What is Camping in Sardinia like?
After camping throughout Australia and New Zealand, we were excited about our camping road trip in Sardinia. We are huge lovers of affordable travel and the outdoors. Therefore, Sardinia is the perfect destination for us, and it is just more special that Nico is from the island, which means that we can share our insider tips with you.
Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean, full of beautiful beaches, historic sites, unspoiled nature, and world-class hiking. It is the second-largest island in Italy after Sicily and the perfect camping destination, catering for families, budget travellers, and anyone after an adventure. You will be able to decide what campsite is right for you, based on your preferences of the destination, the facilities, and activities.
How do I get to Sardinia?
There are three airports on the island if you plan on getting to Sardinia by plane. Once you arrive, you will have to rent your vehicle on the island to get around for camping in Sardinia.
Cagliari (CAG)
Alghero-Fertilia (AHO)
Olbia-Costa Smeralda (OLB)
You can also access Sardinia by ferry if you want to bring your car. You can access the ferry from Corsica or Genoa or Livorno on mainland Italy or Palermo in Sicily. From here, you can access one of the following ports Porto Torres in the North, Olbia in the Northeast, Golfo Aranci in the Northeast, and Cagliari in the South.
When is the best time to camp in Sardinia?
The summer months of July and August are the busiest in the Sardinia calendar. These are also the hottest months, and therefore, if you can camp in the shoulder season May – June and September – October, these months would be ideal camping conditions. However, we camped in July and were comfortable, and we wore layers in the mountains near Gorropu because we were cold at night. Camping in Sardinia is impressive, though – any time of the year!
How much does it cost to camp in Sardinia?
You can budget camp in Sardinia, so there is no need to break the law and wild camp. The cheapest we found was €10 per person, but more family ‘resort’ styles have better facilities and kids’ clubs at higher prices. The price also depends on the month you go, with the highest prices for camping in Sardinia in August.
Travel Tips for Camping in Sardinia
- If you go to the mountains in central Sardinia, make sure you bring warm clothes and layers, even in summer.
- Remember to ask your friends and family these campfire questions to keep you entertained on your outdoor trip. They always go down a treat!
- Bring a toilet roll with you. Although it is in most campsites, it is not in all of them – you do not want to find yourself in a sticky situation.
- Remember to bring a perfect outdoor chair with you for a more comfortable experience.
- Call the camps in advance to check they have availability, especially in summer, because they get booked up quickly. (June- August).
- Some campsites are not open in winter and usually open between May and October.
- Many people download CaraMaps and Park4Night that show places to camp for the night. Just be mindful that the wild camping suggested destinations are illegal.
The 9 Best Campsites for Camping in Sardinia
Camping Maddalena
Location: La Maddalena Island.
€10 a night each for a tent. The price varies month by month, so check their website below for up-to-date pricing.
Perfect: for exploring La Maddalena and for exploring Caprera as it is located close to the bridge.
Camping Maddalena was one of our favourite campsites because they offered so much. There was a restaurant, free washing machines, outdoor showers, and it was surrounded by pine trees. This meant that there was plenty of shade for everyone, welcomed in the summer heat. There is also the option to stay in a bungalow, a chalet and a tukul and for campers, there is optional electricity.
Good to know: bring hammocks because there is lots of space available, perfect to relax after a day of relaxing on the beach.
Bar Su Porteddu Parcheggio
Location: next to the entrance of Cala Goloritze in Central East Sardinia.
Tents cost €8 per person.
Perfect for those who want to hike to Cala Goloritze.
Bar Su Porteddu Parcheggio has only two toilets at this campsite, but it is right at the entrance to one of the most incredible beaches in the world. If you want to be one of the first at the beach, you need to camp here – the spot is ideal, and the mountain-crisp air is inviting. There is a bar with charging places(if you ask nicely), and they serve food, beer, and coffee in the morning before the hike.
Good to know: after the steep hill, be careful of the donkeys and the cows on the road to the campsite, they love people and may approach your car or van! For some reason, Google Maps does not take you to this spot, so watch the directions and look out for the signs carefully.
Areas Salinas
Location: Urzulei inland Central Sardinia.
€10 per person ( for tents).
Perfect for those wanting to hike Gorropu.
Only open in summer – ring in advance.
This campsite is great for motorhomes, vans, and tents because of the flat surfaces. It is near one of the most beautiful roads in Sardinia. There is an unsealed road to reach it, but it is in good condition and is not far from the main road. The views are spectacular as mountains surround you – it is truly unreal.
The facilities are necessary but have everything you will need for a short stay, including a fridge, many toilets, and powerful showers. There is an inside ‘small house’ where you can eat if it is cold – which it was for us in the evenings (in summer). The local who took care of us was hospitable and drove us to the beginning of the Gorropu hike the next morning. A real Sardinian going out of his way to help and be accommodating.
Good to know: the campsite sign is small, so be careful not to miss it – as we did. Luckily there was somewhere to turn round close by.
Camping Village Tavolara
Location: North East Sardinia
€34 for two people a night (tents).
Perfect for those who want to visit Cala Brandinchi.
Camping Village Tavolara is a family-friendly campsite and has facilities galore. For example, tennis courts, restaurants, and activities and entertainment for kids. We stayed only one night, but we could see why people usually last longer, as there are also bungalows. What we enjoyed the most was the privacy of this campsite. The spots for the tents were secluded as bushes surrounded them. The staff were so helpful and kind at this campsite and went out of their way to help us. This campsite is located just 13km from Olbia airport, so if you are landing there, this should be your first stop.
It is located only 500m from the white beach of Porto Taverna, and they offer buses to Cala Brandinchi, which is useful because the parking at this beach in the summer is expensive.
Paradise Park
Location: Alghero
You pay for space at this campsite, so it ended up being €23 in July. The price is €30 per pitch in August (May and June are €18 and €20 respectively).
Perfect for those wanting to explore Alghero and Neptune’s Grotto.
Paradise Park is only a 12-minute drive from the centre of Alghero and is divided into different sections with private spaces. The campsite has showers, but you have to pay 50C for warm water for a 3-minute shower. There is a pizzeria restaurant, beach access to Le Bombarde, and portable water. It took us a while to locate the bins, but they were at the entrance.
Good to know: there is a bus that goes into Alghero from right outside the campsite, which is handy. They also have free shuttle buses to the supermarket and local beaches.
S’Abba Druche
Location: near Bosa
€20 per tent a night
Perfect for those exploring Bosa.
S’Abba Druche has many excellent facilities, including a cafe, restaurant, a pizzeria, a disco area, and entertainment such as canoe hire. It has a beautiful location right next to a family-friendly beach surrounded by greenery – many trees and flowers. We had a spot for our tent looking out over the sea – which was terrific. You have to park your car away from the tent. There are about 100 pitches with some electricity connections.
Good to know: you have to buy tokens for the shower at the reception for €1, and the reception was located quite far away from where we camped, so do not forget to get some when you check-in.
Dorgali Farmhouse Agripaules
Location: between Galtelli and Dorgali
Perfect if you are on your way to Nuoro, Mamoiada, and Orgosolo
Surrounded by nature, Dorgali Farmhouse is only 20-minutes from Orosei and Cala Gonone by car. It has both rooms and pitches for your tent. The campsite is like a farm. They cook traditional Sardinian food (vegetarian too) and organise excursions trekking with donkeys in the Sardinian countryside.
Good to know: this campsite is open all year round because they have olive trees for the summer shade and a cosy indoor heated room for winter evenings.
Petra Di Cossu
Location: Near Santa Teresa Di Gallura
€15 per pitch per night in low season and €30 per pitch per night in high season (tents).
Perfect for exploring Santa Teresa Di Gallura or if you have just come from Corsica.
There are many options available at Petra Di Cossu, including camping, B & B, and studio flats. They offer many services, such as sports activities at their centre in Vignola, such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. Also, if you request it, they will organise dinners and BBQs for guests.
Good to know: you can book online on their website if you scroll to the bottom of the site.
Agricamping Il Ruscello
Location: in Sant’Anna Arresi in South Sardinia
€21 at night
Perfect if you want to visit Porto Pino and the area of Sant’Anna Arresi
The campsite is in a beautiful and peaceful location and has lots of space and clean toilets. There is a restaurant, free parking and a place to have a picnic. The host is friendly and will welcome you into nature, and you will be able to relax fully. The campsite is close to Le Dune Beach and Spiaggia Porto Pino and Porto Pino. Pets are allowed, but you will need to call in advance to confirm this. Many people that go to this campsite enjoy exploring the historical site of Menhir Luxia Arrabiosa (8.7 miles).
Good to know: there is not a website for this campsite. Please call +393407788952 to book!
FAQ about Camping in Sardinia
Can you wild camp in Sardinia?
No, you cannot wild camp in Sardinia. It is illegal due to the threat of forest fires. We have seen blogs that promote this, and we believe they should not be promoting something that can damage the environment and cause problems for the local people. Wild camping is forbidden, and this applies to tents, campers, and motorhomes.
Is Sardinia cheap or expensive?
A lot of the activities you can enjoy in Sardinia are outside, such as hikes and beaches. We do not feel that any tours, such as Barumini or the Mask Museum in Mamoiada, are expensive. However, car hire and accommodation can be pricey, and you should book these in advance if you are looking to save money. Like everywhere, it comes down to travel habits, and if you are on a strict budget, camping in Sardinia is a great idea.
Which is better: North or South Sardinia?
Is this a trick question? We love both North and South Sardinia. Nico is from the South, and his favourite places include Cala Goloritze and Cala Luna. Rachel fell deeply in love with La Maddalena, so we have not quite decided. Read our two posts below to make up your mind:
How long should I stay in Sardinia?
We believe that for a camping road trip in Sardinia, you need at least a week. You can cover either the North, the South, or the wild inland in a week. It depends on what you want to see and how much time you have. We recommend at least a week to appreciate the beauty of this island.
Can I camp in my van or do I need a tent?
We saw plenty of vans, campers, motorhomes, and rooftop tents on our road trip through the island. We believe that you can easily camp in your van and you do not need a tent when you are camping in Sardinia.
Please note: we are not associated or affiliated with any of the campsites on this list. Our recommendations are based on our experience and research.
Are you excited to camp in Sardinia? These campsites we have listed have it all, from world-class hikes to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. You cannot go wrong with camping in Sardinia, and we hope you enjoyed our insider tips. Start to imagine your next trip – camping in Sardinia.
Have you ever been to Sardinia? Where is your favourite place to camp in Sardinia?
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
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