La Pelosa Beach (Spiaggia La Pelosa in Italian) is one of the most beautiful and most photographed beaches in Sardinia. It’s worldwide famous, and one of the most sought-after beaches in Sardinia by tourists and locals.
Needless to say, I have been to La Pelosa many times, including recently. So, I know everything you need to know to plan your visit and have a great time while you’re there.
You will find La Pelosa at the northwestern tip of Sardinia, in Stintino, one of the prettiest coastal towns in Sardinia. This small beach has beautiful, fine sand and very shallow, transparent waters. It is incredibly scenic, and its conformation makes it a perfect spot to relax on a hot summer day.
Sadly, the popularity of La Pelosa Beach has caused it considerable damage: in the last couple of decades, its surface has been receding.
In an attempt to protect it, local authorities have implemented a set of rules, including having to book a spot at the beach ahead of your visit. However, this is just one of the things you need to know before going.
Continue reading to discover what you must know about La Pelosa. I will also explain how to get La Pelosa tickets, how to get there, where to park, and how to make the most of your visit.
Quick Overview of La Pelosa
No time to read the entire post? Here’s what you need to know before visiting La Pelosa.
- Booking Required: You must book between May 15 and October 15.
- Capacity: ~1,500 people/day (kids under 12 years old excluded from count).
- Tickets: €3.50 per person.
- When to book: part of the quota can be booked any time; another tranche opens 48 hours out. If sold out, pick a nearby beach.
- Pack: a straw mat to use under your towel (staff around the beach checks regularly), microfiber towel, water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Rules: no smoking other than in designated areas; no pets from 8:00 to 20:00; take your trash home.
- Parking & shuttle: park in signed lots near Stintino; use public transport (there’s a beach shuttle) to avoid fines/long walks.
- Best plan B: Pelosetta Beach (next door), Le Saline & Ezzi Mannu (long, sandy beaches), or Asinara Island by boat (tours depart from Stintino tourist harbor).
How To Get La Pelosa Tickets
La Pelosa became one of the protected beaches of Sardinia in 2018. Before limits were placed on the number of visitors, there were days when up to 4,000 people accessed the beach. The number of visitors that can access La Pelosa Beach every day is now capped to 1,500 (and even then, it still feels crowded).
This means that in order to access the beach between 15 May and 15 October, you will have to make reservations and get a La Pelosa ticket. The beach gets fully booked in the peak months of July and August. If that’s when you intend to visit, make sure to book well ahead!
Here’s how to book La Pelosa:
- Go to the official booking portal. The website is in Italian and English. Click on “prenota” (it’s on the top right corner on desktop). This will open up a new page. The page automatically opens up in Italian, but if you click on the globe symbol on the top right, you can switch to English.
- Select the date and the number of visitors (max. 4 per booking; kids under 12 years of age are not counted). On the left side bar there’s a menu where you can also see “places available”. Click on that to see the calendar with the exact availability. Spots for “unlimited reservations” are marked in grey; spots for reservations within 48 hours are marked in blue.
- Add names and confirm: Enter full names for each adult. Make sure the email is correct — your QR ticket arrives here.
- Click on “confirm and pay”: another page will open up that says “click here to pay”. Insert your card details and pay €3.50 per person (kids get in for free).
- Save the QR code you will receive, and screenshot it just in case you have no connection at the beach. One of the workers of the beach will scan it at one of the access points. You will also need to bring your ID.
Good to know: 1,500 visitors per day allowed. Of these, 700 can only book within 48 hours of their intended day of visit. 700 spots are available to book ahead of time and if you are lucky enough to be able to do that, you can also book up to 31 consecutive days.
Local tip: If your date is sold out, try the 48-hour tranche at release time, or go after 6:00 pm when there’s no need for a QR code to access the beach.
Good to know: La Pelosa Stintino website only works between May and October, when access to the beach is capped. You can’t make La Pelosa Beach reservations in April or in November, as the system simply won’t work. That’s because the beach is free to visit then.
Important Rules For La Pelosa Beach Visitors
La Pelosa is a highly protected beach. In order to preserve its beauty all visitors must observe a basic set of rules of behavior.
Here are La Pelosa rules:
- Use a straw mat under your towel – This is to reduce sand loss. Rangers patrol the beach and fine anyone caught without a straw mat. You can get straw mats cheaply at the info center by the main access, or at shops in town.
- No smoking – You can only smoke in designated areas. The last time I went, several people got a fine for smoking under their umbrella.
- No littering – There are trash cans at the beach, so you really have no excuse to abandon your trash!
- No sand or shell collecting – This rule is valid for all beaches in Sardinia. If you are caught, you will get a fine. I explain more about it in my post What’s The Deal With Sand Theft In Sardinia?
- No pets – Pets aren’t allowed to La Pelosa between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
- Rinse your feet – Once leaving, rinse your feet in one of the public fountains found on the access points along the beach.
How To Get To La Pelosa Sardinia + Where To Park
La Pelosa is located in Capo Falcone, just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) north of Stintino, one of Sardinia’s prettiest small towns in the province of Sassari, founded in 1885 when 45 families moved there from the island of Asinara.
Here’s how to get to La Pelosa:
- By bus from Stintino: Take public bus n. 727 in Via Sassari 108. You can get tickets at a local kiosk or via the app DropTicket.
- By car: It takes about 6 minutes from the center of Stintino. La Pelosa is one of the most popular day trips from Alghero – a one-hour drive.
La Pelosa parking fee is quite expensive (€2 per hour and up to €20 for the whole day, payable by cash or card). Depending on what time you arrive, you may struggle to get a good parking spot near the beach, so plan to be there very early or around lunch time, when some people may leave. Fines for roadside parking or expired parking are common.
What To Pack For A Day At La Pelosa
Here’s what to bring for your day at La Pelosa:
- Shade (there’s no vegetation)
- Straw mat to place under your towel
- Microfiber towel
- Water shoes
- Lunch and snacks (there are kiosks, but they are expensive)
- At least 2 liters of water per person
- A small trash bag
- Power bank
- If you have kids, any toy they may wish to use at the beach.
Map of Key Spots Around La Pelosa
To help you plan your visit to La Pelosa, I created a map that allows you to locate the beach, other nearby beaches, the best parking spots in the area, and departure points for Asinara Island boat tours and ferry.
How to use this Stintino La Pelosa map: This map points out the key spots around La Pelosa. To enlarge it, use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. You can save the map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.
Now, continue reading for more tips about La Pelosa, Sardinia.
What To Do If La Pelosa Beach Is Sold Out
You are never far from an amazing beach in Sardinia. If you can’t get La Pelosa tickets, don’t worry. There are plenty of beaches in northern Sardinia – including very close to La Pelosa – that you can visit.
Here are my top local recommendations:
- Pelosetta (next door): tiny, postcard views of Torre della Pelosa; still busy, but no booking required.
- Le Saline / Ezzi Mannu / Pazzona: long, pale-pebble strands with clear water; easy parking; fewer rules; family-friendly.
- Porto Ferro / Lazzaretto / Bombarde: among the best beaches near Alghero, they are beautiful alternatives if you don’t mind driving.
- Rena Majore della Nurra: one of the most secluded beaches in Sardinia. Getting there requires a bit of effort, but it’s worth it.
- Asinara National Park: you can take a boat from Stintino tourist harbor and explore independently, or join this excellent sailboat tour to visit the wild coves and learn about its history (it’s a full-day trip).
Other Things To Know About La Pelosa
La Pelosa is a small beach of just about 300 meters (984 feet) – and no more than 60 meters (196 feet) wide. On the northwestern tip of Sardinia, it faces Isola Piana and Asinara Island, one of Sardinia’s National Parks.
The beach is highly exposed to the Mistral wind. Because of that, it is a perfect place to practice water sports such as windsurfing or kite surfing, and sailing.
When the wind is not blowing, the tranquil and very shallow waters have a good temperature, making it a perfect place for families with children, and ideal for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking.
La Pelosa has its very own Aragonese watchtower, a defensive tower dating from 1578, when – like other similar towers along the coastline of Sardinia – it was used to spot pirates and invaders. It is 6 meters (almost 20 feet) tall, located on a small islet north of the beach. We refer to it as La Pelosa Tower.
You can’t visit the tower inside, but you can swim or walk there for the views: I recommend bringing rock shoes if you wish to walk on it.
There are two diving centers (Asinara Diving Center and Roccaruja Diving Center) where you can sign up for diving expeditions to Asinara Island and Capo Falcone.
Check out my post, A Complete Guide To Diving In Sardinia, for other places to go diving on the island.
Located along the beach, there are kiosks that serve quick meals, snacks, gelato, and drinks, and beach clubs where you can rent umbrellas, sun beds, and even kayaks and pedal boats.
To secure an umbrella and sun beds, you must call in advance. The number to call is +39 336 817234 (Cooperativa Golfo dell’Asinara). They only take reservations for the entire day (no half-day bookings).
Boat Tours That Go To La Pelosa Sardinia
If you want to upgrade your experience of La Pelosa, you could consider joining a boat tour. There aren’t many options available to book online, and most tours departing from Stintino will actually go directly to Asinara Island. Nevertheless, I found two great tours that you may wish to consider.
This half-day speedboat tour goes to La Pelosa beach. There are departures every day at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm, and the tour (which lasts 3 hours) includes an aperitif with local products and 3 swim stops.
This sailboat tour from Stintino goes to Asinara Island and lasts 8 hours, and includes a stop in the waters of La Pelosa. It includes lunch.
Where To Stay Near La Pelosa
You can visit La Pelosa on day trips from Alghero and even Castelsardo, if you wish. But if you want to stay close, you won’t have a shortage of good accommodation options near La Pelosa. You can opt to stay in the village for the best access to restaurants and bars, or right by the beach if you just want to be able to walk there. Here are a few good places:
- B&B MARE DI FUORI – Modern, comfortable rooms make this one of the best places to stay in the area. Some even have a jacuzzi. It’s great value for money.
- CALA SANT’ANDREA APARTMENT – This large apartment is perfect if you are traveling with a group of friends or for a family with children. It’s perfect for a comfortable stay.
Make sure to also read my post, Best Hotels In Stintino, for more information on where to stay in the area.
I also have a guide on the Best Places To Stay In Sardinia that will help you identify your ideal location on the island.
FAQs on La Pelosa
No, there’s a small fee of €3,50 per person to access La Pelosa. Kids under 12 years of age get in for free.
Yes, in season (15 May to 15 October), capacity is limited and checked at the gate.
The price of an umbrella and two sunbeds at La Pelosa varies depending on the beach club and the season. Prices go from €30 to €50.
This is done to stop sand loss. Indeed, sand can get stuck to towels. Staff at the beach will check that you respect this rule.
La Pelosa is easy to reach by bus from Stintino (take bus 727), and by car from Alghero or Castelsardo.
You can park near the beach, but parking is limited and very expensive. Arrive early for better chances to find a spot, or at lunch time when some people leave.
Pelosetta (next door), Le Saline/Ezzi Mannu, or a day on Asinara.
La Pelosa is a breathtakingly beautiful beach, and one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s often been awarded as the most beautiful beach in Italy, and it’s regularly mentioned among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, in Europe, and in the world.
Final Considerations on La Pelosa Beach
La Pelosa is a wonderful beach, and one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. Because of that, it is a very popular spot. Even if the number of daily visitors is limited, the beach can still feel crowded on a peak summer day, so don’t go there expecting to have the beach to yourself.
Regardless of the crowds, this remains a little slice of paradise in Sardinia, and the perfect place to spend a day with friends and family.
Recommended Readings
Further Readings
Are you planning a trip to Sardinia? Make sure to check out my other posts:
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You can actually park at the beach – it’s paid, and it can be full so you may have to go around a few times. Or get there very early to secure a parking spot. Otherwise there’s a parking lot near the historic center of Stintino and there are parking spaces along Viale La Pelosa.
You’ll have to take bus 727 from town to get to La Pelosa.
Hi Claudia,
Do you know where we can leave our car in Stintino if we want to take the bus to the beach?
P.S. Love your podcast and website!
The closest airport to La Pelosa / Stintino is Alghero.
Hi Claudia, we are traveling to Spain in June, planning to travel to Italy for few days late June, which airport is the closest to get to
Sardinia? thanks!!
Hello Marian, this site should give you enough resources to plan your holiday independently. I am also available for consultancies if you wish – you can find out more here https://strictlysardinia.com/sardinia-travel-consultation/
Ciao Claudia, thanks for the tips! I a planning to go to Sardinië in July with my kids (14 and 16y). I still need to plan everything, would you have any suggestions on how to get the best out of our holiday. I’m planning to stay for 10 days, maybe 2 weeks. Would you recommend a tour around the island? Do you have tips where to stay? Thanks in advance 🙂 Maria
Perfect. You have plenty of time to plan. I’d say to look into it around the beginning of July. Some beaches now only allow you to book 72 hours ahead, but that should not be the case with La Pelosa. Enjoy my gorgeous island!
Thank you Claudia!
We’ll be arriving at the very end of August to La Pelosa/Asinara area.
Thank you so much for all your kind help!
Steven
No worries Steven, I am like you. I don’t know when you are visiting, but if you are coming in June, I suggest to start checking at the beginning of May. Normally, I’d say 3 to 4 weeks in advance should be enough.
Buongiorno Claudia!
I have a feeling I’m about to ask the question no one can answer. However, if there is an answer, I have a feeling you would know!
Any idea when the reservations for the 2024 season will open up? I keep checking now that we’re approaching Spring but no luck.
As you probably could tell from my prior questions, I’m an early planner and very impetuous!
Thank you for all your help. I thank and give credit to you all the time when I think about my upcoming trip to Sardinia. Your advice and blog are fantastic!
Saluti,
Steven
Sorry about that. I have checked and the number to whatsapp seems to now be +393317807270.
Thank you for your response, they are definitely not as responsive. Will hope for the best.
Last time I went I arrived at 11:00 – but I recommend sending them a whatsapp just in case.
Hi Claudia, we have been trying to get a response from them however to no avail. If we book a ticket for a whole day can we get there at 12:00AM (Lunch time) or you need to go at 8:00?
100% book the tickets.
Hi ! I am interested in purchasing tickets but the website is a little confusing. One part says do not purchase but it also says limited tickets available. I emailed and got no response. What do you think i should do ? Thank you!
Glad it finally worked!
Hi Claudia, me again!
The website has worked for me this morning. Perhaps I needed to reboot my laptop 🙂 Thank you very much and I look forward to enjoying my day at Spiaggia La Pelosa
If you actually read through my post, and go to the section “La Pelosa Tickets” there is a link to the website that works. Right after that, you will also find the phone number to call if needed. Hope this helps.
The website still appears to be down. Is this right? Is there a name for the app please? We are due to go in 3 weeks and would like to go.
It’s a website, I have linked to it.
Is it an app or a website? In case of an app are you good posting the name. Many thanks for your guide.
The app usually works during the season – June to September included. It normally goes down when it is out of season and it’s not necessary to book tickets.
Hi the link to booking website seems to be still not working. I have been trying it for while now. I have emailed them couple of times and tried to call but no answer.
Do you know if there is any other website or any other links or any other way of booking it.
Thank you
Yes until 30 September.
Hi, I’m planning to go at the end of September beginning October, do I still need to book a spot in advance at la Pelosa around that period?
Hi! Make sure to read my post A Guide To Stintino for recommendations on beaches, restaurants etc.
Thank you for your assistance.
We are a fit couple in our 70s and would appreciate any up to date information for our forthcoming trip in July 2023. Regarding restaurants, beaches,guides etc.
looking forward to your response.
Kind regards Irit
Wonderful!
many thanks for such useful information. we are going to sardinia next month and i cannot wait. your site has made me feel even more excited to see Sardinia. thankyou
You will have to call them and ask!
How much for the sunbed and umbrella?
It is. I think they will activate it a few days before it’s again limited to 1500 visitors per day. You may want to email them to find out more. I will do that myself in a few days.
Is t correct that the link lapelosastintino is stil broken (may15 2022)
Is there any other way to get tickets? 🙂
It’s a seasonal app. Give it a few weeks to check again.
Great info as always, but the link to lapelosastintino.com seems broken. Do you know anything about it?
And your comment has made my day!
What a fantastic and informative site! Thank you for all the information and links – simply invaluable. Your blogs and posts and links have made planning my Sardinia vacation so much easier!!