Exploring Sardinia and Corsica in a motorhome or camper

Sardinia & Corsica – a paradise for campers?

Sardinia – Everything you need to know about the island.

Sardinia – a paradise for campers?

With its miles of white beaches, turquoise bays, and gently hilly landscape, the island of Sardinia certainly captivates many holidaymakers. Have the pictures of Sardinia enchanted you as well, and do you want to learn more about this beautiful destination and ideally jump right into your camper and set off? Then you’ve come to the right place! In the following sections, we will tell you more about the island: How easy is it to explore Sardinia in a camper, and what are the absolute highlights that you should not miss?

Camping in Sardinia.

1. What is the best time of year to travel to Sardinia?
2. What is the best way to get to Sardinia?
3. North, East, West, South – Where to go in Sardinia?
4. Our 8 insider tips for Sardinia.
5. Is wild camping possible in Sardinia?
6. How easy is it to obtain and dispose of goods and services in Sardinia?
7. Sardinia – Conclusion

What is the best time of year to travel to Sardinia?

We recommend visiting Sardinia in the spring or autumn, as the beaches and cities are extremely crowded during the high season, and the costs for campsites or other accommodations are significantly higher. Furthermore, it gets very hot in the summer, so you won’t be able to do much more than visit the beach during the day due to the heat. However, you should also keep in mind that not all restaurants and shops are open during the off-season. But the quieter seasons are ideal, especially for finding a good spot to set up camp.

What is the best way to get to Sardinia?

The easiest and fastest way to get to Sardinia is by plane. Once there, you can rent a camper. However, if you prefer to travel directly in your own camper, you can also easily get to the island, although the journey will be a bit longer. Several ferry companies offer connections from various cities on the Italian mainland. The fastest connection from Germany is via Livorno. After approximately 6 hours of travel, you can already be hundreds of kilometers away from the mainland and arrive in the city of Olbia. But where to now? Where are the most beautiful beaches and the most impressive nature? What should you definitely not miss?

North, east, west, south – where to go in Sardinia?

Sardinia offers an incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape, where there is something for everyone. If you have enough time, we recommend exploring the entire island. However, if you only have a limited amount of time, it makes sense to focus on one side of the island. The choice of region largely depends on what you want from your vacation. Would you prefer beautiful beaches, green mountains and valleys, or would you rather explore the most beautiful cities on the island?

Our insider tip: We personally enjoyed the southwest and the inland areas of Sardinia the most.

Below, we will present the best spots based on your preferences:

	1. The city explorer. If you want to see as many great cities as possible, you’re better off in the south and west, as the east is less populated. In the south, you’ll find the capital, Cagliari, which is well worth a visit and has a very special atmosphere thanks to the large lagoons where hundreds of flamingos bathe against the backdrop of the city. In the west, there are small towns like Sant’Antioco, Bosa, and Alghero, which will delight you with their beautiful, narrow streets, many cozy cafés, and their own unique, charming character.
2. The beach lover. If, on the other hand, you dream of miles of beaches with turquoise-blue water, you will feel most at home in the south and east. Here you will find famous beaches such as Spiaggia di Costa Rei, Spiaggia di Porto Giunco, and Spiaggia di San Giovanni. However, you should be prepared for the fact that you won’t be alone on the beach, especially during the summer.
	3. The peace-seeker. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, the eastern part of the island and the often-overlooked interior might be just what you need. In the east, you’ll find vast beaches in sparsely populated areas with very few tourist attractions, which means there’s not much going on. A good example is Spiaggia di Murtas, where a large military area borders directly on the beach, which, however, does not detract from the beach’s beauty but rather enhances the feeling of seclusion. In the interior, you can find peace on mountain peaks with beautiful views or in valleys with no cell phone reception. The only things that might interrupt your peace here are the many free-roaming goats and cows, whose bells might ring occasionally.
4. The mountain enthusiast. You will find high mountains mainly in the interior of the island. Here, you can go on long hikes through the mountainous landscape, accompanied by wild horses and cows, visit the ghost town of Gairo Vecchia, or simply enjoy the beautiful views. The mountains also extend to the west and east coasts in some areas, which means you can also enjoy great hikes with views of the sea there. If you like long hikes, spring or autumn are the best times, as the area is greener and the temperatures are more pleasant during these seasons. In addition, there are more waterfalls to discover, where you can cool off, as most of them dry up in the summer.

Our 8 insider tips for Sardinia.

1. The Calla Luna & other calla lilies.
2. The ghost town of “Gairo Vecchia”
3. The capital city, Cagliari.
4. The city of Sant'Antioco – home to the best ice cream in the world.
5. The natural pools of Sant’Antioco.
6. The abandoned place known as “Laveria Lamamora.”
7. The city of Bosa – a city of colorful houses.
8. The city of Alghero.

 

	1. The Calla Luna & other calla lilies. Unfortunately, Calla Luna is no longer one of those hidden gems, so you’ll probably find that there are quite a few other people there. Nevertheless, we highly recommend a hike to get there (duration: approximately 4 hours). The route is incredibly beautiful, and once you reach Calla Luna, you can swim in the cool water or explore the huge caves right on the beach. If you don’t feel like hiking, boats also go directly to the beach, which is probably the better option in warmer weather, as the hike involves quite a bit of uphill and downhill walking. However, if you prefer to be alone, there are a few less-visited Callas in the area, such as Cala Mudaloru, but they are also more difficult to reach and can only be accessed by boat in some cases.
2. The ghost town of “Gairo Vecchia.”  The ghost town of Gairo Vecchia is located a bit further inland. However, this detour is worthwhile just for the beautiful mountains and the completely different natural scenery you can experience here. We recommend visiting the town at sunset, as there is hardly anyone around at that time and the light creates a particularly mystical atmosphere. But no matter what time you visit, you immediately sense that something sad hangs over this place. A few years ago, there was a landslide here that made large parts of the village uninhabitable and caused many residents to flee to the coast. Nevertheless, some of the buildings are still in use, so please behave respectfully when you visit and do not try to force open any closed doors.
	3. Hiking with wild horses and cows. If you’re traveling around the country, you’re bound to encounter cows or horses sooner or later. They roam freely almost everywhere. Therefore, you should be especially careful when driving on winding mountain roads, as it’s not uncommon to find a small herd standing in the road, leaving little room to maneuver. Once you’ve found a good spot to park, you can embark on a lovely hike with stunning views and photo opportunities, accompanied by the cows or horses.
4. The city of Sant'Antioco – home to the best ice cream on the island. Sant’Antioco is located on the island of the same name, which is situated in the southwest of Sardinia. This small, charming town not only has a beautiful historic center with several attractions, but also, in our opinion, the best ice cream on Sardinia. The shop that sells the ice cream is a real hidden gem! It’s rather unassuming and doesn’t offer quite as much variety as some other ice cream parlors, but it offers a range of somewhat unusual flavors, such as chocolate with orange pieces or Ferrero. In our opinion, it’s definitely worth a visit!

5. The natural swimming pools on Sant’Antioco.

Not far from Sant’Antioco, on the western side of the small island, you’ll find well-hidden natural pools where you can swim and snorkel, even when the sea is a bit rough. The road leading there is very narrow (so it’s a good idea to check the route beforehand if you’re traveling in a large camper van). The pools themselves can only be reached on foot, and good footwear is recommended. 

6. The abandoned place “Laveria Lamamora”. Laveria Lamamora is an old mine that has been abandoned for many years and is located right by the sea, offering a fantastic view while you explore it. To get there, you either have to walk down a steep, long staircase or take a slightly longer path down. However, the effort is worth it once you reach the bottom and can admire the beautiful old buildings (especially at sunset).
	7. The city of Bosa. The small town of Bosa, with its colorful houses, is probably already familiar to some, but it was relatively quiet there, and we were able to stroll through the small but beautiful old town in a relaxed manner. The colorful houses also make for a lovely photo opportunity. There is also a small, affordable pizzeria in the town that we can highly recommend (Pizzeria Civicouno).
8. Alghero Alghero is a bit larger and more touristy, but we really liked it. The city center is beautiful, and you’ll find a few shops in the charming streets selling typical wines and delicious cheeses. In addition, there are often musicians in the parks, and you can relax on a bench and listen to their music.

Is wild camping possible in Sardinia? 

Sardinia has many beautiful spots where you can enjoy a lovely view of the sea or find a quiet place to be alone. However, wild camping is officially prohibited, just as it is on mainland Italy. Nevertheless, it is largely tolerated by most locals, as long as you don’t set up your camping table and chairs. And you won’t have any problems with the police either, as long as you don’t set up camp in a place where there is a large sign saying “Camping prohibited.” The only exception is that areas further inland, especially near reservoirs used for drinking water supply, are more heavily monitored. Furthermore, due to the higher mountains, it is more difficult to find suitable spots that are not directly adjacent to the sometimes very narrow mountain roads.

How easy is it to obtain and dispose of goods and services in Sardinia?

In Sardinia, providing and disposing of waste is not a problem for those staying at campsites, as there is a large selection of well-equipped sites. However, it is somewhat more difficult for those who prefer wild camping. Without access to campsites, disposing of waste is virtually impossible, and it is often only permitted for a fee. Furthermore, disposing of garbage can be quite challenging in many places, as not every town has public garbage bins. Therefore, one should either be prepared for a longer search or for slightly higher costs. Access to water is much easier, as there are public wells all over the island, which can be easily found using the Park4night app. It should only be noted that not all wells provide drinking water quality, but this can be easily determined by checking the comments or asking the locals.

Sardinia – Conclusion

Sardinia is a great place to explore in a camper van, whether you prefer wild camping or staying at established campsites.

You will only have to make a few compromises when it comes to supplying and disposing of things; otherwise, nothing will stand in the way of your camping adventure.

 

Corsica – Everything you need to know about the island.

Highlights	white beaches, crystal-clear and turquoise water, a snorkeling paradise, mountains, city walks, adventure tours.
Disposal.	acceptable: public waste containers, on campsites.€)
Fresh water supply.	means: public fountains, on campsites€)
transport network	to the east: good (federal highway) in the west: poor (mountain roads, long travel distances)
Looking for a parking space.	moderate (wild camping is rather difficult, there are many campsites).
Toll	none
Outdoor activities	Rafting, canyoning, hiking, waterfall tours, snorkeling, swimming, kitesurfing, windsurfing.
Feeling safe while camping.	medium, average, moderate

1. What is the best time of year to travel to Corsica?
2. What is the best way to get to Corsica?
3. North, east, west, south – where to in Corsica?
4. Our 8 insider tips for Corsica.
5. Is wild camping possible on Corsica?
6. How easy is it to obtain and dispose of goods in Corsica?
7. Corsica – Conclusion

What is the best way to get to Corsica?

Corsica is located further north than Sardinia, making it more easily accessible from Germany. The best way to get to the island is by plane or ferry. One of the shortest ferry routes from Germany starts in Genoa and takes you directly to Bastia. The following section will tell you which areas you can explore.

North, east, west, south – where to in Corsica?

Corsica is considerably smaller than Sardinia, so you won’t need as much time to explore the entire island. In general, Corsica offers a great mix of mountains and sea, and thanks to the short distances, you can switch between the two relatively quickly.

However, if you still prefer to explore a specific region, here is a brief overview of the different areas:

North In the north of Corsica, you’ll find beautiful beaches and some larger towns, such as Calvi and l’Île-Rousse. You can also take some lovely hikes through the rugged landscape, enjoying fantastic viewpoints and making detours to smaller places like Pigna. At the end of a hike, you can cool off in some places by swimming in beautiful, clear rivers. It’s also worth visiting just for a swim. The Fango is particularly popular for this.
	East The east is a very popular tourist destination, which is why you will find many large tourist accommodations along the beautiful, expansive beaches, and there is therefore a wide range of activities on offer, such as jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, or boat tours.
Domestic. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, the mountains in your own country might be just the thing for you. Here you’ll find great hiking trails with breathtaking views, idyllic forests, and stunning waterfalls where you can swim. But if you’ve had enough of the peace and quiet, there are also great opportunities for canyoning or rafting.
	South The largest city in the south is Bonifacio, which attracts a large number of visitors every year. As a result, you will find several very popular beaches in the surrounding area. To reach these beaches, you should plan for a walk of up to half an hour, as it is very difficult to find a nearby parking space. However, away from the hustle and bustle, there are also some smaller beaches where you can relax, and a little further from the coast, there are great hiking trails where it is also relatively quiet.

West

The western part of Corsica is a bit more mountainous and has only smaller roads, which means travel times are a bit longer. Nevertheless, you can find beautiful bays here for swimming and enjoying the sunsets. In addition, the region is also ideal for hiking.

Our 8 insider tips for Corsica.

1. The city of Bonifacio – a city perched on the cliffs.
2. The beach of Stagnolu.
3. The “Omu di Cagna” peak.
4. The Saint Antoine beach.
5. Rafting and canyoning tours in Corsica’s gorges.
6. The university town of Corte.
7. Swimming in mountain rivers.
8. The artists’ town of Pigna.

1. The city of Bonifacio – a city perched on the cliffs. You should visit the town of Bonifacio as early as possible, as parking spaces become scarce throughout the day and the narrow streets become very crowded. We enjoyed the town itself, but unfortunately, it is completely overrun, which is why we wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting. However, we found the view of Bonifacio to be well worth seeing. The two best views of Bonifacio are either from a boat or if you continue along the coastal road heading east.
	2. The plague of Stagnolu. On this beautiful beach, you can swim in the crystal-clear water during the day and, in the evening, enjoy the sunset – a rare opportunity in this part of the south.
3. The summit of “Omu di Cagna”. For experienced hikers, the trail to get here probably won’t be a problem. However, less athletic people should be prepared for a consistently very steep ascent, which is also incredibly beautiful and is rewarded with a fantastic view at the end. Only experienced climbers should attempt to reach the rock itself, as there is no longer a proper path leading there, and you can only climb in a general direction.
	4. The Saint Antoine beach. Here, you can not only admire the stunning landscape shaped by the wind, but you can also swim alongside fish or relax in the sun on the small but beautiful beach.

5. Rafting and canyoning tours in Corsica’s gorges.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in Corsica as well. There are numerous rafting and canyoning tours that you can join.

6. The university town of Corte. Corte is one of the few university towns on Corsica, and this is reflected in the town’s atmosphere. Here you will find lovely cafés and restaurants. You can also discover many ceramics shops and the beautiful Musée de la Corse, which also provides access to the Citadelle de Corte and offers a fantastic view of the town. Admission is free for students, but even if you’re not a student, a visit is worthwhile.
	7. Swimming in mountain rivers. Corsica has many more rivers than Sardinia, and these rivers flow from the mountains down to the sea. On their way down to the valley, they form many beautiful pools with crystal-clear water, where you can swim. This is especially refreshing after a long hike in the sun.
8. The artists’ town of Pigna. To get to Pigna, a beautiful hike is a great option. However, if the climb seems too strenuous, you can also drive up the narrow, winding roads (but be careful – it’s best to avoid doing so with a large camper van!). Either way, it’s worth visiting this small but beautiful town. You’ll find a few ceramic shops here with wonderful handmade ceramics. The residents of Pigna are also passionate about music, so you’re likely to stumble upon a concert or two. There are also a few nice cafés to discover, offering great views of the valley and the sea.

Is wild camping possible on Corsica?

Anyone planning to explore Corsica in a camper should be prepared for the fact that the locals are not particularly enthusiastic about campers. This dislike can manifest itself in various ways, such as throwing stones at campers that have parked illegally near the sea, or in slogans like “French people out.” The locals’ discontent stems from the fact that Corsica is overrun by campers, especially French ones, during the summer. This leads to kilometers-long traffic jams on the already very narrow roads and all available parking spaces are taken up. Furthermore, most of the money generated by tourism does not go to the locals but to foreign investors. As a result, the residents are left to deal with the negative consequences, but do not even benefit from the advantages. Regardless of people’s complaints, we found Corsica to be less than ideal for traveling in campervans or motorhomes, and especially for wild camping. This is because many towns have very narrow streets, and the connecting roads in the mountains can be quite challenging with a larger vehicle. Due to the numerous mountains and the resulting lack of space, as well as the strict enforcement of regulations, wild camping is often difficult (and sometimes there are no parking options for vehicles larger than…). 2 Due to the mountainous terrain, wild camping can be quite challenging. However, there shouldn’t be too many obstacles for smaller campers. As an alternative, there are many campsites that can be visited if you want to avoid upsetting the local residents and still explore Corsica with your own vehicle.

How easy is it to obtain and dispose of goods in Corsica?

In Corsica, supplying yourself with necessities and disposing of waste is relatively straightforward for those camping in the wild. You can get water from public wells, and you can easily dispose of garbage and other waste in the large, public waste containers. However, keep in mind that not all wells provide potable water. If necessary, you can always visit one of the many campsites.

Corsica – Conclusion

Corsica is a beautiful island that you should definitely not miss. From wild camping in a camper van to 2 However, we would advise against visiting during the peak season. Furthermore, spring or autumn are better times for exploring, as it is much less crowded and cooler during these seasons.

Explore Sardinia and Corsica together.

If you have enough time, it’s a good idea to explore both islands. They are very close to each other, which is why the ferry ride from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio only takes about 30 minutes. Unfortunately, the ferry is quite expensive for such a short trip, and we didn’t find any of the other ferry connections to be very practical. However, you’ll get another great view of Bonifacio during the crossing.

Conclusion: Sardinia & Corsica – a paradise for campers? For us, Sardinia and Corsica are definitely worth a visit. Personally, we found traveling around Sardinia in a campervan to be much more relaxing, and we would recommend it to others, provided that the issue of waste disposal doesn’t bother you too much. On the other hand, we would recommend Corsica more for smaller vans (under 2 meters in height), and based on our experience, we would advise against wild camping as much as possible in order not to further upset the locals. No matter which of the two islands you choose, or even if you choose both, we wish you a great vacation and don’t forget – as is the case everywhere: leave your spots clean! 😉

I hope this article provided you with some tips and ideas for planning your vacation. If you have any further tips or other helpful experiences to share, please feel free to contact us via our contact form.

Best regards,

Nicole from Camping-Pioneers.