La Pelosa beach is one of the most photographed places in all of Europe. Fine white sand, water so shallow and turquoise it looks Caribbean, and the silhouette of a 16th-century stone tower rising from the sea: this is the defining image of Stintino, on Sardinia’s north-western tip. But La Pelosa is also one of the most carefully managed beaches on the island. Before you pack your bag, you need to know about tickets, rules, and the realities of visiting in peak season. This guide covers everything: how to book your spot, the regulations you must follow, the best things to do nearby, and where to stay.
What is La Pelosa beach?
La Pelosa sits at the northernmost point of the Stintino peninsula, sheltered deep in the Gulf of Asinara. The geography here does something remarkable. The bay is protected on three sides by Capo Falcone, Isola Piana, and the rocky mass of Asinara Island. That natural barrier keeps the water almost perfectly calm, even when the Maestrale wind is blowing hard elsewhere on the coast. The result is a sea that stays knee-deep for tens of metres out from shore.
The sand is fine, powdery, and very white. The water shifts from pale turquoise close to shore to a deeper blue-green further out. That Caribbean comparison you will read everywhere is not exaggerated: on a calm morning in September, it genuinely looks like another ocean entirely. The beach measures roughly 250-300 metres in length. That is small by Sardinian standards, which matters when 1,500 people share it simultaneously.
Torre della Pelosa
The Torre della Pelosa is an Aragonese watchtower built in 1578. It stands six metres tall on a small rocky islet just off the northern end of the beach. You can reach it by wading through shallow water, though the rocks near the base are uneven and can be sharp. Water shoes make a real difference here. The tower was built to scan the horizon for Barbary corsairs, part of a chain of coastal watchtowers that still punctuate the Sardinian coastline. You cannot enter it, but it is the most-photographed backdrop on the island, and the view back toward the beach from the islet is genuinely stunning.
La Pelosetta
Directly adjacent to La Pelosa, separated only by the rocky islet where the tower stands, is La Pelosetta. It is a smaller cove with the same quality of water but no ticket system and no reservation required. Less known, consistently less crowded, and offering the same iconic views of the tower from a different angle. If La Pelosa sells out on your chosen day, La Pelosetta is the obvious first alternative.
La Pelosa beach tickets: how to book
Access to La Pelosa is regulated between May 15 and October 15 each year. During this window, you need a reservation. There is no ticket booth on site: you must book online before you arrive.
The system currently works as follows:
- Daily limit: 1,500 visitors
- Ticket price: €3.50 per person
- Children under 12: free, not counted toward the daily limit
- Maximum group size per booking: 4 people
- Free access: after 6:00 PM, no reservation needed
The 1,500 daily places are split into two tranches. 700 spots can be booked well in advance, with no minimum lead time, from June 1 onward. A further 700 spots are released exactly 48 hours before the chosen date. A smaller allocation is reserved for guests of local accommodation facilities. The booking portal opens at 8:00 AM daily. In July and August, both tranches sell out within minutes.
Step-by-step: how to book La Pelosa
- Go to the official booking portal: spiaggialapelosa.it
- Select your date and the number of visitors (maximum 4 per booking)
- Check the availability calendar: grey slots are advance bookings, blue slots open at 48 hours
- Complete the payment: €3.50 per adult, children under 12 are free
- You will receive a QR code by email. Screenshot it in case you lose signal at the beach
- Bring a valid ID document along with your QR code. All members of the group must enter together at the same time
The process is simple. The difficulty is speed: in peak season the 48-hour tranche can vanish in the first few minutes of release at 8:00 AM.
What if tickets are sold out?
Several solid options exist:
- La Pelosetta: right next door, no booking required, same water quality, views of the tower
- Le Saline: a long pale-pebble beach a few minutes south of Stintino, free and quiet
- Ezzi Mannu: another pebble beach, excellent water, easy parking, often overlooked
- Pazzona: less visited, good snorkeling around the rocky edges
- Evening access: after 6:00 PM there is no ticket and no crowd control. In summer, the sun does not set until around 8:30 PM, so you still get a long stretch on the sand
Rules at La Pelosa beach
La Pelosa operates under strict regulations introduced in 2017, when the municipality of Stintino moved to halt accelerating erosion of the dunes and dune vegetation. Local police patrol the beach throughout the day and issue fines on the spot. These are enforced consistently, not occasionally.
The main obligations are:
- Mat under your towel: a straw or natural-fibre mat must be placed directly on the sand before you lay down a towel. Regular beach towels trap and remove sand as you shake them. This is the most actively enforced rule. Mats are available in shops in Stintino and at the information point near the beach entrance. Buy one before you step on the sand
- No removing sand, shells, or stones: this is a rule across all of Sardinia by law, but enforcement at La Pelosa is particularly thorough. Fines can reach €3,500
- No smoking on the beach (permitted on the boulevard behind the beach)
- No dogs
- No street vendors or itinerant selling
- No use of detergents or products that could affect water quality
A lifeguard is on duty during opening hours. Umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented from the beach club on site. Sunbed rentals run around €45 for two loungers and an umbrella according to recent visitor reports.
How to get to La Pelosa from Alghero and Stintino
La Pelosa sits at the tip of the Stintino peninsula, in the far north-western corner of Sardinia. Getting there requires planning.
From Alghero (~50 km, 50-60 minutes by car): take the SS291 toward Sassari, then follow signs for Porto Torres and Stintino. The road is clear outside July and August. In peak season, allow extra time for traffic near Stintino itself.
From Sassari (~40 km, 35-40 minutes by car): take the SS131 toward Porto Torres, then the SP69 to Stintino.
By bus: in summer, direct buses run from both Alghero and Sassari to Stintino. From the village, a local shuttle service connects to La Pelosa. This is the stress-free option in July and August: it saves both the parking fee and the anxiety of finding a space.
For more on reaching Sardinia from Italy and Europe, see our guide to getting to Sardinia.
Parking at La Pelosa
Parking near the beach is paid, policed, and limited in high season. There are approximately:
- 320 car spaces
- 70 motorcycle spaces
- 18 campervan spaces
The cost is €2.00-2.50 per hour from June to September, payable via the EasyPark app or a parking meter. Police patrol continuously and will issue fines without prior warning. The consistent advice from experienced visitors: arrive before 9:00 AM in July or August. After 10:00 AM, finding a space within a reasonable distance becomes genuinely difficult.
If your accommodation offers a shuttle or you are staying in Stintino village, leave the car behind entirely.
Best time to visit La Pelosa beach
August is when La Pelosa is at its most spectacular and most brutal. The light is extraordinary, the water is warm, and 1,500 people are stacked onto a 250-metre strip of sand. Umbrellas touch each other. Parking is an ordeal. The ticket release at 8:00 AM is a competitive event.
The honest Sardinian answer: visit in September or early October. The sea temperature remains warm well into October. The light is softer and easier to photograph. The ticket system is still active until October 15, but spaces are significantly easier to secure. Weekdays are much calmer than weekends throughout the regulated season.
June offers a real sweet spot: the water is already inviting, crowds are modest compared to peak summer, and prices everywhere are lower. Late May, just before regulation begins, is La Pelosa without any restrictions at all.
Wind: La Pelosa is well protected from the north-westerly Maestrale, but not immune. On days when the Maestrale is genuinely strong, the beach umbrella becomes unusable and waves occasionally exceed what you would expect from the photographs. Download the Bentu app before your visit: it gives a real-time wind quality score for specific beaches, including La Pelosa, on a 1-10 scale.
Jellyfish: occasional, not systematic. Reports of large jellyfish washing up tend to occur in late summer, particularly after prolonged calm spells. Check local social media and recent visitor reviews if you are particularly concerned.
Things to do near La Pelosa: top activities
La Pelosa itself is a full day in good conditions, but the surrounding area is exceptional and most visitors only scratch the surface. Asinara Island, visible from the beach, is one of the finest national parks in the Mediterranean.
Half-Day Speedboat Tour to Asinara
The top-rated boat experience departing from Stintino (4.9/5, over 295 reviews). Three swimming stops in the crystal-clear coves around Asinara National Park, an aperitif of local Sardinian products on board, and a guide who knows the marine biology of the area. This is the most efficient way to see Asinara properly in half a day. Small group format.
Book the Half-Day Speedboat Tour on GetYourGuide
Half-Day Catamaran Tour to La Pelosa with Aperitif
A comfortable catamaran departure from Stintino that takes you to the Fornelli Natural Pools and La Pelosa itself, seen from the water. Seeing the Torre della Pelosa from a boat is a completely different perspective from standing on the beach. Aperitif included, three-hour tour. Ideal if you want to experience La Pelosa without dealing with the parking and ticket system.
Book the Half-Day Catamaran Tour on GetYourGuide
Full-Day Catamaran to Asinara with Lunch
Eight hours on the water exploring the Gulf of Asinara National Park on a spacious catamaran. Multiple swimming stops in coves like Cala Reale and Cala del Turco, a full seafood lunch on board with Sardinian products and Vermentino wine, and the option to visit the island’s former maximum-security prison at Cala d’Oliva. This is the full-immersion Asinara experience and consistently receives outstanding reviews.
Book the Full-Day Catamaran on GetYourGuide
Asinara and La Pelosa Sunset Sailing Tour
Depart from Stintino one hour before sunset aboard a private sailing boat. The tour anchors in front of the Torre della Pelosa as the sun sets behind Capo Falcone, which is one of the most dramatic evening views in northern Sardinia. An aperitif of local products and wine is served on deck. A genuinely romantic option for couples.
Book the Sunset Sailing Tour on GetYourGuide
Half-Day Dinghy Tour in the Asinara Gulf
A more dynamic, sporty option: an inflatable dinghy with 3 swimming stops including the Fornelli Natural Pools and a pass in front of La Pelosa beach. Snorkeling equipment included. Guide certified in marine biology. 4.5/5 with over 360 reviews, making it one of the most trusted options at a more accessible price point from around $56.
Book the Half-Day Dinghy Tour on GetYourGuide
Asinara Minivan Tour (Land Exploration)
For those who want to see Asinara’s interior rather than just its coastline. A ferry from Stintino brings you to the island, where a guided minivan tour covers the history, wildlife, and ecology of one of Italy’s most unusual national parks. You will see the famous white donkeys, mouflons, wild boars, and the ruins of the former penal colony. 4.7/5 with over 280 reviews. The land perspective of Asinara is fundamentally different from the sea perspective and worth the full day.
Book the Asinara Minivan Tour on GetYourGuide
Getting around: car rental near La Pelosa
To reach La Pelosa, a car is practically essential unless you are staying in Stintino itself or using the summer bus service. The nearest airports are Alghero-Fertilia (~50 km) and Sassari-Fertilia, both a 50-60 minute drive away. Having your own vehicle also means you can explore the alternative beaches around the Stintino peninsula and make day trips to Alghero, Asinara, and the Castelsardo coast without being dependent on bus timetables.
You can compare prices and book your rental car directly from:
Book in advance for July and August: availability tightens considerably during peak season and prices are significantly lower when reserved early.
Where to stay near La Pelosa beach
Stintino and the area around Capo Falcone offer accommodation at every level, from luxury resorts a short walk from La Pelosa to simple B&Bs in the village. Staying close to the beach means you can arrive at the beach early by foot, which is a genuine logistical advantage in August.
Capo Falcone Charming Apartments is one of the best-positioned properties in the area, located approximately 300 metres from La Pelosa beach. Air-conditioned, fully equipped apartments with private parking on site. The proximity means no parking stress and you can reach the beach’s ticket check-in before it fills. Well reviewed for the location and the practical setup.
Check availability on Booking.com | Check on Trip.com
Club Esse Roccaruja is a four-star resort set 650 metres from La Pelosa, with a private beach of its own, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a full entertainment programme, and a restaurant serving Sardinian cuisine. A comprehensive family-friendly option where you can spend the full day without leaving the property on days when La Pelosa tickets sell out.
Check availability on Booking.com
Park Hotel Asinara is a well-reviewed three-star hotel a ten-minute walk from Stintino’s village centre, with a free shuttle service to La Pelosa beach. The shuttle is genuinely useful: it eliminates parking costs and the stress of the early-morning space hunt. Air-conditioned rooms with sea views, outdoor pool, Sardinian-style breakfast. Rated 9.0 on Booking.com based on over 1,800 verified reviews.
Check availability on Booking.com
Hotel Silvestrino sits in the heart of Stintino village, right on the waterfront promenade near the harbor. The village access to Asinara boat tours is immediate from here. Well-placed for restaurants and evening seafood dinners. A comfortable mid-range option for those who want a classic Sardinian village experience alongside the beach.
Check availability on Booking.com
For a wider overview of where to base yourself in northern Sardinia, including options near Alghero (the best base for day trips to La Pelosa), see our guide to staying in northern Sardinia.
Where is La Pelosa Beach?
Situated near the town of Stintino, La Pelosa Beach is easily accessible from various parts of Sardinia. The beach is positioned on a small peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, providing panoramic views and a unique coastal experience.
The local perspective: what Sardinians think
We Sardinians know La Pelosa better than the photographs suggest. Here is what the viral images do not tell you.
Geography and climate: the bay is genuinely calm on most days because Capo Falcone, Isola Piana, and Asinara form a natural windbreak. This is not luck; it is geography. However, on days when the Maestrale arrives with real force, the beach becomes exposed and uncomfortable. The water remains beautiful but umbrellas become unmanageable. Locals check the wind forecast before committing to La Pelosa: it is not a guaranteed destination every summer morning. The Bentu app (or any detailed marine forecast) is standard practice here.
Logistics and parking: in August, locals from Porto Torres and Sassari arrive by 8:00 AM precisely because they know what the parking situation becomes at 10:00 AM. If you are staying more than 5 km away and your accommodation does not offer a shuttle, budget time for the parking hunt into your morning. A taxi from Stintino village to the beach costs very little and eliminates the problem entirely.
The ticket system works: before 2017, the beach received as many as 4,000 visitors on peak days. The erosion to the dune vegetation was visible year to year. The combination of daily limits, mat requirements, and active policing has genuinely slowed the degradation. The beach today is in better condition than it was a decade ago. This is not a bureaucratic inconvenience: it is the reason La Pelosa still looks like the photographs.
August reality: even at 1,500 people, La Pelosa in August is crowded. Towels touch. The water near shore is full. If your idea of a beach day involves space and quiet, consider September or the morning hours of June. La Pelosa in late September, on a calm day, with 600 people on it, is a genuinely different experience from the August peak.
FAQ about La Pelosa beach
Do I need to book La Pelosa beach in advance?
Yes, between May 15 and October 15 a reservation is mandatory. You book online at spiaggialapelosa.it and pay €3.50 per person. After October 15 and before May 15, the beach is free and open without any restrictions. After 6:00 PM during the regulated season, entry is also free and no reservation is required.
How much does it cost to enter La Pelosa?
The entrance fee is €3.50 per person. Children under 12 enter for free and are not counted toward the daily limit of 1,500 visitors. Parking costs an additional €2.00-2.50 per hour during the summer season.
What do I need to bring to La Pelosa beach?
A straw or natural-fibre mat is mandatory and must go directly under your towel. Standard beach towels without a mat result in a fine. You will also need your booking QR code and a valid ID. Shops in Stintino and near the beach entrance sell the required mats. Water shoes are recommended for reaching the Torre della Pelosa.
When is the best time to visit La Pelosa?
September and early October offer the best balance of warm water, manageable crowds, and easier ticket availability. June is also excellent before the peak crush begins. July and the first half of August are the most spectacular but also the most crowded and logistically demanding.
Is La Pelosa beach good for children?
Exceptionally so. The water is very shallow for a long distance from shore, making it safe and fun for small children. The calm conditions (due to the bay’s natural protection) mean there are rarely significant waves. The shallow entry also means the water warms up quickly.
What can I do near La Pelosa besides the beach?
The most significant attraction is Asinara National Park, visible across the water. Boat tours depart from Stintino harbor throughout the summer and range from three-hour half-day trips to full-day catamaran excursions with lunch. The village of Stintino itself is worth a slow evening walk, particularly for seafood at the harbor restaurants. The Museo della Tonnara covers the area’s tuna fishing history.
Can I visit La Pelosa without a car?
Yes. In summer, buses connect Alghero and Sassari to Stintino, and local shuttle services run from the village to the beach. Many hotels in the area also offer their own shuttle. For flexibility outside summer schedules, a rental car is much more convenient.
Sources and references:
- Regione Sardegna, Sardegna Turismo – La Pelosa official page
- Italia.it – Stintino and La Pelosa Beach
- Official La Pelosa beach booking portal: spiaggialapelosa.it
