Sardinia by Campervan - The Complete Guide to Island Camping

Sardinia is one of the most breathtaking motorhome destinations in Europe — wild, rugged, and astonishingly diverse. Turquoise bays, dramatic granite cliffs, endless white beaches, ancient Nuraghe ruins, colorful villages and mountains covered in wild herbs create a landscape that feels almost tropical… yet unmistakably Mediterranean.

Despite its popularity, Sardinia is still full of quiet places. Drive just 10 minutes away from a busy beach, and you’ll often find yourself completely alone in nature. For campervan travellers, this mix of pristine beauty, good roads, and a relaxed southern atmosphere makes Sardinia an unforgettable destination.

However, Sardinia also comes with clear rules: wild camping is restricted, ferries must be planned, and many campsites close completely in winter. With the right preparation, though, this island becomes one of the most rewarding camper destinations in the Mediterranean.

Most travellers reach Sardinia by ferry from mainland Italy or France.

High season (June–September) is extremely busy, and motorhomes should book in advance.

2.2 Ferries to Sardinia – Routes, Companies & Travel Times

Sardinia is one of the best-connected islands in the Mediterranean. All ferries accept campervans, motorhomes and trailers.

🇮🇹 Ferries from Italy

1. Livorno → Olbia / Golfo Aranci

• Companies: Moby Lines, Grimaldi Lines

• Duration: 6–8 hours (day) / 8–10 hours (night)

• Notes: One of the most popular camper routes.

2. Genoa → Olbia / Porto Torres

• Companies: Tirrenia, Moby Lines, GNV

• Duration: 10–12 hours

• Notes: Mostly overnight sailings; excellent for travellers from northern Europe.

3. Civitavecchia (Rome) → Olbia / Arbatax / Cagliari

• Companies: Tirrenia, Grimaldi

• Duration:

  • Olbia: 6–8 hours

  • Arbatax: 9–10 hours

  • Cagliari: 13–15 hours

• Notes: Fastest route from central Italy.

4. Piombino → Olbia

• Company: Moby Lines

• Duration: 5–6 hours

• Notes: Shortest sailing from Tuscany.

🇫🇷 Ferries from France

5. Toulon → Porto Torres

• Company: Corsica Ferries

• Duration: 9–11 hours

6. Marseille → Porto Torres

• Company: La Méridionale

• Duration: 13–15 hours

Seasonal Differences

• Summer: Many departures daily, all routes active.

• Winter: Limited connections — usually Genoa ↔ Sardinia & Civitavecchia ↔ Sardinia.

Sardinia is part of Italy, so standard EU travel rules apply.

EU/EEA travellers

• ID card or passport

• Pets require microchip + EU Pet Passport + valid rabies vaccination

Motorhome Requirements

• Warning triangle

• Reflective vest

• Headlights recommended at all times

• Insurance & registration documents

There are no vignettes; only ferries must be paid.

Driving in Sardinia is scenic and enjoyable, but also challenging on smaller coastal and mountain roads.

Road Conditions

• Main roads → good, modern, easy to drive

• Mountain/coastal roads → narrow, winding, steep

• Old towns → extremely tight streets (avoid entering!)

• Many beaches → dirt roads, sometimes rutted

Speed Limits

• Urban: 50 km/h

• Rural roads: 90 km/h

• Fast roads: 110 km/h

5.1 Campsites (around 200 island-wide)

Sardinian campsites are famous for:

• stunning beachfront locations

• pine forests providing natural shade

• excellent swimming opportunities

• restaurants, beach bars, small shops

• modern facilities, clean showers

• family-friendly design

Important:

Most campsites close for winter — usually from October until late April.
From November to March, only a handful remain open, mostly near Cagliari and Olbia.

Typical Prices

• Low season: €20–35

• High season: €40–70

• Premium beachfront: €80–100

5.2 Area Sosta (Official Motorhome Stopovers)

An Area di Sosta is Italy’s version of a regulated motorhome stop — and Sardinia has many of them near beaches, marinas and coastal towns.

These are ideal if you:

• travel often

• want a legal overnight stop

• need greywater/toilet disposal

• don’t require full campsite facilities

Most offer:

• fresh water

• waste disposal

• electricity

• secure parking

• proximity to towns or beaches

Prices range from €8–€25, depending on location and season.

5.3 Agricampeggio / Agriturismo Camping

This is one of the most special ways to camp in Sardinia.

Agricamping sites are located on:

• olive farms

• vineyards

• sheep farms

• rural estates

Expect:

• peaceful, natural settings

• homemade food (cheese, wine, olive oil)

• basic but clean facilities

• warm hospitality

Prices: €15–€30

Perfect for travellers who want authentic culture and quiet nights under the stars.

5.4 Wild Camping in Sardinia

Wild camping is officially prohibited year-round, especially in:

• national parks

• beaches and dune areas

• protected coastlines

Summer: Strictly controlled.

Winter (November–March):
The island is nearly empty; many car parks and remote coastal areas are unused. Many travellers report that:

• quiet, discreet overnight stays

• far from towns

• in rural or remote areas

…are often tolerated.

But:

• NO tables, chairs, awnings

• Only 1-2 nights

• leave no trace

Water & Waste

Sardinia offers a dense network of water points and disposal facilities, making it simple to stay self-sufficient while traveling around the island.

You’ll find fresh water taps in almost every village, usually located:

• near small public squares

• beside local churches

• next to sports fields

• at municipal fountains (“fontane”)

Gas

Sardinia uses Italian gas bottles:

• foreign bottles usually cannot be exchanged

• LPG stations exist but can be sparse inland

For longer stays: Buy an Italian gas bottle + regulator.

Groceries

Supermarkets are widespread and well stocked:

• Conad

• Coop

• Eurospin

• MD

• Carrefour

Local markets offer:

• pecorino cheese

• fresh seafood

• pane carasau

• vegetables, herbs, honey

• Sardinian wines (Cannonau, Vermentino)

Internet

Mobile network is good along the coast; mountain areas can be patchy. Italian SIM cards offer cheap data plans (TIM, Vodafone, Iliad).

Sardinia is slightly more expensive than mainland Italy, especially in coastal resorts.

Typical Costs

• Campsites: €20–70

• Sosta: €8–25

• Diesel: EU average

• Groceries: moderate

• Restaurant: 15-40€ per person

• Ferries: €150–500+ return (depending on vehicle size & season)

Money-saving tips

• Travel in May, June or September

• Prefer inland agriturismo camping

Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. These are among the best accessible (or near-accessible) by motorhome:

North & Northeast (Costa Smeralda & Gallura)

• La Cinta (San Teodoro) – long Caribbean-like beach

• Capo Testa – granite formations, hidden bays

• Spiaggia del Principe – iconic Costa Smeralda cove

East Coast

• Cala Gonone Region – rocky bays, turquoise water

• Cala Liberotto – excellent for families

South

• Chia – dunes, flamingos, turquoise bays

• Costa Rei – endless white-sand beaches

West Coast

• Is Arutas – quartz sand

• Bosa Marina – colourful town + easy access

Sardinia is a dream for a camping trip: crystal-clear seas, dramatic landscapes, excellent food and endless freedom. With careful planning - especially regarding ferries and seasonal campsite closures - you’ll find a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and Mediterranean magic.

Whether you camp by the sea, on a vineyard, or next to ancient olive groves, Sardinia will reward you with some of the most unforgettable moments of your road-travel life.