La Cinta beach in San Teodoro is one of Sardinia’s longest and most beautiful stretches of coastline. A ribbon of fine white sand roughly 3.2 kilometres long, it sits between the open sea to the east and a protected lagoon behind the dunes. The view of Isola Tavolara rising from the water is never not dramatic.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go: what makes the beach unique, how to get there, the best things to do in and around La Cinta, and where to stay nearby.
What makes La Cinta beach special
La Cinta faces east, sheltered from the Maestrale by the hills behind San Teodoro. That means calm, shallow water for most of the summer. The seabed is sandy and gently sloping, staying shallow for a good 50 to 100 metres offshore, which makes it one of the safest swimming beaches in northeast Sardinia for families with young children.
The beach sits on a narrow sandbar that separates the sea from the Stagno di San Teodoro, a sheltered lagoon home to pink flamingos, herons, and kingfishers. Behind the shore, ancient juniper trees and sea lilies grow among the dunes. The landscape is genuinely preserved despite the crowds.
Key practical details at a glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | ~3.2 km |
| Orientation | East-facing |
| Seabed | Fine sand, shallow for 50-100m |
| Facilities | Beach bars, sun lounger hire, showers, toilets, kitesurf school |
| Free access | Yes (mixed free and paid sunbed areas) |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Lifeguards | Yes, in season |
The northern end of the beach, past the main access point, gets progressively quieter. Walk 15 minutes and the crowds thin dramatically.
How to get to La Cinta
By car from Olbia airport
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is roughly 30 km from La Cinta. Take the SS125 south towards San Teodoro, then follow signs for Spiaggia La Cinta. The drive takes around 25 to 30 minutes outside peak hours.
Parking near the beach is paid. The main guarded car park costs around €25 per day in August. Street parking along the approach road is cheaper but fills up fast. Arrive before 9am in July and August if you want a spot.
On foot or by bike from San Teodoro
The beach is about a 20-minute walk from the centre of San Teodoro. A dedicated cycle path connects the town directly to the beach. If you are based in the village, you genuinely do not need a car to reach La Cinta.
Trenino Teodorino tourist train
From June 1 to September 15, the Trenino Teodorino connects the town centre to La Cinta and Cala d’Ambra. Tickets cost €2.50 one-way or €5 return. It is one of the most underused options for avoiding the parking problem, and it drops you right at the beach entrance.
Best time to visit La Cinta
May and June are excellent. The water is already warm enough to swim, the beach is quiet, and the flamingos are active in the lagoon. Wildflowers are in bloom along the dunes.
September is the sweet spot for most visitors. Warm water, significantly fewer people than August, and golden evening light. The Trenino still runs until mid-September.
July and especially August are spectacular but very crowded. The beach near the main entrance can feel overwhelming. If you visit in August, aim for the northern third of the beach, walk away from the car park, and get there early.
October is worth considering for a quiet walk or kitesurfing. Swimming is still possible in early October. The lagoon sees the last flamingo activity before they move south.
Things to do at La Cinta beach: top activities
Tavolara 5 Islands Tour from La Cinta beach
The boat departs from La Cinta beach itself and takes you to Tavolara, Molara, and three other islands in the protected marine area. Swimming and snorkelling stops are included. The tour runs about 6.5 hours and is consistently one of the highest-rated experiences in the entire area. For more on the island, see our Tavolara guide.
Book the Tavolara 5 Islands Tour on GetYourGuide
Tavolara Archipelago Dinghy Grand Tour
A full-day guided dinghy tour departing from San Teodoro harbour. Stops include Cala Brandinchi, the Grotta del Forno cave, Molara Island’s natural pools, and the towering cliffs of Tavolara. Approximately 6 hours, small groups, free cancellation.
Book the Dinghy Grand Tour on GetYourGuide
Tavolara Dinghy Mini Tour (half-day option)
A shorter 3.5-hour version of the archipelago tour, visiting Cala Brandinchi, Proratora, and Molara. Good value for families or anyone short on time who still wants to see the coast from the water. Free cancellation.
Book the Dinghy Mini Tour on GetYourGuide
Kitesurfing intro lesson at La Cinta
La Cinta is one of the most consistent kitesurfing beaches in Sardinia. The east-facing exposure and reliable Greco and Levante winds during spring and summer make it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike. A dedicated kite zone separates the sport area from swimmers. Kitesurf San Teodoro operates directly on the beach, with IKO-certified instructors.
Book a kitesurfing intro lesson via Viator
Jeep excursion to Monte Nieddu and Rio Pitrisconi
Half a day inland, Monte Nieddu offers a completely different side of the San Teodoro area: cork oak forest, panoramic views of the coastline, and natural pools at Rio Pitrisconi where you can swim. A local guide with a Land Rover takes you on tracks not accessible by standard car. Half-day, no driving required.
Book the Monte Nieddu jeep excursion via Viator
Flamingo walk at Stagno di San Teodoro (free)
No booking needed. The San Teodoro Lagoon runs almost the entire length of La Cinta behind the dunes. Pink flamingos are present from April through September, joined by grey herons, cormorants, and kingfishers. The best light for photography is early morning or late afternoon. Access is from the beach-side paths along the dune line.
Getting around: car rental in San Teodoro
An own car is practically essential if you want to combine La Cinta with the other great beaches nearby. Cala Brandinchi is 8 km north and requires a car to reach. Lu Impostu is 10 km. Cala d’Ambra, the only beach you can reach on foot from San Teodoro, is the exception.
If you fly into Olbia, you can book a rental car directly at the airport before driving to San Teodoro. Booking in advance, especially for July and August, consistently gets better rates and vehicle availability.
Compare car rental prices at Olbia Airport via DiscoverCars
Nearby beaches worth combining with La Cinta
Cala Brandinchi is 8 km north of La Cinta and nicknamed “Little Tahiti” for its turquoise lagoon-like water. It is technically smaller and more sheltered than La Cinta, with a completely different character. Allow half a day if you visit both.
Lu Impostu is roughly 10 km north, a 1 km stretch of soft sand flanked by junipers and mimosas. Quieter than La Cinta on a typical summer day, with excellent shallow water.
Cala d’Ambra is 2 km south of La Cinta, smaller and more protected, and the only beach you can walk to from the centre of San Teodoro. Good for an evening swim.
For a broader overview of the area, including nightlife and restaurants, see our full San Teodoro guide.
Where to stay near La Cinta
Hotel Onda Marina (mid-range) sits about 70 metres from the beach, making it the closest hotel option to La Cinta itself. Free parking, sea-view rooms, and buffet breakfast included. A 15-minute walk from San Teodoro town centre.
Hotel Al Faro, Spiaggia La Cinta (budget to mid-range) is a 6-minute walk from the beach. A family-run property with a genuine local feel, a garden, private parking, and a terrace. Consistently praised for its host and value for money.
Terradimare Resort and Spa (mid-range to premium) sits in the centre of San Teodoro, 2 km from La Cinta. Pool, tennis, spa facilities, and a free shuttle bus to the beach in season. Good for families who want resort amenities alongside beach access.
Baglioni Resort Sardinia (luxury) is set inside the Tavolara Marine Reserve, 10 km north of San Teodoro. Private beach, three pools, and a spa. Requires a car to reach La Cinta and San Teodoro town.
The local perspective: what Sardinians think
Geography and wind. La Cinta faces east, which means it is sheltered from the Maestrale, the dominant northwest wind of Sardinia. That is largely why the water here is consistently calm, even when the western coast is choppy. However, the beach is exposed to the Greco (northeast) and Levante (east), which blow in spring and early summer and make it one of the top kitesurfing spots on the island. If you come expecting flat Caribbean-like water in May, you may be surprised. By mid-July the sea is usually glassy.
Crowds and the August reality. Anyone who tells you La Cinta is “quiet even in summer” has either never visited in August or has a different definition of quiet. The main access point and car park area get genuinely packed. The solution is simple: walk north. The beach is 3.2 km long and most visitors stack up within the first 500 metres of the entrance. The northern half is noticeably emptier. Get there before 9am or arrive after 5pm for the best experience.
Parking costs. The guarded car park at the main entrance charges around €25 per day in peak season. This surprises many visitors. The Trenino Teodorino train from the town centre at €5 return is a far better option if
Where is La Cinta Beach?
La Cinta Beach is located in San Teodoro, Province of Sassari, Italy. It is one of the longest beaches in northeast Sardinia, stretching for 3.2 kilometers and offering stunning views of the Capo Coda Cavallo promontory and Isola Tavolara.
you are staying in San Teodoro. Locals almost never use the guarded car park.
FAQ about La Cinta beach
How long is La Cinta beach?
La Cinta stretches approximately 3.2 km, making it one of the longest beaches in northeast Sardinia.
Is La Cinta beach free to access?
Yes, entry is free. Sections of the beach have paid sunbed and umbrella hire, but there is always a free access area. No tickets or reservations are needed to enter.
Is there parking at La Cinta?
There is a guarded car park near the main entrance, which costs around €25 per day in August. Street parking along the approach road is also available at lower cost but fills up fast. The Trenino Teodorino tourist train is a cheaper alternative from San Teodoro town centre.
Can you see flamingos near La Cinta?
Yes. The San Teodoro Lagoon behind the dunes is home to pink flamingos, typically visible from April through September. Early morning is the best time for sightings.
How far is La Cinta from Olbia airport?
Approximately 30 km, a 25 to 30-minute drive via the SS125. Car rental directly at Olbia Airport is the easiest option for reaching the beach independently.
- What are the main features of La Cinta?
It is famous for its very long shoreline of white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters. It’s consistently ranked among the best beaches in Sardinia for families. - Is there a lagoon near the beach?
Yes, behind the dunes lies the San Teodoro lagoon, where you can often spot pink flamingos. For more activities in the area, check our San Teodoro travel guide. - What is the best way to reach La Cinta?
It is easily accessible from the town of San Teodoro. If you are arriving by plane, it is just a 20-minute drive from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. - Can I see Tavolara from the beach?
Yes, the island’s silhouette dominates the horizon. Many visitors take boat trips from here to explore Tavolara Island during their stay.
Sources
- La Cinta, Sardegna Turismo – official regional tourism authority: natural environment, lagoon, facilities
- Spiaggia La Cinta, TripAdvisor – verified visitor experience and seasonal crowding data
