Traveling to Sardinia in a RV: at your own pace, on your own route
Sardinia by RV: a different coastline every morning, stopping wherever you like, no set hotels. Lonely Planet even named the island one of the best European RV destinations for 2026—and rightly so, with its winding coastal roads, hidden coves, and a growing network of official RV parks. If you want to plan it smartly, it helps to know in advance exactly how the ferry crossing, the costs, and overnight stays work. Here’s the complete, honest story.
How do you actually get there?
Sardinia is an island, so the RV goes on the ferry. The main companies that transport cars, RVs, and camper vans are Tirrenia, Moby, Grimaldi Lines, and Sardinia Ferries. They sail from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Piombino to the Sardinian ports of Olbia, Porto Torres, and Golfo Aranci.
How much does it cost?
For a motorhome around 7 meters long with two people, expect to pay about €300–350 round-trip outside the high season. In July and August, that same crossing can cost as much as €600–900 or more —so it pays to book early and, whenever possible, travel outside the busiest weeks.
A few factors that affect the price:
Length of your vehicle — companies are often quite strict about this; even a few centimeters more can put you in a different price category
Season and exact dates — even during peak season, weekly rates vary
"Camping on board" — some companies offer the option of simply spending the night in your own RV during the overnight crossing instead of booking a cabin, which can save you money
Important to know: These amounts are estimates based on previous seasons. Always check the exact price directly with the airline for your travel dates, as rates can change from year to year and even from week to week.
Staying Overnight: The Rules Are More Complex Than You Might Think
This can sometimes lead to confusion, so it’s better to be honest and nuanced than to simply say “allowed” or “not allowed”:
Spending the night for free in a regular parking lot (where cars are allowed to park) is often tolerated in practice—but it is not a hard-and-fast rule that applies everywhere. It depends on local regulations and signage.
Wild camping in nature is officially permitted only with the landowner's permission.
Enforcement varies greatly depending on the season. Outside of peak season, the rules are generally applied leniently. In July and August, however—especially along the coast—enforcement is strict; some municipalities explicitly prohibit overnight stays in RVs near beaches during those months.
Since rules can vary by municipality and are also subject to change, the safest approach is this: if in doubt, don’t just park anywhere—find an official parking spot instead.
Official parking areas (camper parking areas)
Sardinia has a sizeable network of these official RV sites—often cheaper than a campground, with varying amenities (sometimes water and electricity, sometimes nothing extra). This is the most predictable, hassle-free way to spend the night, especially during peak season. Many agriturismi in the interior also offer RV sites these days.
For an up-to-date overview of campsites, including reviews and amenities from other travelers, apps like Park4Night and Campercontact are the go-to sources.
Practical Tips for Traveling
Sardinian roads are often narrower and more winding than you might expect from looking at a map. Plan on an average speed of about 50 km/h, even on a route that seems short on paper. Also, watch out for occasional low tunnels, and keep in mind that larger RVs may have trouble parking in smaller villages.
When is the best time to go?
If you’re flexible, that’s exactly where a motorhome trip really pays off. Outside of peak season, you’ll pay significantly less for the ferry crossing, there’s more space at the campsites, and there’s more flexibility regarding free camping. Sardinia was even named by Lonely Planet as one of the top four European destinations for RV travelers for 2026—with the off-season being one of the reasons for that.
Insider tip: Book your ferry crossing for the high season as early as possible—not only to get a better price, but also because, with late bookings, ferry companies often no longer have space for larger vehicles, no matter how much you're willing to pay.
Are you unsure about the best route or time of year for your RV trip through southern Sardinia? I’d be happy to help you figure it out.