Sardinia is a pretty big island. This makes it difficult to keep a good overview of what there is to see and do. That's why we've put together a selection of our favorite stopovers and campsites!
If you want to enjoy mountain landscapes, Mediterranean climate, the endless blue sea and beautiful coastlines during your camping vacation, Sardina is the right destination for you. The second largest island in the Mediterranean is a true paradise for nature lovers. Here you can find out everything you always wanted to know about camping on the beautiful island.
How do I get there and how do I move around?
How to get to Sardinia by camper
We've already clarified that Sardinia is an island. Therefore, before you can explore Sardinia, you need to take your camper to one of the ports that offer ferry connections to the island. The most common connection is from Genoa in northwest Italy, but you can also depart from Marseille or Naples, for example. The best way to find your best option is to check the different ferry companies, the largest of which are Corsica Ferries, Mobylines and Tirrenia, as not only the price but also the arrival point on Sardinia varies depending on the ferry company and the port of departure.
The crossing by ferry takes between 8 - 14 hours, depending on the route. It could be the case that you or others start feeling seasick and typical symptoms such as nausea or dizziness set in. Some good tips for preventing and dealing with seasickness can be found here.
Traffic peculiarities
Survived the trip on the ferry and arrived safely on the Mediterranean island? Wonderful! Now you can get behind the wheel and explore the nature and cities of Sardinia. In general, the traffic rules of the Italian mainland apply to Sardinia. However, you should pay attention to a few special traffic rules and conditions:
In the city there's a speed limit of 50 km/h for motorhomes up to 3.5 tons, out of town and on the highways you're allowed to drive with a maximum speed of 90km/h.
Out of town, you must also drive with dipped headlights on at all times during the day.
On mountain roads, downhill vehicles always have the right of way, unless there's an alternative in the vicinity. Public buses also always have the right of way.
Parking spaces in large cities are color-coded according to their usability: black and yellow indicate absolutely no parking, blue indicates metered parking, yellow stands for reserved parking spaces (for cabs or buses, for example), pink lines indicate parking spaces for expectant mothers or mothers with babies, and white lines indicate free parking spaces. Even with the latter, you should still keep your eyes open for additional signage.
The fines for traffic offenses are often much higher than in Germany.
More information about the Italian traffic rules and the meaning of special traffic signs can be found at here.
Where can I stay with my camper?
Wild camping and free standing
In general, wild camping and free standing is forbidden in Italy - and it's the same in Sardinia. In the middle of nature, e.g. in national parks, forests, or on the beach, you're not allowed to stand in order to protect nature. According to the ADAC, parking on roads and parking lots, whether for one night or more, is only allowed with the permission of the local authorities. You may camp on private property with the permission of the property owner.
More detailed information about wild camping in Italy can be found in our blog article. Here you'll also find some tips on finding small, privately rented pitches.
So wild camping isn't really an option. Fortunately, there are many great campsites in Sardinia from which you can enjoy a great view of the water and you can camp close to nature, without violating any prohibitions. Depending on the region you are heading to, we have put together a small selection for you.
Costa Rei & Co. - The most beautiful destinations and campsites in Sardinia
Sardinia is a really big island. This means that the distances between the individual highlights of the country can sometimes be a little longer, but at the same time there are a lot of incredibly beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, plenty of campsites and plenty of opportunities to experience unforgettable things.
North
On the northeastern coast of Sardinia, the Costa Smeralda beckons with emerald blue waters and rugged cliffs. Porto Cervo, a popular tourist destination along this 20-kilometre-long stretch of coastline, is rather luxurious (not to mention expensive), but you can take a relaxing stroll along the harbor without spending any money at all. The church Stella Maris is not only very beautiful to look at but inside you'll also find a painting, which is attributed to the famous artist El Greco. The Costa Smeralda merges into the Costa Serena, where beautiful dune beaches await you. Nearby you can explore the diverse nature of the island in the hiking area Percorso pedonale. If you're in the mood for water sports, Porto Pollo is the place to be.
Very close to nature and far away from mass tourism you can settle down on this beautiful campsite between donkeys and olive trees. You can also set up camp between the two coastal sections at Camping Village Capo d'Orso or at Camping Village Acapulco. At the latter you can also drop in spontaneously, since it's not possible to make a reservation. On both campgrounds you can expect sunny pitches and the sea lies directly in front of your door.
East
Especially along the east coast of Sardinia you can find gorgeous stretches of coastline and other spots worth seeing. The Costa Rei in the southeast is known for its bright beaches, bays and the rocky but green landscape that surrounds it. White sandy beaches and inviting waters can also be found in the Gulf of Orosei. On the coast of the bay, the foothills of the Supramonte mountain massif provide an impressive rocky landscape. What makes the gulf so attractive for vacationers are the numerous small beaches or bays, which can often only be reached by sea or after a hike across the plateau. At the northern end of the gulf you'll find Cala Ginepro. Long sandy beaches meet cacti and palm trees here, and the camping site Porto Sosàlinos convinces with its quiet, natural location, its wellness and sports program and its beach access.
The east cost is also the perfect place for culture lovers. The small municipality of Bari Sardo is located only a few kilometres from the coast, nestled in a hilly landscape. The Torre di Bari, its landmark, is not the only good reason to visit. If you're interested in handicrafts and architecture from the Spanish period, this is the place to be. From the town, you can visit tower buildings, some of which are very well preserved, or take long hikes into the varied, wild landscape. You don't have to miss out on swimming and the beach feeling, because the sandy beach of Cea is nearby. Our camping tip for the area: Camping Marina. Here great importance is attached to naturalness, and you can enjoy Sardinian specialties and international cuisine in the campsite's own restaurant.
South
Ther's also a lot to see and experience at the south coast of Sardinia. Here you'll find - among other things - the island's capital, Cagliari. You can look forward to a lively city center, relaxing hours on the city beach Poetto, as well as fantastic views of the old town from the castle located on a hill. Cagliari has some impressive architecture and interesting sights up its sleeve, such as the Elephant Tower or the Cathedral of Santa Maria, but a stroll through the small streets or along the harbor is just as recommended to discover the beauty of the city. Of course, along the southern coast you will also find plenty of beautiful beaches and blue sea, especially if you drive along the panoramic road between Cagliari and Villasimius. However, it's more about the great views and less about swimming here.
You have a comparatively good chance of finding bays that are not too crowded if you look around the municipality of Castiadas. Don't miss out on the hinterland with vineyards and olive trees. We can recommend the campsite Capo Ferrato, located by the sea. But if you've had enough of beach vacations and would rather stretch your legs a bit, the Gennargentu National Park (strictly speaking, located more in the centre than in the south) is the place to be. Hiking fans will get their money's worth here when exploring the Gola Gorropu, one of the deepest gorges in Europe. Near the national park there are also numerous campsites, such as the campsite Mareblù, which is nestled in a pine forest directly by the sea.
West
The west of Sardinia is (still) a little insider tip for tourists. Here you have the best chances to escape the tourist crowds even during the high season. Along the west coast, between Bosa, a small town with colorful facades that is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and the interesting coastal town of Alghero, there's a lot to discover and refreshingly empty beaches to enjoy. The route that connects the two towns proves once and for all that the joy is in the journey. The winding route is full of dreamlike views over the blue sea and the green hills of the mostly untouched surroundings. Among the many beautiful bays between the two cities lies Costa di Tentizos, where you can find privately rented pitches as well. If you go a little further after passing Alghero, you can visit the impressive Neptune's Grotto.
In the west of Sardinia you can stay at La Mariposa near Alghero. The campsite with its own boat rental and private beach does not only offer you the opportunity for sports and fun in and around the water but climbing and mountain bike tours in the area are organized by the site as well.
As you can see, the beautiful Mediterranean island has a lot to offer. Vacations in Sardinia are never boring, and we hope that you found one or two suitable stopovers or campsites in our recommendations. Ciao!
