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Getting there, an easy first leg
The first day is deliberately kept as a pure driving day, so the following days can be more relaxed.
Stays within the day's driving budget of around 7 hours behind the wheel.
This is where your trip begins. With a full tank and full water tank, you head south.
A handy stopover after the long first driving day, quietly located with basic facilities. From here it's a manageable stretch over the Alps the next day. Memmingen's pretty old town is perfect for a short evening stroll.
Crossing the Alps and arriving at the sea
After arriving in Genoa, take your time, check tomorrow's ferry schedule and get your documents ready.
Starting point for today's leg over the main Alpine ridge and down to the Ligurian Sea.
A campsite on the western outskirts of Genoa, handy for continuing on to the ferry terminal the next day. From here you can explore Genoa's harbour and old town by bus or local transport, without having to manoeuvre the big motorhome through narrow lanes. Ideal for arriving relaxed before the crossing.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Port city and crossing
Morning in Genoa, afternoon heading to the terminal, night on the ferry.
An important tip on a common question: a cabin is well worth it for the overnight ferry, so you arrive fresh the next morning and can start your holiday straight away.
A long leg — plan in some breaks.
Genoa's old harbour, with its large aquarium, the Bigo panoramic lift and maritime museums, makes a great way to round off the day before the crossing. Reach it by bus or train from the campsite, leaving the motorhome outside the narrow old town. A stroll along the quay is enough for a relaxed morning.
The overnight ferry to Olbia departs from the Genoa ferry terminal. Arrive at least two hours before departure, as check-in with a motorhome takes longer.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The crossing takes around 10 to 12 hours depending on the operator. You sleep on board and arrive rested in Sardinia the next morning.
First day in Sardinia, swimming
After the overnight ferry, a deliberately short driving day with plenty of time by the water.
The ferry docks in Olbia in the morning, the gateway to north-east Sardinia. Take it easy: stock up on supplies, fill the water tank and then head towards the coast.
A few kilometres south of Olbia lies this quiet bay with turquoise, gently sloping water and views of the island of Tavolara. Ideal for a first swim after the crossing. Less crowded than the famous beaches of the Costa Smeralda.
A natural campsite near Porto Istana with direct access to coves and views of Tavolara. A good first base to settle in calmly and swim the nearby coastline. Shade under pine trees and a simple, family-friendly atmosphere.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Snorkelling and white coves
A rest day without changing location, all at the relaxed pace of this trip.
Thanks to its fine white sand and shallow, azure water, this bay is also known as 'little Tahiti'. Perfect for long swims and snorkelling in calm water. Arrive early, as a parking fee applies in summer and it fills up quickly.
A smaller bay framed by rocks with clear water, away from the main beaches, good for snorkelling among the granite rocks. A lovely stop on the way back.
Coastal drive and the Golfo di Orosei
A moderate driving day with a swim stop along the way.
A wide sandy beach at the mouth of the Rio Posada, backed by a medieval village and castle ruins. A good swim stop halfway on the way south. The water is shallow and calm.
A beautifully situated campsite above the coastal town of Cala Gonone, the best base for exploring the spectacular Golfo di Orosei. Boat trips from here reach coves you'd otherwise only get to on foot. A well-kept site with pool and shade.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Wild coves seen from the water
No driving day with the motorhome, but a full day out on the water.
Don't forget sun protection, water and snorkelling gear, as many coves have no facilities.
One of Sardinia's most famous wild coves, reachable only by boat or on a longer hike, with caves in the limestone cliffs and emerald-green water. Ideal for swimming and snorkelling far from any resorts. Take an excursion boat from the harbour at Cala Gonone.
A dream cove with white pebbles and intensely turquoise water, ringed by steep cliffs. A highlight for snorkellers thanks to the crystal-clear water. Often included as a stop on the boat trip.
Nature and hiking inland
Hike in the morning while it's still cooler, then a relaxed drive on towards the coast.
One of the deepest canyons in Europe, with cliffs up to 500 metres high. The walk through the riverbed is impressive and manageable for capable hikers. Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as shade is scarce.
A quiet, natural campsite near the long sandy beaches of Cardedu on the Ogliastra coast. A good stopover on the way further south, with lots of greenery and direct beach access. Family-run and unhurried.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Beach day and unwinding
A deliberate rest day with no major driving, at the trip's relaxed pace.
A long, quiet stretch of pebble and sand beach with clear water, ideal for a lazy day of swimming. Far from the bustle of the better-known spots. A few simple bars provide coffee and snacks.
Coastal drive and dream beaches in the south-east
Driving in the morning, beach in the afternoon.
An unspoilt campsite near the Costa Rei, with its long, fine sandy beaches and turquoise water. A good base for exploring the coves around Capo Ferrato. A quiet spot without large resort developments.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A bright sandy beach stretching for kilometres, with shallow, clear water, punctuated by small rocky coves. Perfect for long swims and walks by the water. The northern end is usually quieter.
Coves and lagoons in the south
A slightly longer leg today, with a rest day in Chia to follow tomorrow.
A small bay near Villasimius, framed by granite rocks, with exceptionally clear water that's excellent for snorkelling. Access is limited in summer, so arrive early. A natural gem away from the large developments.
A campsite near the famous dunes and lagoons of Chia, with flamingos and long white beaches. An excellent base for the finest coves on the south coast. Quiet, with shade and a short walk to the water.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Beach day in the south
A rest day of swimming and a short walk.
A wide dream beach with turquoise, shallow water and a small offshore island you can reach almost dry-footed at low tide. Behind the beach lies a lagoon with flamingos. One of Sardinia's finest places to swim.
A Spanish watchtower on a hill above the ancient ruins of Bithia, with sweeping views over the coast. A short climb is well worth it, especially in the afternoon. Combines culture with a panoramic view.
Lonely dunes and a wild coastline
A leg with a bit more driving time, though still well within the day's budget.
Take the gravel track to Piscinas slowly and carefully.
A vast, starkly beautiful shifting-dune landscape on the Costa Verde, where the sand runs right down to the sea and you can walk for miles without encountering a single resort. The final approach is a gravel track, so drive the large motorhome carefully. A wild, remote place for swimming and wonder.
A simple, quiet campsite in the Costa Verde area, a good base for the lonely beaches of this stretch of coast. Natural surroundings without much bustle. Ideal for experiencing the vastness of the west coast.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Crystal-clear water and antiquity
Swimming and a touch of ancient history, combined at a relaxed pace.
Famous for its beach of tiny, rounded quartz grains that glitter in the sun, and for its very clear water. A unique, protected spot within the Sinis marine protected area. No sand may be taken away, to help preserve it.
An ancient Phoenician-Roman city right by the sea, with columns, baths and streets set against a spectacular coastal backdrop. A worthwhile cultural stop between beach days. The neighbouring San Giovanni tower offers a lovely panoramic view.
A campsite near the quartz beaches of the Sinis Peninsula, surrounded by pine trees with a short walk to the water. A good base for exploring the marine protected area and Tharros. Well kept and quietly situated.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Coastal drive back to the ferry port
The longest driving leg on the island, but still comfortably under seven hours.
Plan in a break halfway along the route.
A campsite near the long, dreamlike La Cinta beach, with turquoise water and views of Tavolara, well placed for the last night before heading back to Olbia. San Teodoro is lively, but the beach is spacious enough to find quiet corners. A short walk to the water for one last long swim.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Farewell and crossing
Morning on the beach, heading to the terminal in the late afternoon, night on the ferry.
A long leg — plan in some breaks.
Five kilometres of fine, light-coloured sand with shallow, clear water, ideal for one last long swim in Sardinia. Behind it lies a lagoon where flamingos often gather. A lovely way to round things off before heading back.
The overnight ferry back to Genoa departs from the Olbia ferry terminal. Arrive in good time and allow plenty of leeway for checking in with the motorhome.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Around 10 to 12 hours overnight crossing. You sleep on board and reach the mainland again in the morning.
Return journey, first leg on the mainland
After the overnight ferry, start gently before tackling the mainland leg.
Stays within the day's driving budget of around 7 hours.
The ferry docks in Genoa in the morning. After a short break, you head north across the Po Valley and over the Alps.
A well-equipped campsite and motorhome pitch on the outskirts of Bolzano, handy for the return journey and with bus or bike links into the centre. A pleasant stopover in South Tyrol with good facilities. The large motorhome parks here at ground level, and you can reach the old town without the vehicle.
The final leg and coming home
The longest driving leg of the trip, so set off early and take regular breaks.
If needed, the route can be broken up with an additional overnight stop.
From Bolzano, the final leg takes you over the Brenner Pass and through Bavaria back home.
End of the round trip: you're back home in Leipzig. Full of sunshine, sea salt and mountain air, the journey ends where it began.
Copy it and move it to your own dates.
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