Camper vacation in Sardinia: exploring the Italian island on 4 wheels
Camp your way across Sardinia!
Being the second-largest island across the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia boasts breathtaking beaches, vibrant holiday resorts and tons of hidden gems to unearth. What’s the best way to explore Sardinia? By camper, of course!
Make your Italian fantasy come true and plan a camper vacation in Sardinia on Ferryhopper. Find the best travel tips, book your ferry tickets online and visit this one-of-a-kind Italian island hassle-free!
Below, you can find detailed information about:
- How to get to Sardinia by ferry
- Bringing along a camper/caravan on the ferry to Sardinia
- Camper vacation in Sardinia: locations to tips
Stunning aerial view of Olbia and its coast in Sardinia
Traveling to Sardinia by ferry: ports and connections
First and foremost, let’s see how you can reach Sardinia by ferry. Connections to the island are usually operated year-round and allow you to bring along your vehicle, including campers and caravans!
From mainland Italy, you can travel to Sardinia from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples (Porta di Massa), Savona, Piombino, and Livorno. There are also ferry crossings between Palermo in Sicily and Sardinia, connecting the two largest Mediterranean islands easily and conveniently.
But wait, there’s more. It is also possible to travel to Sardinia by ferry from Spain (Barcelona) and France (Toulon and Nice). There are also ferry connections between 3 ports in Corsica (Bastia, Bonifacio and Ajaccio) in France and Sardinia.
As for your port of arrival, the 2000-km-long coastline of Sardinia is home to 6 major ports: Cagliari, Arbatax, Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres, and Santa Teresa Gallura. Most of them are located in the northern and eastern parts of the island.
Important: when it comes to international ferry routes to Sardinia, ferry availability and frequency depend on the season. There are a lot of indirect routes as well, with Genoa as an intermediate stop, usually.
The coastal area of Capo Testa in Santa Teresa Gallura
Campers and caravans on the ferry to Sardinia
Normally, ferries to Sardinia are operated by the following companies: Grimaldi Lines, Moby Lines, Tirrenia, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), Corsica Ferries, and Ichnusa Lines.
As the connections are served primarily by conventional ferries, you can travel with your camper to Sardinia regardless of the operator. When booking ferry tickets on Ferryhopper, you can choose among different types of vehicle tickets, depending on the size of your motorhome.
Certain companies, like Tirrenia and Moby Lines, include promotional offers for travelers with campers which allows them to stay inside their vehicle. Make sure to book yours early enough, since availability might be limited. Alternatively, you can leave your vehicle in the garage space and opt for a cabin!
As most ports of departure get rather busy, especially in the high season months, make sure to arrive with your vehicle well in advance (at least 1 hour 30 minutes before your departure). Similarly, when it comes to disembarkation, head to your vehicle as soon as possible and follow the crew’s directions.
The busy and vibrant port of Cagliari
Where to go for camper holidays in Sardinia
Once you arrive with your camper in Sardinia by ferry, a mesmerizing world of outdoor activities and nature exploration unfolds before you! Let’s take a look at some of the best camper locations and travel tips.
Campsites in Sardinia
Most campsites in Sardinia are located close to the sea, offering breathtaking views and allowing you to easily try out water sports and other adrenaline-pumping activities. The team of Ferryhopper suggests the following Sardinian campsites:
- La Foce Village & Camping: it is located in Valledoria, between the Sardinian ports of Porto Torres and Santa Teresa Gallura. Here, you can find modern amenities, convenient prices and lots of opportunities for water sports.
- Camping Villaggio L' Ultima Spiaggia: situated on the west coast of Sardinia, close to the port of Arbatax, this idyllic campsite offers different types of accommodation packages to choose from.
- Camping Village Capo d’Orso: found in a heavenly spot close to the small port of Palau, this campsite allows you to try out additional activities, including mountain biking.
- Camping Cala Ginepro: this is a great option for family-friendly camper holidays in Sardinia. It is located between the ports of Olbia and Arbatax.
Tips for camper excursions in Sardinia
Here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind for your camper journey across Sardinia:
- If you don’t have a camper but traveling across Sardinia by motorhome excites you, don’t worry! You can find several rental services close to most ports of arrival.
- As wild camping is forbidden in Sardinia, campers must always be parked in designated areas/campsites.
- In the summer, many travelers are interested in Sardinian camper holidays. As such, you may need to book your accommodation early in advance.
- Most campsites are located close to Arbatax and Santa Teresa Gallura. While there are plenty of options scattered across the Sardinian coastline, finding accommodation close to one of the island’s major ports is highly recommended.
- If you don't have much time to spare, check out our guide on what to do in Sardinia in 3 days! Find the activities that suit you best and plan an exciting long weekend.
Take a break from your camper and go on a boat tour!
Book ferry tickets to Sardinia online
What are you waiting for? Sardinia and its natural beauty await you. Browse all the ways to get there on our Map of ferries, compare routes, prices and companies, and plan your camper vacation in Sardinia easily and quickly!
