Spiaggia La Pelosa

Spiaggia La Pelosa, at the north-western tip of Sardinia near the village of Stintino, is regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and visitors quickly see why: a long sweep of powder-fine white sand slips into water so shallow and clear it looks tropical, shading from milky turquoise to brilliant blue. Offshore, the little Isola Piana and a weathered Aragonese watchtower frame the view, with the wild island of Asinara on the horizon. The shallows extend far out, warm and calm, making the beach a favourite for families and for simply wading and floating. To protect the fragile sand, access is regulated from June to September: numbers are capped at 1,500 visitors a day, an online reservation is required, and a small fee of around 3.50 euros applies. Strict rules accompany the cap: shoes are banned on the sand in summer, a mat must be placed under towels to stop sand being carried away, smoking is prohibited, and removing sand or shells is forbidden. The beach itself has limited facilities, but Stintino, a short distance away, provides parking, bars, restaurants, and equipment hire. The best months are May, June, and September, when the water is warm but the daily cap is easier to secure and the crowds thinner; in July and August reservations fill fast, so booking ahead and arriving early are essential. Mornings bring the calmest water and the softest light for photographs of the tower and shallows. There is little natural shade, so umbrellas and sun protection matter. While the soft sand is hard to cross by wheelchair, a boardwalk reaches toward the shore and seasonal beach-wheelchair services are sometimes offered through the local council. For sheer postcard beauty and safe, shallow swimming, La Pelosa is hard to beat.