Have you always dreamed of an unforgettable on-the-road adventure?
Then you’re in the right place!
Today, we’re taking you to Sardinia, one of Italy’s most captivating destinations, where wild nature meets ancient traditions. This magnificent island is perfect for exploring by camper or van.
Get ready to travel scenic roads, wake up to breathtaking beaches, discover enchanting landscapes, and savor authentic local flavors.
We are Francesca & Valerio, known online as The Dreaming Road, lifelong travelers and digital nomads since 2022.
Today, we’ll be your travel companions on this adventure, so get your van ready (or rent one) and fasten your seatbelt, because we’re ready to hit the road!
Sardinia, just slightly smaller than Sicily, is Italy's second-largest island and an ideal destination for an on-the-road adventure.
With its stunning coastlines, pristine beaches, and rich culture, it’s a dream come true for any wild travel enthusiast. And the best part? Traveling by van makes it all budget-friendly!
So, how can you reach this Mediterranean paradise? And what rules do you need to know? We understand you have a lot of questions, so we've gathered all the essential information to make your easy smooth, and unforgettable.
Here’s what you need to know to kick off your journey right!
Getting to Sardinia can be done in two main ways: by plane or by ferry.
If you decide to fly, you can land at Cagliari, Olbia, or Alghero and rent a van upon arrival. However, if you already have your own van, we recommend bringing it along on a ferry for an authentic adventure experience!
Italy’s major ferry departure ports include Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Naples, with connections available from Barcelona, Spain, and several French ports like Nice, Toulon, Bastia, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio.
Upon arrival, major ports in Sardinia include Olbia, Porto Torres, and Cagliari, along with options at Golfo Aranci and Arbatax.
Leading ferry operators on these routes include Tirrenia, Moby, and Grimaldi Lines.
Let us tell you, arriving at this incredible island by sea is an unparalleled experience, the perfect start to an adventurous journey.
The cost of transporting a van to Sardinia varies depending on the ferry company, the season, the size of the van, and other factors.
Generally, prices start around 100 euros, but they can increase significantly during peak season. We recommend researching and booking well in advance to secure the best rates.
Sleeping in your van on the ferry: is it possible or do you need a cabin?
This is a common question and the answer depends on the ferry company you choose. Be sure to check beforehand to avoid surprises at boarding time!
Exploring Sardinia by van offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
It allows you to enjoy breathtaking views, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create unforgettable moments of freedom.
However, before you hit the road, it’s crucial to understand some key aspects to make the most of your Sardinian adventure. Here are the most important pieces of information you need to know.
Before you hit the road, here’s everything you need to ensure an enriching Sardinian adventure.
Sardinia has plenty of equipped areas and parking spots where you can park your van.
We usually use the Park4Night app to find these spots. This app lists thousands of parking areas, rest stops, campsites, and off-road areas across Europe, including Sardinia.
You can filter searches based on your needs and other travelers' reviews, making it a must-have for any digital nomad or road trip lover.
However, there's one important thing you need to know: camping outside of designated campsites is not allowed anywhere on the island. This means you can't set up tables and chairs outside your van.
You can park in designated parking areas or rest stops for campers, but no camping is permitted.
It's really important to respect the places you visit, their rules, and the surrounding nature while traveling.
If you have the time, we highly recommend experiencing Sardinia to the fullest by exploring it from end to end, just like we did.
However, if you’re short on time, you can choose which coast to explore and which must-see spots to hit. Below, you’ll find our tips organized by the north/east coast, the south, and the west coast.
Our island tour started from Porto Torres. Since we arrived in the off-season (mid-April), we decided to travel clockwise around the island to avoid the crowds that flock to the Costa Smeralda during peak season.
Your first must-see stop is Stintino. La Pelosa beach is famous for its white sand and turquoise waters.
During high season (June 1 to October 31), access to the beach is by reservation only, with a cap of 1,500 visitors per day.
To ensure you don’t miss this stunning beach, we recommend booking your spot in advance. While the reservation is unfortunately not free, the cost is quite reasonable at just €3.5 per person.
From Stintino or Porto Torres, you can take a ferry to the Asinara National Park and the Maddalena Archipelago. There, you'll find breathtaking beaches surrounded by wild nature.
Our favorite beach was Cala Coticcio, also known as "Little Tahiti." Its stunning colors were a real challenge for our phone's memory!
Heading down the east coast, you’ll find yourself in the luxurious Costa Smeralda. Even if you don’t have a mega yacht, you can still enjoy beautiful beaches like Liscia Ruja and Capriccioli.
There are many places and small towns to visit along this coast. Our advice is to choose your stops based on your interests, or better yet, visit them all!
Further south, don’t miss San Teodoro. Spend your morning at Cala Brandinchi and then move to La Cinta in the afternoon. Here, you can enjoy a nice drink on a beautiful stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Continuing south, make sure to stop at Cala Gonone.
We left our hearts here!
It's one of the most charming towns in the area, with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants, perfect for a lovely evening after a day at the beach.
From here, don't miss a boat excursion to the Grotte del Bue Marino and the stunning coves along the gulf.
Cala Mariolu (voted the second most beautiful beach in the world and the best in Europe in 2024) and Cala Goloritzé are two of the most beautiful beaches we've ever seen.
The boat trip costs around €50 per person, but it’s absolutely worth it!
Think the northeast of Sardinia is the only area with stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes?
Think again!
Before reaching Cagliari, there are plenty of beautiful beaches and charming spots to explore.
We personally fell in love with the Villasimius area. Its scenic roads, enchanting landscapes, and numerous hidden coves make it ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Finally, we arrive in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia.
Park your van and take a stroll through the historic center. Don’t miss the Bastione di Saint Remy and the San Benedetto market.
From here, head southwest to discover spectacular beaches like Chia and Tuerredda. The crystal-clear waters will take your breath away.
The western coast of Sardinia is truly captivating, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from crystal-clear seas to rugged cliffs, and from quaint fishing villages to historically rich cities, all framed by spectacular sunsets.
The island of Sant’Antioco stole our hearts. Here, we discovered what we believe to be the best spot in all of Sardinia!
Take a look for yourself in this photo.
Continuing along the lush green coast, a less touristy but equally charming area, you must not miss Buggerru, with its San Nicolò beach and the dunes of Piscinas—a true must-see.
Midway between the green coast and Alghero, there are two beaches that completely amazed us.
We're talking about Corríghias, where you can comfortably spend the night for free, and Is Arutas, known as the rice grain beach—a place every photographer dreams of visiting!
We conclude our tour in Alghero, on the Coral Riviera. Here, you’ll experience a unique Catalan atmosphere. Take a stroll along the ancient walls and savor a Sardinian paella.
Don’t forget to visit Neptune's Grotto, accessible by boat or a staircase of 654 steps. Nearby, the beaches of Maria Pia and Mugoni are perfect for relaxation.
Sardinia is a paradise for those who love life on the road.
With your van, you can roam freely and discover every hidden gem this magnificent island has to offer.
Plan your route, pack up your van, and embark on a journey to uncover the beauty of Sardinia.
That's all for today—until the next adventure!
