Stintino is located on the furthest north-western point of Sardinia and is the closest village to Asinara Island, only a few kilometers away from it: on some days when the water is calm and the air is extremely clean, it almost looks like the two pieces of land stretch to try and touch each other.
Stintino is famous for its beaches and sea, considered among the most beautiful in the whole Mediterranean area, and for the nature surrounding it. Every year, flocks of locals and tourists come and visit this remote corner of Sardinia and especially its symbol, La Pelosa Beach.
If you are looking to travel to Stintino, this post is for you! Here, I will explain you everything you must know about it for a wonderful trip.
Make sure to read my post The Best Beaches In Northern Sardinia.
Table of Contents
A Short History Of Stintino
Stintino village was founded in relatively recent times (1885), therefore it lacks all the typical features and anecdotes of other older villages in the area. The first people who decided to live in the modern Stintino were a group of 45 families of fishermen and sheepherders, who had inhabited the Asinara Island until then but were evicted by the Italian Government, which had decided to build a leper colony and a penal colony there.
This first group of people was, therefore, the original founders of Stintino in 1885.
The men living in Asinara didn’t leave the island peacefully and without complaining: some of them tried to stay there anyway (but were forcefully evicted), while some others (especially the fishermen) tried to get at least a legal compensation for having to abandon their homes. After some back and forth, the government had to give them 750 liras per family: with this sum, the fishermen bought a new piece of land and were able to start anew.
For some decades, Stintino remained a small fishing and farming community, basing its economy mainly on tuna and lobster farming/fishing. After the economic boom in the 1970s, the tourism industry had an exponential growth and Stintino found itself in the middle of a profitable area, which made it grow both demographically and economically.
What To See And Do In Stintino
Stintino is mainly renowned for its heavenly beaches, and being a small village, there aren’t many attractions, especially because it has a shorter history compared to its neighboring cities such as Alghero, Bosa, Sassari or Castelsardo. However, there still are some places that are worth a visit, maybe on a rainy day or if you don’t feel like going to the beach for some reason or another.
Find out about the village origins in the Tuna Fishing Museum
The Museo Tonnara di Stintino was founded in 2016 and, albeit small, is well-structured and offers a complete explanation of how the 45 founding families managed to start a village from scratch.
For information about opening times (they vary regularly) and admissions, check out the museum website here.
Go hunting for the watchtowers
Like any other coastal area in Sardinia, Stintino and the nearby Porto Torres were constantly a victim of the pirates’ siege, and watchtowers were built in the 17th century by the Aragonese to keep the citizens and the villages safer. There is a total of seven towers in the area, the most famous being the one in La Pelosa beach – will you be able to find the other six?
Visit some Nuraghe remains
There are close to 7.000 nuraghes in Sardinia, and this area is no exception. The most famous and well-kept is the Unia nuraghe.
Make sure to read my post The Most Beautiful Nuraghe In Sardinia.
The Best Beaches In Stintino
As I previously said, the main charm of Stintino is, indeed, its beaches. Here’s a list of the best ones – and some tips to enjoy them to the fullest.
La Pelosa
This the symbol of Stintino. You can’t be in the area and not pay a visit to this paradise. It has won countless prizes for the best beach in Italy and is also considered among the best ones in Europe. White, thick sand, crystal-clear water… La Pelosa is the exact representation of a “heavenly beach”.
Many say it looks like the Caribbean, but the flora is the most typical Mediterranean one you could see. This beach is a world of its own, and it would be too long to explain everything in a few lines, but be aware that there are strict rules to follow and interesting facts about it.
For all the rules and regulations on visiting La Pelosa, click here.
Ezzi Mannu
This the last beach belonging to Stintino, after which you enter Sassari’s jurisdiction. Like La Pelosa beach, it has emerald water (which is the norm, in this area) and a unique white-quartz sand that makes it look incredibly pretty. It’s not very large but it’s long. You will find a spot for your umbrella and towels without any issue in the two-kilometers-long seafront.
Le Saline
Located on the same side of Ezzi Mannu, it’s highly appreciated by locals because it’s a lot less crowded than the nearby beaches. Its sand is a mixture of white and ash sand, which gives it a unique color. Windsurf lovers usually come here to train and have fun.
Cala Grande
This is a rocky beach loved by snorkeling enthusiasts; a great place to spend a day, not very crowded because it can only be reached via boat (you can book a raft directly in Stintino).
Cala Coscia di Donna
Another rocky beach which can be, however, reached by car. As usual, the water is extra clean; however the seabed is immediately clean. Not suitable for family with kids but definitely a must-see if you like snorkeling or a more peaceful, less crowded place to spend your day.
Practical Information To Plan Your Trip
How to get to Stintino
While public buses reach Stintino and there is a shuttle service connecting the village to La Pelosa Beach, you are better off renting a car to explore the area. Here’s how to get there from the main cities nearby.
FROM ALGHERO FERTILIA AIRPORT – Take SP 42 to Porto Torres; after 26 kms take SP34 to Stintino; after other 12 kms you’ll find a crossroad called Pozzo San Nicola: Stintino is 10 kms away.
FROM SASSARI – Take SS 131 to Porto Torres; turn left to Stintino at km 227, and take SP 34. Once you find the Pozzo San Nicola Crossroad, you’ll be 10 kms away from your destination.
Where to sleep in Stintino
Here are the best hotel, apartment, and B&B in Stintino. Keep in mind that Stintino is a highly touristic place and there are plenty of structures where you can spend your holiday, but since it is very popular you should book well in advance to secure a place within a reasonable budget.
- 103 Boutique Hotel Stintino – Rated as one of the best hotels in the area, it is located in an excellent position and has great rooms.
- Appartamento Nel Lungomare – This whole apartment is located very close to the beach and is considered an excellent place, especially for couples. It is also pet-friendly!
- Domo sul Porto – It’s located in the older city side and is very close to the bus stop and the beaches. Ideal for couples and single travelers.
Make sure to also read my post The Best Hotels In Stintino.
Also check out my posts The Best Airbnbs In Sardinia and Where To Stay In Sardinia.
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Thank you for your wonderful article. Can you recommend any local experiences (such as visiting a vineyard, hiking archaeological ruins, cheese making etc) please?
For those you will have to go near Alghero – I have several posts about Alghero on this site. Look for my Alghero guide, and for my posts about Nuraghe Palmavera, Neptune’s Grotto, and Sella & Mosca vineyard. I hope they help!
Great article. Have any restaurant recommendations?
I don’t actually. I visited recently but we ate at home most of the time, or at the beach.