Camping in Sardinia

Sardinia has a lot to offer, and camping in Sardinia can be a great way to discover its hidden gems and diverse landscapes. We've put together a list of some of our favourite campsites and stops, plus the practical groundwork that makes the trip run smoothly.

The island suits anyone after the Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, endless blue sea and mountain scenery. Nature lovers tend to fall for the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, and what follows covers what you need to know about camping on it.

Camping in Sardinia starts with the ferry

Sardinia is an island, which sounds obvious until you are planning a camper trip. Before you can explore, you must take your camper from one of the ports offering ferry connections to the island. You can depart from Marseille, Naples or Genoa, among others.

Compare the various ferry companies. The largest are Corsica Ferries, Mobylines and Tirrenia. Comparing is worthwhile for two reasons: you may find the best price, and the exact place you arrive on Sardinia can vary depending on which company you use. That second point matters more than people expect, because a port on the wrong side of the island can add a long drive before your first campsite.

The crossing takes 8-14 hours, depending on the route. Book a cabin or a quiet seat if you can, and think about timing so you are not arriving somewhere unfamiliar in the dark with a tired crew. You or someone else may start to feel seasick, and the typical symptoms such as nausea or dizziness will set in. Reading up on how to prevent and deal with seasickness before you board is far better than improvising mid-crossing. If you are new to travelling with a van or tent, our car camping tips cover the basics of packing and setup.

Driving rules and road habits on the island

You made it across the water. You can now explore the natural beauty and cities of Sardinia by driving. Sardinia follows the same traffic laws as the Italian mainland, so anything you know about Italian roads applies here. A few conditions and rules deserve your attention:

• Motorhomes under 3.5 tons are allowed to travel at a maximum of 90 km/h on highways and out of town.
• You must drive out of town with your headlights in the dipped position at all times.
• On mountain roads, vehicles going downhill always have the right-of-way, unless an alternate route is nearby. Also, public buses always have the right-of-way.
• Parking spaces are colour-coded in big cities according to their usefulness: black and yellow denote no parking at all, blue, metered parking; yellow, reserved parking (for taxis or buses), pink, parking for mothers with children or expecting mothers, and white, free parking.
• Traffic fines in Germany are usually much higher.

Always be on the lookout for additional signage, even if you are parking in a reserved area (for cabs or buses). Colour is a good first clue, but a sign can change what the paint says.

The downhill rule is the one that catches visitors out. On a narrow mountain road in a larger vehicle, think ahead about where you could pull in, and slow down well before blind bends. For general habits that keep a trip safe, see our camping safety tips.

Where you can park your camper

The key to a relaxing trip is finding the best place to park your RV. In practice that means knowing where you can park legally and safely, whether at campsites or rest areas, before the sun goes down and not after.

Free-standing and wild camping

Wild camping and freestanding are generally prohibited in Italy, and the same is true in Sardinia. If you're in the middle of nature (in national parks, forests or on beaches, for example), standing is not permitted, in order to protect nature. ADAC states that parking on parking lots and roads for a night or longer is only permitted with permission from the local authority. Camping on private property is allowed with permission from the owner.

The reasoning is easy to see on a popular island coast: dunes, pine woods and beaches are fragile, and the rules exist to stop them being worn down. Treat a quiet lay-by or a empty beach car park as somewhere to rest briefly at most, never as a free campsite. Our blog post contains more detailed information on wild camping in Italy, including some tips for finding small, privately rented pitches.

Campsites

Wild camping is not an option, but that is hardly a hardship. There are many campsites on Sardinia where you can enjoy the view and camp in nature without breaking any rules. We have compiled a selection based on where you plan to go. If you are travelling at the edges of the season, our guide on when camping season starts is a useful check on what might be open.

Costa Rei and beyond: choosing a region

Sardinia is a very large island, and it behaves like one. Distances between coasts are real, and a plan that tries to cover everything usually ends up as a lot of driving. I'd argue you are better off picking one or two regions and settling in properly.

Below we go through the north, east, south and west in turn, with the stops and campsites we think are worth knowing. If you like the idea of a coastal trip elsewhere in Europe, our pieces on camping by the sea in Greece and camping by the sea in Holland make useful comparisons.

Camping in the north: Costa Smeralda and Porto Pollo

Costa Smeralda is a beautiful stretch of coastline on the northeastern coast. It features emerald waters and rugged cliffs. Porto Cervo is a luxurious, expensive tourist spot along this 20 km-long stretch of coast. However, you can enjoy a stroll by the harbour for free. In addition to being a beautiful church, the interior of Stella Maris also contains a painting attributed to El Greco.

Costa Serena is where the Costa Smeralda merges with Costa Serena. Here, you will find beautiful beaches with dunes. The Percorso pedalonale is a hiking trail that allows you to explore the varied nature of the island. Porto Pollo has a wide range of water sports.

You can set up camp in the beautiful campsite surrounded by donkeys and trees. Camping Village Capo d'Orso and Camping Village Acapulco are also available for you to set up your camp. You can drop in at the last campground without making a reservation. Both campgrounds offer sunny pitches, and the sea is right outside your door.

East coast campsites for beaches and culture

You can see beautiful coastlines and other places along the East Coast. Costa Rei, in the southeast, is famous for its bays, beaches and rocky landscape. The Gulf of Orosei also has white sandy beaches with inviting waters. The foothills of the Supramonte mountain range provide an impressive landscape of rocks along the coast.

The numerous bays and small beaches that are only accessible by boat or on foot from the plateau make the gulf a popular destination for tourists. Cala Ginepro is located at the northern end. Here, cacti, palms and long sandy beaches are surrounded by a natural setting. The camping site Porto Sosalinos is known for its tranquil, natural location and its sports and wellness program.

Culture lovers will love the East Coast of Sardinia. Bari Sardo is a charming hilltown near the coast that's known for its Torre di Bari, which blends Spanish architecture with local handicrafts. You can enjoy scenic hikes and historic towers. The nearby Cea Beach is a great place to sunbathe and swim. Camping Marina offers a peaceful setting nestled in nature with a restaurant serving Sardinian cuisine and international food.

South coast: Cagliari, Castiadas and Gennargentu

There's a lot more to see and do on the south coast of Sardinia. Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is located here. Enjoy a vibrant city centre, relaxing on the Poetto beach, and stunning views of the old city from the castle perched on a hill. Cagliari is home to some interesting architecture, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Elephant Tower. But a stroll along the harbour or through the streets of the city will reveal the charm of this beautiful city.

You will find beautiful beaches along the southern coastline, particularly if you take the panoramic road that connects Cagliari to Villasimius. It's less about the swimming and more about the views.

Castiadas is a good place to find bays with a low number of people. Do not miss the vineyards and olive groves in the hinterland. The campsite Capo Ferrato is located near the sea.

If you are tired of the beach and want to get some exercise, Gennargentu National Park is for you. It's located in the middle of the island, not the south, so treat it as a day trip or a separate leg. The Gola Gorropu is one of Europe's deepest gorges, and hiking enthusiasts will enjoy exploring it. Check conditions and carry plenty of water before any gorge walk. There are many campsites near the national park, including the Mareblu, which is located in a pine wood directly by the ocean.

West coast: Bosa, Alghero and quieter bays

West Sardinia (still) remains a tourist secret. You can escape the crowds here even in the peak season. There's plenty to explore and enjoy along the west coast between Bosa, a charming town with colourful façades that is considered one of Italy's most beautiful locations, and Alghero, a coastal town that has a fascinating history.

The route connecting the two towns is proof that the fun lies in the journey. It offers a dreamy view of the blue sea, green hills and mostly unspoiled surroundings. Costa di Tentizos is one of the beautiful bays located between the two cities. You can also find private pitches in this area. You can also visit Neptune's Grotto if you continue after Alghero.

You can find La Mariposa in the west of Sardinia, near Alghero. Camping La Mariposa, with its private beach and boat rental, offers not only the chance to enjoy sports and activities in and around water but also climbing and mountain biking tours.

Adventure camping in Sardinia: let's go

The Mediterranean island is full of attractions, and the best trips pair a realistic route with a campsite booked or at least scouted in advance. We hope our suggestions help you find a few suitable campsites or stopovers, and if you are bringing the family, our quick guide for a successful family campout is a good companion. Ciao!