Beaches

Beaches

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 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 Your Holiday in North Sardinia (Stress-Free)

  • Ferry or plane? Depends on where you are departing from and how long you are staying — we help you choose
  • Car recommended? Yes, essential for hidden coves and total freedom. Book here with discount
  • Best period? 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 everything: home + expert advice + local tips since 2011.

→ See available homes

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 →


📖 Read also → Pet-friendly beaches in northern Sardinia · → Complete Guide to Northern Sardinia 2026

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Beaches and Sea, What to Do
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