La Pelosa in Sardinia is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and, without a doubt, our favorite đ. However, it has many rules, and without good planning, you might miss the chance to enjoy it. Thatâs why we decided to share our experience and detail everything you need to know before visiting this paradise.
Sardinia is a true paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. This Italian island wins over visitors with its crystal-clear warm waters, stunning landscapes, charming villages, and a relaxed vibe thatâs perfect for anyone seeking tranquility. It feels like an Italian Caribbean, but with that unique touch of culture, gastronomy, and history that only Italy can offer.
In northern Sardinia, close to the charming town of Stintino, lies the famous La Pelosa Beach. It is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, featuring turquoise waters that look like a natural pool, fine white sand, and a breathtaking view of Asinara Island. But pay attention: since it is so famous, there are a few rules and guidelines you need to know before going. Letâs explore them together!
Where is La Pelosa Beach
La Pelosa is located in the north of Sardinia, in the municipality of Stintino, about 50 km from Sassari and roughly 150 km from Olbia. Facing the Gulf of Asinara, it offers an incredible view of the island with the same name. The area is calm, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy nature peacefully.
A Brief History of La Pelosa
La Pelosa used to be a wild, untouched beach mainly visited by locals. Over time, its beauty gained worldwide recognition, attracting tourists from across the globe. The iconic tower often seen in photos, called Torre della Pelosa, was built in the 16th century to protect the coast from invasions. Today, it stands as one of Sardiniaâs most famous landmarks!
Useful Tips to Enjoy La Pelosa
La Pelosa Beach Reservation Guide
Where to book: Reservation is mandatory from May 15 to October 15 to access the beach between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. You must book 48 hours in advance on the official website: https://spiaggialapelosa.it/. Daily spots are limited to preserve the beach. When we visited, there were only 1,500 slots per day, so we recommend booking as soon as reservations open at 8 a.m. Otherwise, you may miss out!
Check-in: On the day of your visit, go to the check-in booth across the street. Show your QR code, and youâll receive a wristband. Donât remove it, as there are inspectors on the beach.
Price: Entrance costs about âŹ3.50 per person, while children under 12 go free. Payment is made online during booking.
Parking at La Pelosa Beach: Tips and Costs
Price: Parking near the beach costs between âŹ2 and âŹ2.50 per hour, depending on the season. During peak season, itâs best to arrive early to secure a spot.
Payment: You can pay with coins or through the EasyPark app, which allows payment via PayPal or card. We recommend the app since itâs widely used in Sardinia, and you can extend your parking without returning to the car. We used it almost everywhere during our trip, and it was very practical!
Packing Tips: What to Bring to La Pelosa
Umbrella: Renting two chairs and an umbrella costs around âŹ40, which is pricey! If your hotel doesnât provide one, buy it at a local market (away from tourist areas) for much less. Youâll use it throughout your trip.
Snacks and water: Kiosks are expensive. We brought a cooler, which was incredibly usefulânot only for saving money but also because some beaches donât have food options. If you donât have one, buy it at a supermarket. Youâll use it a lot!
Snorkeling gear: The water is crystal-clear, so snorkeling is highly recommended.
Sunscreen and hat: The sun is strong, so protect yourself well and reapply often.
La Pelosa: Essential Visitor Rules
- No smoking on the sand
- No pets allowed
- No loud music or speakers
- Always take your trash with you
Best Time to Visit La Pelosa
The best time to visit is between June and September, when the weather is warmer and the sea is perfect for swimming. July and August are the busiest months, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, choose June or September. The water is still excellent, and the beach feels less crowded. We went in June, and it was amazing, although already quite hot. On the other hand, July and August can be less enjoyable due to the higher temperatures and large crowds.
How to Get to La Pelosa Beach
By Plane:
The best options are flights departing from Milan or Rome. The closest airport to La Pelosa Beach is Alghero, located about 50 minutes away by car. You can also fly into Olbia or Cagliari, although both require a longer drive.
By Ferry
The best option is to arrive at Porto Torres, only a 30-minute drive from Stintino. Ferries depart from Genoa, Livorno, and Civitavecchia. The main companies are Moby Lines, Tirrenia, and Grimaldi Lines. You can board with a car, which makes it easier to access the beach. However, the ferry trip can take between 5 and 12 hours, depending on the departure port. Therefore, it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during summer!
By Train:
There is no direct train to Stintino. The closest station is in Sassari, from where you can take a bus to Stintino.
By Bus:
During the summer, regular buses run from Sassari and Alghero to Stintino. You can check the schedule at: arst.sardegna.it.
By Car:
Renting a car is the best option in Sardinia, as it gives you freedom and comfort. From Alghero to Stintino, it is approximately 50 km. The roads are good and well signposted. From Olbia Airport to the beach, the distance is 146 km, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
We flew from Milan to Olbia and rented a car directly at the airport through DiscoverCars.
If you are planning to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars, where you can find the best deals, compare prices, and read reviews from other travelers.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
Where to Stay Near La Pelosa Beach
The best accommodation options are in Stintino, which offers hotels, charming guesthouses, and apartments for rent.
We stayed at the Residence Hotel La Pelosetta, located right in front of La Pelosetta Beach, a small beach next to La Pelosa that shares the same view. The stay was very convenient, as they provide sun loungers and umbrellas at a much more affordable price (at La Pelosa it was âŹ40, while here it was âŹ15 per day for guests). The hotel also has a restaurant overlooking the beach and offers discounts for guests.
La Pelosetta Beach does not require a reservation. However, if you want to cross over to La Pelosa Beach and stay there, you will need to book and follow the rules mentioned earlier. The hotel lent us umbrellas and mats for the day we went to La Pelosa, which was very convenient. In addition, we had no parking worries at all.
The only downside of the hotel is that the room did not have air conditioning, only a fan. Overall, though, we enjoyed our stay and felt it was worth it because of the convenience and comfort provided.
Typical Sardinian Dishes
After a day at the beach, nothing is better than enjoying traditional Sardinian food! Here are some of the regionâs must-try dishes:
Fregola with seafood: a small semolina pasta typical of Sardinia.
Porceddu: roasted suckling pig, very traditional and full of flavor.
Gnocchi alla Sarda: gnocchi Sardinian-style, served with sausage meatballs and fennel seeds.
Seadas: a dessert made of pastry filled with cheese and honey. It looks like a fried dumpling and is surprisingly delicious!
Other Useful Tips
Always use biodegradable sunscreen to help protect the marine ecosystem.
If you have the time, combine your visit with a trip to the island of Asinara, a national park with beautiful trails, pristine beaches, and untouched nature.
For photography lovers, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the best light and fewer crowds.
Plan at least one day to watch the sunrise. It was truly one of the most beautiful moments of our trip and is something you will never forget!
Our Final Thoughts
La Pelosa is not just a beautiful beach â it is a true piece of paradise that deserves to be visited with respect and care. Its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and breathtaking scenery make every second worthwhile. However, good planning is essential to enjoy it stress-free. If you are creating your Sardinia itinerary, include La Pelosa without hesitation. You will return with unforgettable memories and stunning photos to share! We absolutely loved it â it is definitely our favorite beach in Sardinia, and we are sure it will become yours too! đ đď¸
Also, check out these posts that will help you plan your trip to Sardinia in Italy:
San Teodoro Sardinia: Top Beaches, Boat Tours and Travel Tips
Costa Smeralda Sardinia: Best Beaches, Travel Tips & Where to Stay
Costa di Baunei Sardinia: The Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy
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