One of my last trips in Sardinia was the stunning La Pelosa beach, located near the beautiful island of Asinara, a place I highly recommend. La Pelosa, or Stintino, is often referred to as the “pearl of northern Sardinia”.” I strongly suggest planning your visit during the week, as it tends to get quite crowded on weekends. Let’s discuss all the essential things you should know before visiting La Pelosa.
Nestled along Sardinia’s captivating coastline, La Pelosa is a stunning beach that will take your breath away. With its clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, it’s a beautiful spot that attracts visitors from all over the world. Whether you want a peaceful place to relax in the sun or just admire the beautiful island, La Pelosa in Stintino its your spot.
Things to know before visiting La Pelosa (Stintino)
When it comes to visiting La Pelosa, there are a few key things you should know to make your experience easier and more comfortable. First and foremost, be sure to plan your visit ahead of time as this beach tends to get quite crowded during peak season, and you you will also have to book a ticket. Not to mention, there are lots of rules to adhere to. Why you ask? Years ago, Stintino and the surroundings such as La Pelosa started to loose lots of sand because of tourists taking it home with them or damaging it.
However, before we look closely at the rules, let’s talk about the things you will see when visiting Stintino.
Aragonese Tower
The Aragonese Tower is a fascinating historical landmark located in the charming town of Stintino, Sardinia. This iconic tower has stood proudly on the coast for centuries, serving as a testament to the island’s rich history.Built during the Spanish rule in the 16th century, this imposing tower was originally constructed as a defence against pirates and invaders. Today, it stands tall as a symbol of resilience and endurance. The tower is reachable, yet it feels closer than it actually is.
Tickets
Next, let’s talk about tickets. Yes, you will need a ticket to access La Pelosa beach. This is done in an effort to preserve its pristine beauty and limit visitor numbers. The cost of entry is minimal (currently at 3.50 euros) and well worth it for the sheer natural beauty that awaits you. Purchasing tickets is quite simple. You can buy them directly at the entrance or online in advance. I recommend buying them online beforehand to avoid long queues during peak season, and also they sell out! Buy your tickets here.
Now these are the official numbers:
1,500 daily tickets available – 750 of those can be booked whenever, 750 no earlier than 48 hours before the intended trip. Children aged 12 and below don’t need a ticket and if you arrive after 6pm, you can enter without one as well.
Rules
Rules have changed over the years, due to La Pelosa gaining a protected status. Here are some things to know before visiting La Pelosa:
- No litter or trash can be left behind
- No smoking is allowed on the beach, as a matter of fact, your encourage to smoke outside of the entrance and dispose the rest of your cigarette in one of the containers. These are see-through and is really good to see these don’t damage the white sand.
- To protect the delicate ecosystem of La Pelosa, it is strictly prohibited to bring pets onto the beach. This rule helps maintain a safe and peaceful environment for both visitors and wildlife alike.
- Before leaving the beach, there are small taps to wash your feet, so you don’t bring any sand outside of it. These are mandatory to use.
- You’re not allowed to use just a beach towel – you will have to bring a mat to place underneath it – again this is to protect the sand.
- and lastly, you’re not allowed to take anything from the beach – whether it’s sand, stones or seashells.
Police officers walk around frequently to make sure everyone’s behaviour is according to these rules and you can get fined on the spot, so be aware of these before you go.
How to get to La Pelosa
Getting to La Pelosa is fairly easy, and there are a few different options for transportation. If you’re driving, you can take the SP34 road from Stintino, which will lead you directly to the beach. There is a parking lot nearby where you can leave your car. The parking is paid, currently at 2 euros / hour.
If you prefer public transportation, there are buses that run regularly from Stintino to La Pelosa during the summer months. This is a convenient option if you want to avoid the hassle of finding parking. For those coming from other parts of Sardinia or even mainland Italy, the nearest airport is Alghero Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Stintino and then follow the directions mentioned earlier.
No matter how you choose to get there, it’s important to keep in mind that La Pelosa has become quite popular over the years and gets crowded during peak season. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it tends to be less crowded.
Some final words about La Pelosa in Stintino
The beach itself may not be very large, but it’s incredibly beautiful. I recommend coming here to relax, take a swim, and maybe make your way to the tower. Just watch out for hedgehogs. The water is clear, but I encountered some sea urchins, so I’d advise staying along the edge where you can see the bottom. You’ll find a beachside bar, and you can even pick up a Sardinian bracelet or necklace as a memento.
If you’re in Stintino, or even from Porto Torres, you can catch a boat to Asinara Island, which is a protected park.
A short walk from La Pelosa brings you to Stintino, a charming fishing town and harbor. It’s a lovely place to explore in the evening and savor a delicious seafood dinner. It’s definitely worth it.
When you’re in northern Sardinia, La Pelosa is one of those must-visit places, along with Castelsardo and Capo Testa.
This article was updated on 15.October 2023, however, some information might be out of date