Northern Sardinia has introduced the limited number on the most fragile and iconic beaches. This isn’t pointless red tape: it’s a necessary measure to protect extremely delicate ecosystems and ensure a better experience for visitors to the island. Anyone arriving without a booking risks being turned away. Updated guide 2026.
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📌 The beaches covered in this guide
Why is there a quota system in Sardinia?
Between 2000 and 2020, the rise in tourism led to sand erosion, the destruction of Posidonia seagrass, extreme overcrowding and a loss of biodiversity. The visitor limit helps to minimise environmental impact, keep the water crystal-clear and enhance the quality of the experience for those who visit. Today, it is an established practice and set to expand in the coming years.
🏖️ La Pelosa – Stintino
The most famous in northern Sardinia
| Info |
Detail 2026 |
| Maximum number of visits |
1,500 people per day |
| Period |
Mid-May – late September |
| Cost |
€3.50 per person |
| Free |
Children up to the age of 12, residents, people with disabilities |
| Booking |
Available online at lapelosastintino.com or at the box office (subject to availability) |
📋 Key rules
- Obligation to mat under the towel (also available on site)
- No smoking (except in designated areas)
- It is forbidden to remove sand, shells and stones
- Pets are not allowed during opening hours
- Entry checks carried out by dedicated staff
💡
Recommended strategy: Book online on the morning of your visit by visiting the website at 8.00 am. During the high season (July–August), the 1,500 places sell out within a few hours. Alternatively, arrive at the ticket office before 9.00 am.
🌲 Bidderosa Oasis - Orosei
Nature reserve — 5 unspoilt beaches
| Info |
Detail 2026 |
| Daily visits |
100 cars · 30 motorbikes · 100 bicycles |
| Period |
May – October |
| Opening hours |
7:30 - 20:00 |
| Cars |
€12 + €1 per person |
| Motorcycles |
€6 + €1 per person |
| Bikes |
€1 per person |
⚠️ Important: The Oasis is a nature reserve with no bars or facilities. Bring plenty of water, food, sun cream and everything else you need. There’s nothing available inside.
💡
Bidderosa is less well known than La Pelosa, but it is far wilder. The five beaches (Bidderosa, Osala, Salina Manna, Murta Maria and Cala Ginepro) guarantee crystal-clear water even when the car park is full of 100 cars.
🪨 Cala Goloritzé - Baunei
UNESCO World Heritage Site – Limited access
| Info |
Detail 2026 |
| Maximum number of visits |
250 people per day |
| Cost |
€7 per person |
| Free |
Children under the age of 6 |
| How to get there |
Hike (~2 hours) or by sea by boat/dinghy |
| Booking |
Mandatory — Baunei Town Council website |
Cala Goloritzé is technically located in southern Sardinia (Ogliastra) but can be reached by boat from Cala Gonone. For those staying in the north, it’s a feasible day trip.
Other beaches with restricted access in northern Sardinia
| Beach |
Access |
Key rules |
| Cala Corsara – Spargi (La Maddalena) |
Free but restricted access to the archipelago |
Rules for the Maddalena Archipelago Park |
| 🏝️ Cala Brandinchi – San Teodoro |
Pay-and-display car park, direct access |
No quota system, but environmental monitoring |
| Rena Majore Beach – Aglientu |
Free |
Protected area: collection of marine organisms prohibited |
| Cala Viola – Costa Paradiso |
Accessible only on foot (20 mins) |
No facilities — bring everything |
✅ Practical Tips for Getting Organised
Before you set off
- Check the official website for the beach in question
- Book online as soon as it becomes available (from March–April for July–August)
- Download the confirmation to your phone
- Please plan your arrival time (departure by the afternoon)
What to bring
- Mat (compulsory at La Pelosa)
- A water bottle and plenty of water
- SPF 50+ (the Sardinian sun is intense)
- Rubbish bag
- Rock shoes
- Snorkelling set (Merita)
Limited intake isn’t a problem. It’s a form of natural selection that favours those who plan ahead.
Those who book in advance get to enjoy unspoilt beaches with fewer crowds. Those who turn up at the last minute may be left out in the cold — but they’ll easily find wonderful alternatives in northern Sardinia.
🚗 Planning a holiday in Northern Sardinia (stress-free)
- Ferry or flight? It depends on where you're starting from and how long you're staying — we'll help you choose
- Any car recommendations? Yes, a must for hidden coves and total freedom. Book here with a discount
- A better time? June and September — fewer crowds, better prices, more privacy
- Where to stay? A detached house with a terrace or garden = a 10 times better experience than a hotel
👉 With AffittaSardegna, you get it all: a home + advice + local tips since 2011.
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Where to stay near the most beautiful beaches
Our properties at Stintino, just a few minutes’ walk from La Pelosa and the beaches with limited capacity. Managed by us since 2011: book directly for the best rate, and we’ll help you with access and beach bookings.
Check availability for Stintino →
