Anyone planning a campervan trip to Puglia almost always asks themselves the same question: how much does a week really cost? The answer depends on many variables — the area you choose, the time of year, and your travel style — but it is possible to put together a realistic budget, item by item, to help you plan without surprises.
Beaches and campervan stops
There are still plenty of free beaches all along the Puglian coast, from Gargano to Salento, and they come at no cost. If you choose a fully equipped beach club, the price for an umbrella and two sun loungers in high season is generally around €15–30 per day, with higher prices in the most popular destinations along the Costa Merlata or around Torre Sant’Andrea during peak season.
For overnight stays, equipped campervan areas with electricity hookups and waste disposal facilities generally cost between €12 and €20 per night, while several municipalities in Puglia provide designated parking areas for free campervan overnight stays, often free of charge or in exchange for a small contribution. It is worth remembering that vehicles registered as vans and measuring under 5 metres, such as Volkswagen Californias, are not subject to the same restrictions and surcharges that may apply to larger motorhomes in certain areas and car parks.
Fuel and getting around
Fuel costs can have an impact, but not a significant one. As of August 2026, the average diesel price in Puglia is around €2.10 per litre. For those following the classic routes — Gargano, the Itria Valley and Salento — covering an average of 100 km per day brings the fuel cost to approximately €70–100 for the whole trip, depending on the vehicle.
Food and outdoor living
A dinner at a traditional trattoria, with dishes such as orecchiette, local vegetables and regional wine, generally costs €20–35 per person. If you prefer an aperitivo with a platter of Puglian cheeses and cured meats, expect to spend around €6–12, while an artisan gelato costs approximately €3–5. Local fish markets and small village fritterie are a more affordable alternative, with portions of street food costing around €8–15.
For us, shopping at a local market and enjoying an aperitivo or a home-cooked dinner in the van, by the sea or under the olive trees, remains the most affordable and sustainable option. That is why we have equipped our vans with everything you need for cooking, as well as an outdoor table and chairs, all included in the rental price.
Excursions and experiences
Boat trips to caves and coves accessible only by sea — particularly popular around Polignano, Otranto and the Tremiti Islands — generally cost between €35 and €70 per person, depending on the duration and type of boat. Admission to the Castellana Caves, one of the most popular attractions inland, costs around €16 per person.
As an optional extra, we can also provide two bicycles for vanlife enthusiasts, at a cost of €8 per bike per day.
Budget at a glance
Here is a summary table with indicative prices for each expense category.
| Expense | Indicative price | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Umbrella + two sun loungers in high season (equipped beach) | €15–30 | per day |
| Campervan pitch in an equipped area with hookups | €20–35 | per night |
| Free campervan parking in designated municipal areas | €0–8 | per night |
| Fuel (diesel) | approx. €2.10 | per litre |
| Lunch or dinner at a traditional trattoria | €20–35 | per person |
| Aperitivo with a sharing platter | €6–12 | per person |
| Artisan gelato | €3–5 | per cone/cup |
| Boat trip (caves, coves) | €35–70 | per person |
| Vanlife Puglia bike rental | €8 | per day |
| Fish market / street food | €8–15 | per portion |
For a week-long campervan trip in Puglia, a couple travelling in a compact vehicle can reasonably keep the total cost of a week — including overnight stays, fuel, meals and excursions — between €500 and €800. You can save up to 30% on average and low-season prices by booking campervan areas in advance and alternating restaurant meals with simpler, more sustainable options, such as cooking in the van using fresh local products.
The cost of the van rental is not included, starting from €80 per day for up to 4 people. A campervan holiday in Puglia can therefore be managed with a fairly flexible budget, especially if you choose the time of year and overnight parking areas carefully.
When is the best time to go?
As with most Italian coastal destinations, May, June and September offer the same sea and landscapes as the high season, but with lower prices for beach clubs, campervan areas and restaurants. There are also fewer tourists and less traffic along the coastal roads.
Plan your trip with Calì, Cielo or Faustino. Three vans, three personalities. Choose the one that suits you and set off to discover Puglia.
