Stintino in northwest Sardinia attracts visitors to the iconic La Pelosa beach with its turquoise water, white sand, and views of the Aragonese tower. In today’s article from our Sardinia road trip, I’ve prepared practical tips on how to book La Pelosa, parking, and which trips in the area are worth taking. I’ve also included my verified tips for accommodation in Stintino.
Stintino and La Pelosa beach – Sardinia
Stintino is a Sardinian resort where the sea will remind you of the Caribbean. It’s one of those places on the island that you’ll remember long after returning home. It lies in the far northwest of the island, on a narrow strip of land pointing towards Asinara Island, and its biggest draw is undoubtedly La Pelosa beach. This place is described, without exaggeration, as the pearl of northwest Sardinia and one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
And I can personally confirm that this time it’s not just a marketing phrase. La Pelosa is truly beautiful, and I’m not surprised people plan a trip here specifically for it, even across half the island—like the two young guys we met who were asking us for some spare Euros for the entrance fee because they didn’t take cards on-site.
Look forward to fine light sand, shallow crystal-clear water, turquoise shades of the sea, and a view of the stone Aragonese tower standing on a small islet right opposite the beach.
For me, Stintino is an ideal stop mainly for those vacationers who want to experience Sardinia in its most photogenic form. But don’t expect a place where you can just show up, throw a towel on the sand, and not worry about a thing. That’s why it’s worth knowing in advance how things work at one of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches.
Accommodation in Stintino
Find accommodation in Stintino right by La Pelosa beach:
Our verified accommodation in Stintino:
Capo Falcone Charming Apartments
- Modern apartments approx. 300 meters from La Pelosa beach
- Apartments for 2-6 people, shared pool, parking
Capo Falcone Charming Apartments
Residence Hotel “La Pelosetta”
- Accommodation with a view of La Pelosa beach – right by La Pelosetta beach
- Various rooms and apartments – most have a beautiful sea view
Residence Hotel “La Pelosetta”
La Pelosa Beach – is it worth a visit?
La Pelosa beach lies in a protected position between the Capo Falcone area, Isola Piana, and Asinara. Thanks to this natural protection, the sea is often calm and the water is very shallow even dozens of meters from the shore. This is one of the reasons why La Pelosa so often appears in rankings of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches.
At first glance, the color of the water in person caught our attention. It’s almost transparent at the shore, then transitions into light turquoise and blue. When you add the white sand, low surrounding vegetation, and the 16th-century Torre della Pelosa stone tower, you get scenery that feels truly breathtaking.
La Pelosa is also very suitable for families with children. The shallow entry into the water, calm sea, and clear layout of the beach make it one of the most pleasant swimming spots in this part of Sardinia. On the other hand, you have to expect that you definitely won’t be alone here during the high season. Personally, we’ve been here twice during June and I said that next time we’ll head here as early as May. The lagoon is shallow and the water is warm here.
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Reservations for La Pelosa beach
La Pelosa has been a regulated beach with limited daily capacity for several years. The official booking website states for the 2026 season the period from May 15 to October 15, a daily limit of 1,500 visitors, entry via QR code, and access control from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The reservation is paid and the current price is €3.50 per person, while children under 12 are not included in the reservation. One reservation can contain a maximum of 4 people.
I also recommend proper timing. Some spots can be booked in advance, while others are released shortly before the planned day of the visit. I warn against fake or unauthorized booking sites, so I recommend booking only through the official beach reservation system.
Practically, this means one thing: if you want to visit La Pelosa in the summer, don’t leave your reservation to the last minute. In July and August, there can be high demand for entry, and without a valid reservation, you might not get onto the beach during controlled hours. Conversely, if you head here outside the high season, there might be a chance to pay for entry directly on-site if the beach isn’t full (our experience).
What are the rules for La Pelosa beach?
As I mentioned, La Pelosa beach is not freely accessible without restrictions. The number of visitors is regulated mainly to protect the fragile natural environment and fine sand. At the entrance, you show a QR code obtained after booking. After verification, the entry is valid for the specific day.
On the beach, you’ll find sunbed and umbrella rentals, refreshments, parking, toilets, and showers included in the entry ticket. At the same time, I’d like to point out that special rules and bans apply here. I therefore recommend always checking the current conditions before your trip. Rules can be adjusted during the season, and for such a famous beach, it’s better to have everything verified than to deal with complications on-site.
For us, the rule was that you couldn’t lie on a towel on the beach, and upon leaving, they checked that you didn’t have sand anywhere—it had to be either shaken off or washed off. Mats and blankets with a cellophane surface and folding chairs, from which sand is easily shaken off, were allowed. However, I really recommend checking the specific conditions directly on-site. The conditions change quite a bit even during one summer. Additionally, there are patrols on the beach ensuring rules are followed.
When to visit Stintino and La Pelosa beach?
The biggest rush is traditionally in July and August. If you want to really enjoy La Pelosa, a better choice is usually late May, June, September, or early October. You still have a chance for great swimming, but the atmosphere is more pleasant than at the absolute peak of the season.
I would head to the beach itself in the morning when it’s not so crowded yet. Partly because of the light, which is beautiful at La Pelosa, and partly for practical things like parking, space on the beach, and an overall calmer start to the day. In the afternoon, the beach often feels busier, especially during the holidays. Personally, we like the range of accommodation in Stintino, and last time we stayed with a beautiful view from the terrace directly overlooking the beach.
What to do in Stintino besides La Pelosa beach?
Staying in Stintino is worth it not just for the famous beach. The coastline around the town has two different faces. On the western side, you’ll find a wilder coast with places like Capo Falcone, Valle della Luna, or Coscia di Donna. On the eastern side, the coast is calmer and more protected, with beaches like L’Ancora, Punta Negra, Le Saline, and Ezzi Mannu (you can find them on the map).
La Pelosetta
Right next to the more famous La Pelosa lies the smaller La Pelosetta. It’s more intimate, rockier, and offers a beautiful view of the Torre della Pelosa tower. If the main beach is too full, it’s worth checking this one out too—again, I recommend arriving in the early morning hours.
Beaches in northwest Sardinia
There are several less-visited beaches here where you can drive and find your own spot. Personally, we go to La Pelosa once or twice, early in the morning or towards the evening, but otherwise, we travel from here to these more remote beaches that aren’t as easy to access.
Le Saline
Le Saline beach is a good alternative for days when you can’t get a reservation for La Pelosa or just don’t want to be in the middle of the biggest hustle and bustle. It’s longer, more open, and has a different character than La Pelosa. Expect a classic beach for regular swimming, yet it can be ranked as another beautiful coastal area around Stintino.
Asinara
From Stintino, you can also head to Asinara Island, which is now a national park. I especially recommend using authorized tour operators for your first visit, as they will help you organize movement around the island. It’s not permitted to walk or swim everywhere. On the island, you need to account for the heat, have enough water, and sun protection.
Asinara is completely different from the busy La Pelosa. You’ll find a wilder landscape, the history of a former prison island area, protected nature, and the famous white donkeys. Asinara’s natural heritage covers more than 50 km²; it has been a national park since 1997 and a protected marine area since 2002.
Traveling around Sardinia? Also visit Costa Paradiso in the north of the island:
Costa Paradiso
Stintino as a base for your Sardinia holiday
Stintino has the pleasant atmosphere of a smaller seaside resort. It was originally a fishing village whose history is closely linked to tuna fishing and processing. This part of the local identity is remembered today by the Museo della Tonnara, which is dedicated to the history of traditional tuna fishing in the area.
Staying in Stintino makes sense mainly if you want to experience La Pelosa without a long commute. You can plan a morning visit to the beach, an afternoon trip to Capo Falcone or Le Saline, and the next day perhaps a boat trip to Asinara.
One of our accommodations with a view of La Pelosa
For me, staying in Stintino is a good choice for those who want a calmer seaside stay for a few days but don’t want to limit themselves to just one beach. If you’re driving through Sardinia, two nights are plenty. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed base in the northwest of the island, I’d happily stay longer.
My tip at the end:
We enjoy staying in Stintino because we always find a nice apartment at a good price and take car trips from here to both the northwest and northeast parts of Sardinia. There are really plenty of apartment offers here.
>> FIND ACCOMMODATION IN STINTINO
One of our accommodations in Stintino
La Pelosa beach is one of those beaches that look beautiful in photos and often even better in person (if you head here early in the morning). The crystal-clear shallow water, white sand, and view of the tower and islands in the distance give it a rightfully exceptional status among Sardinia’s beaches.
It’s just good to arrive with realistic expectations—and I’m personally adding an exclamation mark to that! Don’t expect La Pelosa to be a secret corner without people. It’s a famous beach with regulated entry, clear rules, and high visitor numbers. But when you plan your visit well, Stintino will show you Sardinia exactly as it is, which is why travelers keep coming back, just like us.
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