Camping in Sardinia – Discover the Caribbean of Europe

Sardinia is located in the Mediterranean Sea, about twelve kilometers south of the French island of Corsica. It is the second-largest island in Italy, after Sicily. Sunseekers will definitely enjoy it here, as summers are warm and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. If that sounds too hot for you and you’re not tied to the peak season, consider visiting Sardinia in spring or autumn.

Different from Italy

Sardinia has a rich culture that is indeed different from mainland Italy. The island has its own traditions and even its own language: Sardinian. The locals are proud of their heritage, which is reflected in the colorful villages, traditional clothing, and festivals. Of course, you can indulge in the typical Italian pizzas and pastas, but be sure to try the local specialties porceddu (roast pig) and seadas (cheese dessert with honey).

Caribbean of Europe

Thanks to its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Sardinia has earned the nickname ‘Caribbean of Europe.’ Can you already imagine yourself floating on a lilo?

Tired of lounging? Put on some sturdy shoes and head to the Gennargentu National Park in the interior. Here, you can go on beautiful hikes. The same goes for the Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara. This uninhabited island – which can only be reached by boat from Stintino – is perfect for exploring on foot.

See and do in Sardinia

There’s so much to experience in Sardinia that it’s impossible to list all the highlights in this article. But if we had to recommend a few excursions, these five would be top of the list.

• Costa Smeralda
  The ‘Emerald Coast’, located between the Golfo di Arzachena and the Golfo di Cugnana, is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and luxury resorts. The coast is particularly popular for its glamour and exclusivity, but it’s also just incredibly beautiful. Places like Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are favorite destinations.
• Alghero
  Perhaps the most beautiful city in Sardinia. Alghero has a stunning historic center surrounded by old sea walls. Stroll through the cobbled streets filled with artisanal shops and visit the Chiesa di San Michele with its colorful dome.
• Grotta di Nettuno
  Near Alghero, you’ll find Neptune’s Grotto, one of the island’s most beautiful limestone caves. You can reach it by boat or car. If you choose the latter, be prepared for the 656-step staircase you’ll have to descend (and later climb back up).
• La Maddalena Archipelago
  Martine van Os already mentioned in an interview how impressed she was by this group of islands to the north of Sardinia. The archipelago consists of seven larger islands and around 55 smaller ones. La Maddalena is the main island, and you can reach it by boat from Palau.
• Su Nuraxi di Barumini
  You’ll find Nuraghi, mysterious stone structures, in many places across Sardinia. These are unique to the island. The Su Nuraxi di Barumini, located between Cagliari and Oristano, are the most famous. The complex consists of round towers shaped like truncated cones, built from hewn stone.

How to get to Sardinia?

Since Sardinia is an island, you have two options: by ferry or by plane. If you’re going camping in Sardinia, the latter is probably not an option. So, the ferry remains your best choice. Several companies operate ferries to Sardinia, with Corsica Ferries and Moby Lines being some of the most well-known. The shortest crossing is from Livorno on the Italian mainland to Olbia, which takes about 7.5 hours.