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What can you experience on a Sardinia road trip? A whole lot! To help you plan your Sardinia tour, we'll show you the most beautiful stops and give you plenty of tips along the way. Let's go!

Sardinia is a real highlight for all travel lovers. Many parts of the island look like the Caribbean: turquoise sea, crystal-clear water, and white sandy beaches. The only thing missing are lush green palm trees.

It's the perfect place for a road trip in a campervan. The only question is where along the 2000-kilometer coastline it's worth stopping.

Sardinia Road Trip: The Most Beautiful Stops

It's spring, and after a long winter, we're all longing for inviting temperatures and sunny weather. Sardinia is the perfect travel destination for a spring road trip.

Our Itinerary:

1. Klagenfurt
2. Livorno
3. Olbia
4. Costa Smeralda
5. La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
6. Porto Pollo
7. Isola Rossa
8. Castelsardo
9. Stintino
10. Capo Caccia
11. Alghero
12. Bosa
13. Cagliari
14. Lago di Mulargia
15. Gennargentu National Park

Klagenfurt

Your Sardinia road trip with a campervan begins at the myvanture Klagenfurt location. On the first day, you'll head straight to Livorno, Italy, to catch the ferry. Depending on how long your journey is, you can make a stop in Florence and Pisa on the way to Livorno.

Livorno Port

From Livorno, the ferry will take you from the Italian mainland to Olbia in Sardinia. You can either take the night crossing, which starts at 10 PM and takes about 8 hours, or you can travel during the day. We recommend the night crossing so you can start your day refreshed with coffee and breakfast.

If you're planning a campervan trip to Sardinia, it's important to book your ferry in advance. You'll also need to specify how many passengers and pets are traveling with you. Additionally, you'll need to provide the dimensions of your campervan.

After that, you can choose your accommodation on the ferry. You have the option of deck passage, reclining seat, double cabin, or 4-bed cabin. For a VW California Beach, a one-way trip for two people would cost approximately 230 EUR.

Olbia

Olbia is considered the gateway to Sardinia and one of its most important port cities. But don't let the simplicity of this city fool you. The city is characterized by many small, winding alleys with colorful house facades that invite you to stroll.

Corso Umberto is the busiest street in the city. Here you'll find a variety of regional and international shops, cozy cafes and bars, and great restaurants.

With an aperitif in hand and a platter of cured meats and cheeses on the table, you can spend hours watching the lively hustle and bustle and the people passing by. Therefore, "Dolce Vita" in Olbia is practically part of the sightseeing program.

The shopping street Viale Aldo Moro also has a lot to offer.

Olbia's old city wall, the Roman aqueduct, and the archaeological museum offer history buffs an afternoon of exploration. Those looking for breathtaking beauty will not be disappointed by the Basilica di San Simplicio or Villa Tamponi.

You don't need a car here. You can easily reach everything in the city center on foot.

Costa Smeralda

If you have time, we recommend a stop at the Costa Smeralda on your Sardinia road trip. The Costa Smeralda is one of the most famous regions of the island and is known for its large yachts and high society.

On the promenade, clubs and bars party until the early hours of the morning.

But it's not just high society that meets here; the coast with its dream beaches and fairytale towns can be easily explored by campervan.

The most beautiful beaches are Rena Bianca, Grande Pevero, and Liscia Ruja. But you can not only sunbathe on the beach but also explore the area. The mountain village of San Pantaleo is 20 minutes from Porto Cervo and is very beautiful. From there, you can go on great hikes and mountain tours.

La Maddalena Archipelago National Park

Nature lovers should make a detour to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. This beautiful archipelago is the perfect place for a nature excursion, offering stunning beaches and incredible views.

It's also called the "Seychelles of the Mediterranean."

Spend two or three nights here and circle the island with your campervan. You'll discover breathtaking places, coves, and beaches.

If you drive over the bridge to Caprera Island, you can hike to Cala Tahiti.

Porto Pollo

If you're looking for an active holiday, you shouldn't miss Porto Pollo on your Sardinia road trip. This place is known for its emerald green sea with clear water and white sandy beaches.

Porto Pollo is excellent for surfing and windsurfing or simply for enjoying one of the many water sports offered here. Visit the MB ProCenter for this.

If you prefer something a bit more relaxed, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Turkish coast during a stroll along the promenade.

Near Porto Pollo, there are several campsites such as Seagull Island and Camping Acapulco.

Isola Rossa

On the way to Castelsardo, you'll find the village of Isola Rossa. You should definitely plan a stop here. Plenty of fantastic beaches and coves await you.

Longa Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The white sand, crystal-clear water, and gently sloping shore make it an ideal spot for families with children. You can also go diving or rent a canoe or pedal boat to explore the area further.

Surfers also love to come here. An international surf contest takes place in this area every year.

Hilltop Town of Castelsardo

On your Sardinia road trip, you shouldn't miss the hilltop town of Castelsardo. You won't experience more Italian and rustic flair anywhere else.

Especially the castle with its winding alleys, magnificent viewpoints, and the Basket Weaving Museum is a must-see for every visitor. You're sure to meet some older ladies in town who make and sell their small baskets on the street.

The town of Castelsardo offers a unique blend of natural beauty, tourism, customs, and charming sights.

Caution: The old town is car-free! Park at the foot of the hill and continue on foot.

Stintino

With your rented campervan, you can continue to Stintino. This fishing village, nestled between two inlets on the headland in the Gulf of Asinara, captivates primarily with its fantastic beaches.

The crystal-clear, turquoise water and the picture-perfect white beach of La Pelosa immediately give you the impression of being somewhere in the Caribbean. The peninsula, by the way, was largely uninhabited until about 150 years ago.

Since 1999, you can explore the national park with excursion boats from Stintino or Porto Torres. Simply amazing! We also saw many kite surfers in the water here, performing daring stunts above the water.

On-site, you'll find many accommodations and holiday settlements that extend into the hinterland. Stintino, however, is quieter and very relaxing. Only during holidays and peak season can the many cars be a bit annoying, as we were told. Apparently, 30,000 to 40,000 tourists come to the peninsula every year. During the off-season, it was quite empty when we visited.

Capo Caccia

You shouldn't miss the "Capo Caccia" limestone cliffs, reaching a height of approximately 168 meters, on your Sardinia road trip. They are located north of Alghero and are truly impressive. Here you can hike, swim, and visit the famous Neptune's Grotto.

Alghero

Alghero, located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, is a medieval city that should not be missed on any trip to the island. It's easily accessible by campervan.

The main attraction is the picturesque medieval city center with its remarkable buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the 14th-century Church of San Francesco, and the Guillot Palace.

You'll find many squares lined with cafes and numerous restaurants. At Ristorante Mabrouk and Al Vecchio Mulino, you can try authentic local specialties.

Bosa

The beautiful coastal road along the cliffs between Alghero and Bosa is one of Sardinia's most spectacular panoramic roads and an absolute must-see on a road trip around the island.

Bosa itself is a picturesque small town nestled into the Mediterranean landscape. The town isn't a tourist hotspot and shows Sardinia at its most authentic.

In the morning, it feels as if time has stood still. But gradually, you can observe life slowly returning. The colorful houses, lined up next to each other, give the old town a very special flair.

Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia. We know you've already seen and experienced a lot, but trust us: a visit to the old town is worth it! A longer stop and an extended city stroll are definitely worthwhile here.

There are also plenty of parking options for campervans in the city. Just 10 minutes from all main roads, you'll find "Camper Cagliari Park." Here you can park for 24 hours and even stay overnight.

Lago di Mulargia

The drive to Lago di Mulargia takes about an hour from Cagliari, along a narrow road. The landscape changes dramatically: the lush greenery gradually gives way.

Whether winding roads or varied terrain – a bike tour around Lake Mulargia is an unforgettable experience. The landscape here is perfect for cycling. You'll find a bike rental right on the lakeshore.

Rent one of the bikes and explore this beautiful area.

Gennargentu National Park

Plan to include Gennargentu National Park on your Sardinia road trip. Gennargentu National Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers who want to experience everything in one place.

The area of this beautiful park encompasses both alpine and Mediterranean conditions, making it an ideal location with diverse wildlife and flora (including orchids, lilies, cyclamen).

You'll also find high mountains here that offer incredible views. In the nature park, you can spot wild sheep, mammals, and even golden eagles.

Journey Home

Before heading home and spending your last day in the port city of Olbia, you should visit the "Corso Umberto" shopping street. Here you'll find numerous shopping opportunities and can indulge in culinary delights once more.

The fastest way back to Austria: From the island to the Italian mainland by ferry, and then directly to Austria via the motorway.

When is the best time for a Sardinia road trip?

Sardinia is a fantastic holiday destination all year round. Even in winter, when average daytime temperatures are around 15°C and the sun shines 5 hours a day, Sardinia is a wonderful place to visit. This way, you can escape the cold weather.

From May to October, Sardinia offers excellent swimming weather, although it can be extremely hot and particularly crowded on the island in July and August. As Italians start their summer holidays from early June, Sardinia is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination.

The best time for a Sardinia road trip is during the off-season. So, May, mid-September, and October.

How long does it take to drive around Sardinia?

To travel the coast of Sardinia and see all the beautiful beaches at a relaxed pace, you should plan 2-3 weeks. However, you can also explore Sardinia in stages, focusing on the north, northwest, northeast, or south individually.

What's the best way to get there?

If you want to take a ferry from the European mainland to Sardinia, departures from Genoa or Livorno in Italy are the best options. The crossing usually takes 5-8 hours.

Conclusion: Sardinia Road Trip

A trip to Sardinia is suitable for active holidays, as well as cultural and culinary journeys. You'll definitely get your money's worth and return with many experiences and impressions. There are a variety of campsites and parking options (even in cities) on the island. Before you go wild camping, you should definitely inform yourself about it. Sardinians care about their environment and might not be pleased about unwanted visitors on their land.