinia has mild winters (12-15°C), less rain than you might think, and many beaches are completely deserted. With the heated pool, swimming is possible too. Ideal for families looking for peace and quiet who love to hike.
Getting to Villa Maillard
Flights
Sardinia has two international airports, Olbia and Cagliari. For Villa Maillard, Cagliari airport, 25km away, is the best choice. There are numerous direct flights from Germany, for example from Frankfurt with a flight time of around two hours.
Hire car
A hire car is essential for your stay. Public transport is limited, and the island is far too beautiful to experience only from the villa.
Car ferry (from Italy or Corsica)
Several ferry routes connect Sardinia with the Italian mainland. This is a classic (if longer) way to get there, especially if you want to travel in your own car.
Around Villa Maillard: things to do
The villa is located in Capitana, a quiet district of Quartu Sant'Elena on the south-east coast. You are close enough to Cagliari to go there for dinner or shopping, yet far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet. And in both directions along the coast, there is one beach after another – some of the most beautiful on the island.
Beaches right nearby
Spiaggia di Capitana – The local beach, just 1.5 km away, so around three minutes by car. A quiet, manageable sandy beach with a gentle entry into the water. Perfect for a spontaneous afternoon when you don't want to drive far.
Villasimius (approx. 30–40 min) – This is where it gets spectacular. Porto Giunco, Simius and Punta Molentis are among Sardinia's best-known beaches: white sand, Caribbean-like water, flamingos in the lagoon. A must.
Costa Rei (approx. 1 hour) – A kilometres-long light sandy beach with very shallow water. If you have a day when the kids just want to stand in the water for hours: come here.
Chia and Pula/Nora (approx. 1 to 1.5 hours to the west) – Dune landscapes, lagoons and, in Nora, one of the island's most impressive archaeological sites, right by the sea.
More family activities
Snorkelling and diving – Southern Sardinia has crystal-clear water. Even without a diving licence, you can see colourful fish from many of the beaches. Around Villasimius there is a marine protected area with particularly rich underwater life.
Discovering Cagliari – The capital is a real highlight. The historic Castello quarter with its viewing terraces, the San Benedetto market (one of Italy's largest fish markets), the archaeological museum and the flamingos in the Molentargius nature reserve. Easy to explore by e-bike.
Kayaking and stand-up paddling – Many beaches in the area have rental stations. Ideal for exploring coves that can't be reached by car.
Boat trips – From Villasimius and Cagliari, excursions run along the coast to coves you can only reach from the water. A day trip your family won't forget.
Wineries and local markets – The region around Cagliari is known for its Cannonau and Vermentino. The villa's hosts are happy to arrange wine tastings, quad tours in the mountains, boat trips or an in-house chef.
Villages and small towns nearby
Quartu Sant'Elena (right on your doorstep) – Sardinia's third-largest town, but without the tourist bustle. Here you'll find supermarkets, bakeries and authentic trattorias. Neighbours with vegetable gardens instead of huge hotel blocks.
Cagliari (just under half an hour) – A port city full of history, with excellent restaurants, shopping and an old town where you can happily drift around for a whole day.
Villasimius (approx. 30–40 min) – A lively coastal town with a harbour, ice-cream parlours, restaurants and the best choice of beaches in the region.
Why Villa Maillard is perfect for families
The villa sleeps up to 8 people in three bedrooms – enough room for two families with 6 adults and 2 children in total, or for one family who likes plenty of space on holiday. Thanks to the flexible king-size beds, the layout can be adapted quickly.
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Heatable outdoor pool: swimming fun all year round
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Trampoline, table tennis and swing: plenty to do in your own garden, without having to leave the house
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Roof terrace with sea view: the best spot in the house, morning and evening
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Fully fenced grounds: 1,000 m² where the children can run around freely
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Modern amenities: washing machine, tumble dryer, air conditioning in all bedrooms, Wi-Fi, smart TV, mosquito nets
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Three bathrooms: two in the house plus an outdoor bathroom with shower and WC right by the pool
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A location between peace and action: close enough to beaches, Cagliari and restaurants, far enough from the hustle and bustle
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Authentic surroundings: you are in Sardinia, not in a tourist bubble
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Possible all year round: the heatable pool, the fireplace and the mild southern location make the villa appealing during the school holidays AND outside them
Villa Maillard: frequently asked questions
Is Villa Maillard really family-friendly, even with very young children? Yes. The spacious rooms, the fenced grounds, the outdoor bathroom by the pool and the play options in the garden make the villa ideal for families. High chairs and a travel cot are available on request.
How far away is the beach? Capitana beach is just 1.5 km away, around three minutes by car. After a day at the beach you are back at the villa within minutes and can shower straight away in the outdoor bathroom.
Is the pool heated? The pool (4.5 × 9 m) is heatable. In the cooler months, pool heating can be booked for an extra charge. It's best to ask about the current terms directly when you send your enquiry.
How long should you plan to stay? At least one week is ideal to really settle in. Two weeks are perfect for anyone who wants to truly unwind and experience the island like a local.
Is there a washing machine in the villa? Yes, the villa is fully equipped, including a washing machine and tumble dryer.
Can I arrange food deliveries or a private chef during my stay? Yes, both options are possible. The hosts can also arrange wine tastings, boat tours and other excursions in the area.
Are dogs allowed? No, unfortunately dogs are not permitted at Villa Maillard.
Do you need a hire car? Yes, absolutely. There's no way around it for shopping, beach days and excursions. The villa does not offer an airport transfer.
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