Stintino

📍 AffittaSardegna — Stintino since 2011

Stintino: La Pelosa, the Asinara
and the Fishermen's Village

“Stintino is the gateway to Sardinia’s most famous beach — La Pelosa — and to the island that was a prison until 1998 and is now a natural paradise: Asinara. A village founded by 45 exiled families, today the capital of north-west summer tourism.”

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📋 In this guide:

  • What Stintino Is
  • La Pelosa
  • Asinara National Park
  • Other beaches
  • Unmissable experiences
  • When to visit
  • How to get there
  • FAQ

What Stintino Is

Stintino is a small fishing village at the extreme north-west of Sardinia, on the peninsula that closes the Gulf of Asinara. It has around 1,500 inhabitants in winter, but in August it transforms into one of the most visited places in the Mediterranean thanks to a beach that has become an icon: La Pelosa.

Stintino's history is unusual. Founded in 1885 by 45 families of Sardinian and Ligurian fishermen who were exiled from the island of Asinara when the Italian government turned it into a penal colony. The white cubic houses you see at the harbour are a sign of that origin — pure Mediterranean architecture, a strong seafaring identity.

We at AffittaSardegna directly manage 26 properties in Stintino since 2011 — the widest portfolio in north-western Sardinia. From the small house for two overlooking the harbour to the three-room flat with a view of the Asinara, to the one-bedroom flats in the white old town. We know every corner, every neighbourhood, every owner.

In Stintino, the fish you eat for dinner was probably caught by your host’s father. It’s one of those places where the short supply chain isn’t a marketing trend, but the way things have worked since 1885.

La Pelosa: the Iconic Beach

La Pelosa is probably the most photographed beach in Italy. Snow-white sand as fine as sugar, a seabed that stays at 50 cm for hundreds of metres, transparent water with turquoise reflections that look like Instagram filters but are real. In the background: the Torre della Pelosa Aragonese tower from the 16th century and the island of Piana that protects the bay.

It is so sought after that since 2020 it has had capped access: a maximum of 1,500 people per day in high season, mandatory booking at €3.50 on the municipal platform. The ticket includes special mats to avoid carrying away sand. A necessary restriction to protect the ecosystem, the result of years of work by the Municipality.

💡 Practical tip: Book La Pelosa at least 7-10 days in advance in July-August on the site spiaggialapelosa.it. Morning slot (8:00-13:00) or afternoon slot (13:30-19:30). If you can't find a spot, read our guide to capped-access beaches for alternatives.

— endemic to the island, a worldwide rarity

On the other side of the strait of sea that separates Stintino from the Asinara there is one of the most memorable experiences to be had in Sardinia. The island that was maximum-security prison until 1998 (where mafia bosses such as Provenzano and Riina were held) is today a National Park of 51 km² of intact wild nature.

  • White donkeys — endemici dell’isola, una rarità mondiale
  • Unspoilt beaches — Cala Sabina, Cala Sant’Andrea, Cala dei Detenuti
  • — open to visitors, a striking atmosphere — open to visitors, a striking atmosphere
  • Trekking, bike, jeep — the island is explored with guided or rented transport
  • Spectacular snorkelling — among the cleanest seabeds in the Mediterranean

You set off from Stintino by public ferry (Sara) or private boat. Average cost of a day excursion: 40-70€ per person. In high season book 2-3 days in advance. It's an experience that is absolutely worth a day of your holiday.

The Other Beaches of Stintino

There’s more than just La Pelosa. The Stintino peninsula is surrounded by beaches that would deserve to be famous in their own right.

La Pelosetta

Right next to La Pelosa, free access, the same turquoise sea but smaller and less regulated. A great alternative when La Pelosa is full.

Le Saline

A long sandy beach, free parking, a less touristy atmosphere. Beach clubs and bars, ideal for families with children.

🏖️ Ezzi Mannu

A windy beach, a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Schools, equipment rental, a young and sporty vibe.

⛵ Punta Negra

A hidden rocky cove, reachable on foot along a path. Great for snorkelling, never crowded even in high season.

🐚 Cala Lupo

Between Stintino and Capo Falcone, white sand and pebbles, transparent water. A wild atmosphere, no services.

🦞 L’Ancora

Stintino’s town beach, 5 minutes from the old centre. Fine sand, shallow water, perfect for young children.

⭐ Unmissable Experiences

, historic regatta.

A full day by boat, lunch on board, snorkelling stops, a visit to the former prison, and an encounter with white donkeys. It’s THE tour to do in Stintino if you only have one day. We book it for you via WhatsApp with verified operators who have worked here for decades.

Tonnara di Stintino (Tuna Fishery)

Stintino is the historic capital of bluefin tuna fishing in Sardinia. Visit the Museo della Tonnara in the centre, it tells the story of traditional fishing, the tools, the culture of Mediterranean tuna. Ticket €5, a must-visit for those who want to understand the identity of the village.

⛵ Sailing and Kitesurfing

Ezzi Mannu is considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in the Mediterranean thanks to its steady wind. Schools with certified instructors, courses for beginners too, equipment rental. Worth at least a day if you love water sports.

The Real Seafood Dinner

In Stintino you eat the best fish in North Sardinia. We recommend three trattorias that use only the local daily catch — ask us on WhatsApp and we’ll give you the names and (if needed) book for you.

Sunset from Capo Falcone

The highest panoramic point on the peninsula, reachable by car. Views over Asinara, the Gulf, and La Pelosa from above. A free experience, worth doing at least one evening of your stay.

🚗 Car Hire

Stintino is isolated: to explore the area a car is essential. We compare for our guests via Discover Cars — average saving of 35% compared with the airport desk.

When to Come to Stintino

Period Sea Pelosa Prices Advice
May-June 🌊 21-23°C 🟢 No queue 🟢 -30/40% ⭐ Top season
July 🌊 25°C 🟡 Book 7 days ahead 🟡 Standard Book 3 months ahead
August 🌊 27°C 🔴 Sold out 🔴 Peak Book 4-5 months ahead
September 🌊 24°C 🟢 Quiet 🟢 -20/30% ⭐ Favourite month
October-April 🌊 16-19°C 🟢 Free 🟢 -50% Asinara perfect
📅 Events to note: Festa Madonna della Difesa (June, patron saint). Sagra del Tonno (June-July), among the most authentic in the Mediterranean. September: “A vela alla Pelosa”, regata storica.

How to Get to Stintino

✈️ Alghero Airport (AHO)

55 km, 50 minutes by car. The main airport for Stintino. Direct flights from all over Italy + northern Europe in summer.

Port of Porto Torres

30 km, 30 minutes by car. Companies: Grimaldi Lines (Genoa/Civitavecchia/Barcelona), GNV, Tirrenia.

On Booking.com: from €167/night

155 km, 2 hours by car. An alternative for those flying from northern Italy on special flights.

🚌 ARST Bus

Connections from Sassari and Porto Torres. Low frequency, not recommended with luggage. The car remains the solution.

Where to Stay: the 26 AffittaSardegna Homes

The widest portfolio in north-west Sardinia. In Stintino we’ve selected a mix that covers every need:

  • Two-bedroom flats and small villas — for families and groups, capacity 5-12 guests
  • One-bedroom flats — couples with children or small families (capacity 4)
  • Central apartments — harbour view or white old town
  • Homes with pool — premium selection for special stays

Areas covered: old town, harbour area, residences near the beaches (La Pelosa/Le Saline), panoramic villas towards Capo Falcone. Total capacity: over 120 guests at the same time.

26 holiday homes managed directly since 2011. The widest portfolio in the north-west. Up to 15% discount for direct booking.

🏠 See the 26 Available Homes
💬 Write to us on WhatsApp

Around Stintino

🏛️ Porto Torres

30 km east. Our operational base, Roman archaeological site, ferry port. The perfect base for exploring in every direction.

🏛️ Alghero

55 km south. Catalan old town, Riviera del Corallo, Neptune’s Grotto. 50 minutes by car.

🏰 Castelsardo

70 km east. An Orange Flag village, the Elephant Rock. 1 hour by car on the scenic SS200.

🌅 Badesi

100 km east. 8 km of dunes and continuous beach, Vermentino di Gallura DOCG.

📖 Read more on the Blog

❓ FAQ — Stintino

How do you book La Pelosa?
Since 2020 La Pelosa has had capped access (1,500 people/day) with mandatory booking at €3.50 on the municipal platform spiaggialapelosa.it. Morning or afternoon slot. Book 7-10 days in advance in July-August.
How much does it cost to rent a house in Stintino?
Prices from €60/night for a one-bedroom flat in low season up to €350/night for a villa for 8-12 people in high season. Two-bedroom flats for 4-6 guests: €130-200/night in July, €80-110/night in May-June.
How do you visit Asinara?
From the port of Stintino by public ferry (Sara) or private boat. Average cost of a day trip €40-70 per person, including transport, visit to the former prison, snorkelling, and lunch. In high season, book 2-3 days in advance.
Is Stintino suitable for families with children?
Yes, very much so. La Pelosa has extremely shallow water for hundreds of metres, ideal for small children. The Ancora beach in the town centre is perfect for daytime sessions. Beach clubs with entertainment, family-friendly restaurants, a paediatrician in the village.
Do the AffittaSardegna homes in Stintino have air conditioning and Wi-Fi?
All 26 properties managed in Stintino have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a washing machine, and bed linen and towels included. Many have a terrace or small garden, some a shared pool.
How many days do you need to visit Stintino?
At least 5 nights to enjoy La Pelosa, take the Asinara excursion, and try at least 3 different beaches. A full week if you also want to include Capo Falcone, the Tonnara Museum, and day trips to Castelsardo and Alghero.
Is Stintino or Costa Smeralda better value?
It depends on what you’re after. Costa Smeralda = glamorous luxury, VIPs, nightclubs, premium prices. Stintino = the same or better sea, an authentic seafaring atmosphere, prices 40-60% lower, La Pelosa unique in the world. For those seeking nature and value for money: Stintino wins.
Are pets allowed?
Several of the 26 AffittaSardegna homes are pet-friendly. Write to us on WhatsApp with the size and number of your pet, and we’ll tell you right away which ones are available.
Can you go kitesurfing in Stintino?
Yes, Ezzi Mannu is one of the best spots in the Mediterranean for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Steady wind 200 days a year, a sheltered bay, certified schools for every level. Suitable for beginners too.
What typical food is there in Stintino?
Seafood cuisine: bluefin tuna in all its forms (Stintino is a historic capital for it), spaghetti with bottarga, sea urchins in season, lobster alla catalana. Wine: Vermentino di Sardegna. AffittaSardegna recommends 3 authentic trattorias via WhatsApp.
📍 Geographical entities — Stintino and the Asinara National Park:
Stintino (40.9379°N, 8.2289°E) · Gulf of the Asinara · La Pelosa · La Pelosetta · Le Saline · Ezzi Mannu · Punta Negra · Cala Lupo · L'Ancora · Torre della Pelosa · Capo Falcone · Isola Piana · Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara · Cala Sabina · Cala Sant'Andrea · Ex Carcere Cala d'Oliva · Museo della Tonnara · Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO, 55 km) · Port of Porto Torres (30 km) · Sassari · Province of Sassari · North-Western Sardinia

Explore our accommodations in Stintino

On AffittaSardegna: from € 50/night
On Booking.com: from € 65/night
3,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

FLAT BILO JANNA

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 57/night
On Booking.com: from € 74/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

FLAT LUGHE ‘E MARI

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 59/night
On Booking.com: from € 77/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

BILO FIGARO

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 57/night
On Booking.com: from € 74/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

CELESTE HOUSE

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 86/night
On Booking.com: from € 112/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

BLUE SHELL HOUSE

6 people
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
On AffittaSardegna: from € 93/night
On Booking.com: from € 121/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

CASA DEI PINI

7 people
4 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
On AffittaSardegna: from € 75/night
On Booking.com: from € 98/night
4,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

LA PELOSA HOUSE 1

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 75/night
On Booking.com: from € 98/night
4,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

LA PELOSA HOUSE 2

4 people
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 143/night
On Booking.com: from € 185/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

LA PELOSA HOUSE 3

6 people
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 129/night
Su Booking.com: da € 167/notte
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

LA PELOSA HOUSE 4

6 people
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 143/night
On Booking.com: from € 185/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

LA PELOSA HOUSE 5

6 people
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
On AffittaSardegna: from € 76/night
On Booking.com: from € 99/night
5,0
Stintino
Holiday Homes

CASA LE TONNARE

6 people
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
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