AI Summary
Island roads were made for slow travel. They follow the water, slip through small towns and loop back to the place you began. Rent an RV or campervan, pack light and let the map turn into a circle of new views. The five routes below match great islands with easy RV depots and must see stops. Each summary paints a clear picture of the journey ahead.
Sardinia: Start in Olbia, the bluest waters in Europe
Begin your loop at Olbia near the Emerald Coast where the sea shifts between green and blue. Cruise north to Palau and follow the coast road past Capo d’Orso where wind shaped granite rocks rise above quiet coves. These spots never feel crowded, so you can pause by the water.
Head south through granite hills to Cala Brandinchi, nicknamed Tahiti by locals for its pale sand and shallow water. Farther south the Orosei Gulf opens into tall limestone walls and hidden spots such as Cala Luna, possible to reach by a shuttle boat or an intrepid forest path. Adventurers can trek Gola di Gorropu, one of Europe’s deepest canyons, before ending the day in Alghero to watch the sun melt behind medieval walls.
Local tip: Order pane carasau sprinkled with local honey and sip a glass of Cannonau red while sheep farmers lead their sheep across the hills.
Sicily: Start in Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna
From Catania the smoke cloud of Mount Etna marks the horizon. Drive a short distance to the Silvestri craters where warm rocks still smell of sulfur. Then continue north to Taormina’s ancient Greek theatre for sweeping sea views.
Descend south through pistachio orchards to Syracuse and explore Ortigia at sunset when its old buildings shine golden. Further west, the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento lines a ridge with classic columns. Nearby, the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi fold into the sea like giant steps. End the loop in Modica, tasting chocolate made with methods from five hundred years ago.
Local tip: Sample fresh granita with brioche at a roadside café. Sicilians enjoy it for breakfast on hot mornings.
Mallorca: Start in Palma de Mallorca, where mountains meet the sea
Pick up your camper in Palma and drive straight onto the mountain road MA 10, a smooth road cut through gray rock. Pause at Bellver Castle for a full circle view over the city. Next, head up to Valldemossa and its old stone houses.
From the viewpoint at Cap de Formentor, cliffs drop into deep blue water and seagulls fly overhead. Roll back to Port de Sóller for orange ice cream and a gentle swim. Then point south toward the Cuevas del Drach where musicians play music on Europe’s largest underground lake. End the day at Caló des Moro, a hidden cove perfect for a last dip.
Local tip: Sit on a sunny terrace and try pa amb oli, crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomato and olive oil pressed just down the road.
Iceland: Start in Reykjavík, chase waterfalls under the midnight sun
Leave the Reykjavík harbor depot and join Route 1 heading east. First stop is the Fagradalsfjall lava field where warm rock still shifts under your boots. Then drive on to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the curtain of falling water.
A little farther lies Skógafoss where two rainbows often appear in the spray. Keep rolling to Jökulsárlón where icebergs drift in a quiet lagoon. In the north, Dettifoss thunders so loud you feel it in your chest. Finish on Snæfellsnes Peninsula where Kirkjufell mirrors itself in calm water and Arctic foxes sometimes cross the road.
Local tip: Buy warm rye bread baked in geothermal earth at Laugarvatn. Spread it with thick, delicious Icelandic butter.
Tasmania: Feeling adventurous? Fly into Hobart and explore Tasmania
Start your journey at the Hobart pickup location, then head into lush forests and sweeping coastlines. Point the nose south for a quick hop to Bruny Island where white wallabies graze beside the lighthouse. Then steer east along the Tasman Highway toward Freycinet National Park, famous for its pink granite peaks. Besides, hike to the Wineglass Bay viewpoint for bright turquoise water against white sand.
Next, keep rolling up the coast to the Bay of Fires, where orange granite boulders glow at sunset. Head inland through green forest to Cradle Mountain and wake early for a loop of Dove Lake under misty peaks. If time allows, visit Port Arthur, then walk the old convict site by lantern.
Local tip: Stop at a berry farm near Swansea. Fill a basket with warm raspberries and eat them right on the beach.
Travel with independence and freedom
Island road trips deliver the unique rush of true independence. Feel bold and free, yet good manners keep each stop special. Park where locals welcome you, take all your trash, and greet each village with a smile.
Becoming part of the community is an essential part of the journey so the next traveler finds the same warm welcome. The water stays clear, you have an amazing time, and locals stay happy to receive you. Your RV adventure is ready whenever you are. Turn the key, follow the coast and let the tide set the pace with Indie Campers.
