The second largest island in the Mediterranean attracts holidaymakers with a long coastline, tropical-looking beaches and wild rocky landscapes. Campers across the island get their money's worth, because Sardinia has everything they need for the perfect van life. We tell you everything you need to know about camping in Sardinia in a compact overview.
Getting to Sardinia by camper van
If you travel to Sardinia in your own campervan, you start in the Italian cities of Livorno or Genoa. Almost all ferries depart from here. There are several large ferry companies, for example Moby Lines, Grimaldi Lines or Corsica & Sardinia Ferries.
Please note: The journey from Germany to Italy takes you via Austria or Switzerland. Here you will have to pay tolls, which you must include in your holiday budget.
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A mobile home is parked on an extensive sandy beach on the coast.
The crossing from mainland Italy to Sardinia takes around nine hours from Livorno to Olbia. The ferries leave twice a day: once during the day and once overnight. Many holidaymakers like to take the night ferry so that they arrive on the island in the morning.
The price for the crossing with the motorhome varies depending on the season and starts at around 250 euros return. Prices are highest in the high season in July and August. Crossings during the week cost less than a Friday, Saturday or Sunday arrival. You can save if you book your ferry ticket early, ideally half a year before your holiday.
Renting a campervan in Sardinia
If you want to rent a campervan in Sardinia, you will find many different providers, for example McRent, CamPerSardegna or Indie Campers. It is worth doing extensive research and comparing the offers in advance.
A motorhome on the road near Arbus in Sardinia.
Prices vary depending on the model of campervan and the time of year. The high season, especially August, is the most expensive, in the early and late season it gets cheaper. Example: At CamPerSardegna, the cheapest campervan costs 89 euros a day in low season and 165 euros in August.
Campsites in Sardinia
Sardinia is clearly a paradise for van lovers, because the campsite density is very high. In addition, there are many different campsites and really everyone can find the perfect place for themselves. There are campsites directly by the sea, with a swimming pool, for families with children's entertainment, in the middle of nature and away from the tourist crowds.
Camping in the north of Sardinia
Two of the most famous stretches of coastline in Sardinia are in the north of the island: the Costa Smeralda and the Costa Paradiso. The range of campsites in the north and north-east is large, so the standard is higher than in the west and south-west - but so are the prices.
The most famous stretch of coast on Sardinia is the Costa Smeralda.
The camping site La Foce Village & Camping in Valledoria is an insider tip. It is located at the lagoon-like mouth of the Coghinas River, so the water fun is twofold: in the sea and in the river. On site there is a pool, bar, surf school, mountain bike station, kayak hire and water sports facilities on the river as well as the sea.
Camping in the East of Sardinia
On the east coast of Sardinia, beaches alternate with nature reserves. Camping Cala Ginepro in Orosei is an insider tip. The campsite is ideal for families. It is located on two flat beaches and has a nice playground, lots of nature and a restaurant with excellent pizza. Generally speaking, there are campsites for families mainly on the east coast at Golfo di Orsei, in Cala Gonone and on the Costa Rei a little further south.
Cala Gonone Camping is located in the middle of an idyllic pine forest in Cala Gonone. The campsite is close to the beach and the town, so everything is within easy reach. In addition to pitches, you can also rent bungalows for up to five people here.
Campers in a bay on the Costa del Sud in Sardinia.
Camping in the south of Sardinia
In the south lies the Costa Rei, which was named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by the "Lonely Planet". Here, the camping village Villaggio Camping Capo Ferrato is considered an insider tip. The campsite was one of the first in Sardinia and has been run by the same family since 1965. The beach is shallow, the sea crystal clear and from the pitches in the first row you have a fantastic view. The campsite tries sustainable ideas, for example, there are sunshades made of rush grass.
Camping Village 4 Mori, also on the Costa Rei, is also popular. Two swimming pools and private access to the beach guarantee plenty of holiday feeling. In addition to a restaurant, a supermarket, a wellness centre, a sports field and a playground, there is also an animation programme in the high season.
Sardinia is made for a holiday in a camper.
Camping in the West of Sardinia
On the west coast of Sardinia there is an extensive steep coast and the endless beaches of Oristano with lagoon lakes and the Sinis peninsula. A popular pitch is Camping Bella Sardinia, which is set in a meadow in a pine forest. There is a swimming pool, a supermarket and an animation programme in summer. A short path leads to the beach through the dunes.
Practical links for your campsite search in Sardinia
Overview from Camping.info
Overview from Pincamp.de
Overview from Camping.it
Overview of Eurocampings.de
Overview from Campeggi.com
Travel time for camping in Sardinia
The typical high season in Sardinia is between mid-May and around mid-October. Campers prefer the time before high summer, before it gets really hot on the island and most tourists are there.
In spring and from mid-September it is quietest in Sardinia and the campsites are not full. Generally speaking, the quietest camping holidays in Sardinia are in the low season and in the hinterland. But be careful: not all campsites are open outside the high season. So be sure to check the opening times in advance.
Endless freedom: on the road in a camper van in Sardinia.
What do you have to bear in mind when camping in Sardinia?
Wild camping is not allowed in Sardinia.
Respect prohibition signs! Sometimes these mark protected areas or dangerous ground.
The sign "Area sosta Camper" means an official camping site for motorhomes with water and electricity, usually open all year round.
The sign "Camping vietato in tutto il territorio" means "Camping prohibited in the whole municipal area".
There are no tolls in Sardinia.
Always pay attention to the rules of the road and the speed limits.
There are no motorways in Sardinia. The speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas, 90 kilometres per hour in built-up areas and 110 kilometres per hour on motorways.
