“Stintino is the starting point for Sardinia's most famous beach — La Pelosa — and for the island that was a prison until 1998 and is now a natural paradise: Asinara. A village founded by 45 exiled families, today the summer-holiday capital of the north-west.”
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Stintino is a small seafaring village at the far north-western tip of Sardinia, on the peninsula that closes off the Gulf of Asinara. It has about 1,500 inhabitants in winter, but in August it becomes one of the busiest resorts in the Mediterranean, thanks to a beach that has become an icon: La Pelosa.
Stintino has an unusual history. It was founded in 1885 by 45 families of Sardinian and Ligurian fishermen exiled from the island of Asinara when the Italian government turned it into a penal colony. The white, cube-shaped houses you see around the harbour are the mark of that origin — pure Mediterranean architecture, a strong seafaring identity.
We at AffittaSardegna have been directly managing holiday homes in Stintino since 2011. From the little house for two overlooking the harbour to the two-bedroom apartment with views of Asinara and the one-bedroom apartments in the white old town. We know every corner, every neighbourhood, every owner.
La Pelosa is probably the most photographed beach in Italy. Brilliant white sand as fine as sugar, a seabed that stays at 50 cm for hundreds of metres, clear water with turquoise glints that look like an Instagram filter but are real. In the background: the 16th-century Spanish tower, the Torre della Pelosa, and Isola Piana, which shelters the bay.
It's so popular that since 2020 access has been limited: in 2026 a maximum of 1,500 people a day from 15 May to 15 October, with compulsory booking and a €3.50 ticket on the official website spiaggialapelosa.it (free for under-12s). You need a mat under your towel, so you don't carry the sand away. A necessary restriction to protect the ecosystem, the result of years of work by the town council.
Across the stretch of sea that separates Stintino from Asinara lies one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Sardinia. The island that was a maximum-security prison until 1998 (Totò Riina was among those held here) is now a national park of 51 km² of wild, untouched nature.
You leave from Stintino on the public ferry (Sara) or a private boat. In high season, book 2–3 days ahead. It's an experience well worth a day of your holiday.
There's more than La Pelosa. The Stintino peninsula is ringed with beaches that would deserve to be famous in their own right.
Next to La Pelosa, free access, the same turquoise sea but smaller and less regulated. A great alternative when La Pelosa is full.
A long sandy beach, free parking, a less touristy atmosphere. Beach clubs and bars, ideal for families with children.
A windy beach, a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Schools, equipment hire, a young, sporty atmosphere.
A hidden rocky cove, reached on foot along a path. Great for snorkelling, never crowded even in high season.
Between Stintino and Capo Falcone: white sand and pebbles, clear water. A wild atmosphere, no facilities.
Stintino's town beach, 5 minutes from the old town. Fine sand, shallow water, perfect with young children.
A full day with a boat, lunch on board, snorkelling stops, a visit to the former prison and an encounter with the white donkeys. It's THE tour to do in Stintino if you only have one day. Message us on WhatsApp: we'll recommend operators we trust.
Stintino is the historic capital of bluefin tuna fishing in Sardinia. Visit MUT – Museo della Tonnara (Tuna Fishery Museum): on the harbour, it tells the story of traditional fishing, its tools and the culture of Mediterranean tuna. A must for understanding the village's identity; opening hours and tickets change with the season.
Ezzi Mannu is considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in northern Sardinia, with schools for every level, courses for beginners too, and equipment hire. Worth trying for at least a day if you like water sports.
In Stintino you eat the best fish in northern Sardinia. We can recommend three trattorias that use only the local catch of the day — ask us on WhatsApp and we'll give you the names and, if needed, book a table for you.
The highest viewpoint on the peninsula, reachable by car. Views over Asinara, the Gulf and La Pelosa from above. A free experience, worth doing on at least one evening of your stay.
Stintino is isolated: to explore the area, a car is essential. Compare car hire prices on Discover Cars.
| Period | Sea | Pelosa | Prices | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May–June | 🌊 21–23°C | 🟢 By reservation, easier to get a place | 🟢 Reduced rates | ⭐ Best season |
| July | 🌊 25°C | 🟡 Book 7 days ahead | 🟡 Standard | Book 3 months ahead |
| August | 🌊 25–26°C | 🔴 Book as soon as you can | 🔴 Peak | Book 4–5 months ahead |
| September | 🌊 24°C | 🟢 Quiet | 🟢 Reduced rates | ⭐ Favourite month |
| October–April | 🌊 16–19°C | 🟢 Free access after 15 October | 🟢 The lowest rates of the year | Perfect for Asinara |
55 km, 50 minutes by car. The main airport for Stintino. Direct flights from all over Italy + northern Europe in summer.
30 km, 30 minutes by car. Ferry lines: Grimaldi Lines (Genoa/Civitavecchia/Barcelona), GNV, Tirrenia.
155 km, 2 hours by car. An alternative if you find more convenient flights.
Connections from Sassari and Porto Torres. Infrequent, not recommended with luggage. A car is still the answer.
In Stintino we've put together a mix that covers every need:
Areas covered: the old town, the harbour area, residences near the beaches (La Pelosa/Le Saline), small villas with views towards Capo Falcone.
Holiday homes managed directly since 2011. Book direct and save up to 15%.
30 km to the east. Our operational base, a Roman archaeological site, the ferry port. A perfect base for exploring in every direction.
55 km to the south. A Catalan old town, the Riviera del Corallo, Neptune's Grotto. 50 minutes by car.
70 km to the east: a medieval village above the sea and the Roccia dell'Elefante (UNESCO since 2025). 1 hour by car on the scenic SS200.
100 km to the east: kilometres of dunes and unbroken beach.
Own a home in Stintino? We'll manage it for you, as we have since 2011.
We know every corner of Sardinia and select only accommodation that meets clear standards of comfort and reliability. From booking to on-site assistance, we're with you every step of the way.
Every property is checked by our local team: real photos, verified amenities and genuinely convenient locations for your holiday.
Transparent contracts, secure payments and fast support in several languages before, during and after your stay.
Official rates, seasonal offers and no hidden costs: the right value for the right home.
