Start planning

Public travel plan

A Two-Week Family Campervan Food-and-Coast Road Trip Through Sardinia

This source-faithful route follows a two-week campervan journey around Sardinia, combining beaches, free camping, campsite resets, family swimming, coastal towns, mountain scenery, archaeological sites, and a focused Sa…

14 daysUpdated 42 highlights
Open map & itinerary Create your own
Travel inspiration for A Two-Week Family Campervan Food-and-Coast Road Trip Through Sardinia

Source videos

Travel inspiration behind this plan

A Dreamy Week in Sardinia - Part 1: Beaches, Ferry and Adventure Watch on YouTube Mouthwatering Sardinian Food Tour! Watch on YouTube Incredible Summer Roadtrip in Sardinia | Part 2 Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This source-faithful route follows a two-week campervan journey around Sardinia, combining beaches, free camping, campsite resets, family swimming, coastal towns, mountain scenery, archaeological sites, and a focused Sardinian food trail. The pace is flexible but road-trip oriented: arrive early at popular beaches, especially Spiaggia del Principe and La Pelosa, and avoid the strongest afternoon heat. Carry water shoes for rocky swimming areas and sea urchins, headlamps for sunset beach walks, sun protection, shade, and swimming gear. The route includes free camping, paid campsites, ferry travel, and a campervan parking lesson: verify whether each parking sign applies to campervans, because a car-sized camper still received an approximately €87 ticket at Golfo Aranci. For beach choice, use a wind-tracking app; the creator notes that Sardinia's many coves make it possible to switch beaches when wind makes conditions uncomfortable. Allow time for campsite services such as showers, laundry, toilet dumping, battery charging, and fresh water. Food highlights to seek exactly as shown include fried calamari and shrimp, seadas, pecorino, ricotta desserts, seafood, porceddu, onion focaccia, and octopus dishes. The route is family-oriented, but Baunei's coastal hikes require proper hiking boots, a child carrier or hiking backpack, motivation, and advance reservations; this plan keeps that section observational rather than inventing an unnamed trail.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Days 1-2: Olbia, Monte Moro and Palau

Begin at Olbia after the ferry, then settle into the northeast coast. Use an early start for Spiaggia del Principe and keep the hottest hours for swimming, gelato, or supplies in Palau. A campsite near Palau provides the practical reset described in the source: beach access, showers, and a chance to recharge.

  1. Olbia Ferry TerminalOlbia Ferry Terminal, Olbia, Italy

    This is the ferry arrival point. The campervan was among the first vehicles to disembark, making an early arrival useful for securing beach parking and beginning the route before the heat.

  2. Monte MoroMonte Moro, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy

    The first overnight view was just below Monte Moro, with greenery, jagged rock formations, and a sunset suitable for drone footage. Treat this as a scenic stop rather than a named campsite, and verify local overnight-parking rules before staying.

  3. Spiaggia del PrincipeSpiaggia del Principe, Arzachena, Sardinia, Italy

    Arrive around 8:30 a.m. for a better chance of finding a small spot before Saturday crowds build. The shallow, family-friendly water was especially suited to children.

  4. PalauPalau, Sardinia, Italy

    Use this Palau base for a slower beach-and-campsite rhythm. The campsite was close to the beach and became a favorite because other travelers extended their stays; prioritize a spot early if visiting in summer.

  5. PalauPalau, Sardinia, Italy

    Walk into Palau for gelato and supermarket supplies. The town is also the departure area for boat day tours and overnight trips to nearby islands, although no specific tour is named in the source.

  6. Palau Coast Swimming AreaPalau, Sardinia, Italy

    Use this stop for a calm swim among rock formations. Wear water shoes: sea urchins, shells, and other marine life were visible beneath the water, and the rocks can be difficult underfoot.

Days 3-4: Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa

Continue west along the northern coast. The source favors stopping at several beaches but acknowledges that visiting every beach would consume the entire trip. Build in a sunset-focused afternoon and carry headlamps if walking back after dark.

  1. Santa Teresa GalluraSanta Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, Italy

    Use Santa Teresa Gallura as a coastal base and viewpoint stop. The route passed through for a beautiful beach view before continuing toward Capo Testa.

  2. Capo TestaCapo Testa, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, Italy

    Explore the lollipop-shaped peninsula for beaches and archaeological sites. Midafternoon exposure is intense, with limited shade, so the source's family-friendly approach is to keep moving and save more demanding exploring for cooler hours.

  3. Capo Testa Coastal ViewpointCapo Testa, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, Italy

    The coast around Capo Testa offers repeated pull-over views of blue water, boats, bays, and dramatic rocks. Use this as a short scenic stop rather than trying to collect every beach.

  4. Capo Testa Beach WalkwayCapo Testa, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, Italy

    Follow the wooden walkway toward the beach and return with a headlamp if staying for sunset. The path had elevation changes but was laid out with steps and guardrails.

  5. Capo Testa Sunset BeachCapo Testa, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, Italy

    This was described as the favorite beach of the section, with a green-and-rocky backdrop, kayaking, and a small port. Arrive late afternoon: the parking lot was full earlier but cleared substantially by sunset.

  6. Vico'sVico's, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia, Italy

    Vico's was the named food stop in Santa Teresa Gallura. Order the fried calamari and shrimp, octopus, and the zucchini with meluccio fish; the reported total was just under €30 with water for the two dishes.

Days 5-6: Castelsardo, Porto Torres and La Pelosa

Use this western-northwestern phase to combine a town-and-castle morning with swimming. Reduce sun exposure after several hot days, and reserve La Pelosa in advance if required for your travel date.

  1. CastelsardoCastelsardo, Sardinia, Italy

    Begin with a morning visit to the town and castle view, as the source did after getting donuts. The elevated setting makes this a useful cooler-hour stop before beach time.

  2. Porto TorresPorto Torres, Sardinia, Italy

    Use Porto Torres primarily as a drive-through port town and launch point for nearby beaches. The town itself was underwhelming to the travelers, but the beaches did not disappoint.

  3. Porto Torres CoastPorto Torres, Sardinia, Italy

    The unnamed beach near Porto Torres was used for cliff jumping, including a higher jump by one of the children. Only replicate this if local conditions, access, and supervision make it safe; the source provides no exact beach name.

  4. Spiaggia La PelosaSpiaggia La Pelosa, Stintino, Sardinia, Italy

    La Pelosa was considered especially family-friendly, with relaxed swimming, free bathrooms and showers, an on-site bar, and a reported price of €3.50 per adult while children were free. Crowds were present but reservation controls helped.

  5. La Pelosa Parking AreaLa Pelosa Parking Area, Stintino, Sardinia, Italy

    Use this stop as a low-cost overnight option only where permitted. The source repeatedly used freedom camping to save money, but did not identify this exact parking location, so verify current local rules rather than assuming overnight access.

  6. StintinoStintino, Sardinia, Italy

    Plan a seafood-focused meal in this western coastal phase. The source confirms Sardinia is known for seafood but does not name a specific restaurant here; keep this as a food-oriented stop without adding an invented venue.

Days 7-8: Bosa and Cagliari

Move south from the Alghero area to Bosa, then continue toward Cagliari. This is the route's strongest culture-and-food phase, with colorful streets, an ancient necropolis, flamingos, and Sardinia's large San Benedetto Market.

  1. BosaBosa, Sardinia, Italy

    Walk the colorful riverside town and its alleyways, then look for views of the castle. The source describes Bosa as charming, bright, and easy to explore on foot.

  2. Alghero South CoastAlghero, Sardinia, Italy

    Use the coast south of Alghero as a scenic campervan transition. The source describes a free coastal camping spot and a bumpy road with an unexpectedly beautiful sunset and near-full-moon view.

  3. Necropoli di TuvixedduNecropoli di Tuvixeddu, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

    Visit this ancient cemetery for a compact history stop. The site contains rock-cut tombs dating broadly from the sixth to third centuries, although part of it was closed during the visit.

  4. Molentargius - Saline Regional ParkMolentargius - Saline Regional Park, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

    Look toward the wetlands for flamingos. The source saw a few birds near the city and more around a larger lake, in an area associated with wildlife and salt harvesting.

  5. San Benedetto MarketMercato di San Benedetto, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

    Enter through entrance two near the pescheria for seafood stalls, color-coded bread sections, fresh fish, meats, and cheeses. The source found the market better for ingredients than ready-to-eat lunch options.

  6. San Benedetto MarketMercato di San Benedetto, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

    At the market, try a seada, the fried Sardinian dessert filled with cheese and topped with honey. The source also tried ricotta custard with apricots, fried chips, honey, and orange zest.

Days 9-10: Costa Rei and Spiaggia dell'Arene

Continue southeast for a slower beach-and-food block. This is the best phase for a traditional agriturismo meal, but compare campsite prices carefully: the source found one area unusually expensive at about $100 per night, with huts around €200.

  1. Costa ReiCosta Rei, Muravera, Sardinia, Italy

    Use Costa Rei as the base for beach time and the agriturismo dinner. The source stayed near this area and found the traditional meal close enough to reach from the campsite.

  2. Spiaggia dell'AreneSpiaggia dell'Arene, Muravera, Sardinia, Italy

    The source describes a crowded, large campsite whose beach no longer matched its rice-pebble reputation. Use it for swimming and facilities, but set expectations about crowds and beach conditions.

  3. Costa ReiCosta Rei, Muravera, Sardinia, Italy

    Book or confirm the traditional agriturismo experience in advance where possible. The dinner was a four-course set menu beginning around 7:30 p.m., with mountain and sea views.

  4. Costa ReiCosta Rei, Muravera, Sardinia, Italy

    Order porceddu, the roasted suckling pig, as the central dish. The reported meal cost was about €90 for the family, with the children eating pasta and sharing the set-menu food.

  5. Costa Rei BeachCosta Rei Beach, Muravera, Sardinia, Italy

    Keep this beach phase flexible around wind. The source notes that a wind-tracking app can help choose a more sheltered cove when waves make a shallow beach less relaxing.

  6. Capo Ferrato Campsite AreaCapo Ferrato, Muravera, Sardinia, Italy

    Use the campsite as a proper reset point for swimming, showers, and family downtime. The source's family rhythm included morning swims, relaxed afternoons, and social evenings with other camping families.

Days 11-12: Arbatax, Capo Ferrato and Baunei

Turn north toward the mountainous east coast. Treat Baunei as a scenic reconnaissance phase unless you have the named requirements described in the source: hiking boots, proper equipment, child-carrying capacity, motivation, and reservations for limited-access coastal hikes.

  1. ArbataxArbatax, Tortolì, Sardinia, Italy

    Visit the port town's coastal pescheria for an affordable, freshly cooked seafood meal. The source specifically praised the local feel despite the industrial character of parts of Arbatax.

  2. Arbatax Coastal PescheriaArbatax, Tortolì, Sardinia, Italy

    Try the seafood assortment described at the pescheria: fried calamari, shrimp, octopus, fish salad, blue crab soup with mussels, swordfish with tuna, potatoes, and salad.

  3. Tomba dei GigantiTomba dei Giganti, Sardinia, Italy

    Stop at this ancient burial site in the foothills before continuing into the mountain passes. The source dates portions broadly to around 1600 BC and 900 BC, with a semicircle of stones and burial area.

  4. Altopiano del GolgoAltopiano del Golgo, Baunei, Sardinia, Italy

    Use Alto Piano Baunei as a viewpoint and planning stop. The landscape is rugged and mountainous, with beaches scattered below; the source came within roughly 1–2 km of a trail but did not undertake the hike.

  5. BauneiBaunei, Sardinia, Italy

    Treat the famous coastal beaches below Baunei as an optional hiking objective only with reservations and proper equipment. The source describes descents of roughly 1.5–2 hours and limited access intended to prevent overcrowding.

  6. BauneiBaunei, Sardinia, Italy

    A mountain cafe or restaurant stop works well after the viewpoint drive, especially for families. The source's cafe prepared pizza earlier than usual at around 10 a.m., making it a practical morale-boosting break after the mountains.

Days 13-14: Golfo Aranci and Return to Olbia

Finish near the ferry departure area. This final phase combines a last quiet beach, protected-coast scenery, a waterfront fast-food experiment, and careful ferry-day parking. Leave extra time to check vehicle restrictions and avoid repeating the campervan ticket problem.

  1. Golfo AranciGolfo Aranci, Sardinia, Italy

    Use this town as the final ferry-area base. It is quieter than Olbia, close to the port, and suitable for a last evening before boarding the Corsica Ferries service.

  2. Golfo Aranci Beach AreaGolfo Aranci, Sardinia, Italy

    The unnamed beach near Golfo Aranci was described as uncrowded enough for a final swim, with turquoise water, boats, and Isola Tavolara visible in the background. Because the beach name was not supplied, keep the stop tied to the Golfo Aranci area rather than inventing one.

  3. Isola TavolaraIsola Tavolara, Sardinia, Italy

    Look across the bay toward Isola Tavolara and the smaller nearby islands. The coast is close to protected nature areas and was described as suitable for kayaking or boat exploration, though no specific operator was named.

  4. PulpyPulpy, Olbia, Sardinia, Italy

    Pulpy provides a casual final meal near the waterfront: an octopus burger with sweet-potato fries and fish nuggets. It was considered fun and better than expected, though not the strongest meal of the food tour.

  5. Golfo Aranci Ferry TerminalGolfo Aranci Ferry Terminal, Golfo Aranci, Sardinia, Italy

    Return to the ferry terminal with the vehicle classification checked in advance. The source planned to board Corsica Ferries here and discovered that a campervan was treated as a caravan for parking purposes despite its smaller size.

  6. Olbia WaterfrontOlbia Waterfront, Olbia, Sardinia, Italy

    Use the final Olbia waterfront evening for a last swim or sunset before departure, while checking parking signs carefully. The source received a ticket reported as approximately €87 after interpreting a restriction as applying only to larger caravans.