Sardinia is a large island. It’s hard to get a full overview of all the things to do and see. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite campsites and stopovers.
Sardina offers you the perfect camping destination if you are looking to experience the Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, endless blue sea, and mountain scenery. Nature lovers will love the second-largest island in the Mediterranean. You can learn everything you wanted to know about camping on the beautiful island.
How Can I Get to the Place and Move Around?
Planning your trip? Here’s a quick look at how to reach your destination and navigate once you’re there.
Sardinia Campervans: How to Reach it
Sardinia, as we’ve clarified, is an island. Before you can explore Sardinia, you must take your camper from one of the ports offering ferry connections to the Island. You can depart from Marseille, Naples or Genoa, as well. Check out the various ferry companies. The largest are Corsica Ferries Mobylines and Tirrenia. Not only will you find the best price, but the exact location of your arrival on Sardinia can also vary depending on which ferry company is used.
The ferry crossing takes 8-14 hours, depending on the route. You or someone else may start to feel seasick, and the typical symptoms like nausea or dizziness will set in. Here are some good tips on how to prevent and deal with seasickness.
Traffic Anomalies
You made it safely to the Mediterranean island after surviving the ferry trip? Wonderful! You can now explore the natural beauty and cities of Sardinia by driving. Sardinia follows the same traffic laws as the Italian mainland. You should be aware of a few traffic conditions and rules:
- 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. You should always be on the lookout for any additional signage, even if you are parking in a reserved area (for cabs or buses).
- Traffic fines in Germany are usually much higher.
Where Can I Park My Camper?
The key to a relaxing trip is finding the best place to park your RV. Here’s a guide on where you can park legally and safely, at campsites or rest areas.
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 (e.g. in national parks, forests or beaches, standing is not permitted 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.
Our blog post contains more detailed information on wild camping in Italy. You’ll find here some tips for finding small, privately-rented pitches.
Campings
Wild camping is not an option. 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 of campsites based on where you plan to go.
Costa Rei & Co. – The Most Beautiful Campsites and Destinations in Sardinia
Sardinia is a very large island. Sardinia is a large island.
North
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
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 rocky 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.
East Coast is the ideal place for culture enthusiasts. Bari Sardo, a small town nestled on a hilly terrain just a few kilometres from the coast, is a great place for culture lovers. Torre di Bari is its most famous landmark, but it’s not the only reason to visit. This is the perfect place to visit if you are interested in Spanish architecture and handicrafts. You can take long hikes in the wild, varied landscape or visit tower buildings that are well preserved. The sandy beach at Cea is close by, so you don’t miss out on the beach feel or swimming. Camping Marina is our camping recommendation for this area. The campsite is a place where nature is valued. You can also enjoy Sardinian cuisine and international cuisine at the restaurant.
South
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, not the south. The Gola Gorropu is one of Europe’s deepest gorges, and hiking enthusiasts will enjoy exploring it. There are many campsites near the national park, including the Mareblu, which is located in a pine wood directly by the ocean.
West
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, which 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. The route 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!
You can see that the Mediterranean island is full of attractions. We hope you enjoyed your vacation in Sardinia and that our suggestions helped you find a few suitable campsites or stopovers. Ciao!
