A day trip to what is consistently voted one of Europe's most beautiful beaches. La Pelosa's electric turquoise shallow water, fine white sand, and Aragonese tower are genuinely extraordinary. Combine with the charming lobster-fishing village of Stintino and a drive through the Asinara National Park headland viewpoint.
La Pelosa, at the northwestern tip of Sardinia near the village of Stintino, is regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and a day trip there is a highlight of the northwest coast. It lies about 45 km from Alghero and 55 km from Sassari, roughly an hour's drive, with a car the only practical way to arrive. The beach faces the islet of Piana and, beyond it, the Asinara National Park, with a 16th-century Aragonese watchtower rising from the shallows as its emblem. What sets La Pelosa apart is the water: a wide expanse of fine white sand shelves so gently into the sea that the turquoise shallows stay knee-deep far from shore, glowing an almost tropical colour in sunlight. To protect the fragile beach, a reservation system operates from around June to September, capping daily numbers; visitors book online in advance, pay a small fee of about €3.50, and follow rules that include using mats rather than towels directly on the sand and rinsing off sand before leaving. A full day combines the beach with the surrounding area. The fishing village of Stintino, a short drive away, grew from a 19th-century tuna-fishing community and has a small marina, seafood restaurants, and a museum dedicated to the tonnara tuna trade. The scenic road out to Capo Falcone gives sweeping views over Asinara, the former prison island now a national park reachable by separate boat day trips from Stintino. The most comfortable months are May, June, and September, when the beach is open but the summer crush has eased; July and August are extremely busy and the daily cap fills early. Even with a reservation, arriving before 10am secures parking and a better spot. The rocky edges of the bay are excellent for snorkelling. Facilities are limited and shade scarce, so bringing water, sun protection, and a beach mat, required under the conservation rules, makes for a smoother day.
Highlights
- La Pelosa — consistently Europe's most beautiful beach
- Stintino lobster fishing village
- Asinara island views (national park — accessible by separate day trip)
- Aragonese watchtower at La Pelosa
- Rich snorkelling around the rocky edges
Tips for visiting
- Book your reservation online before departing (laprolapalmelosabeach.it)
- arrive before 10am even with reservation
When to visit
May, June, and September offer warm water without the July–August crush, when the daily visitor cap fills early. Arriving before 10am secures parking and a good spot even with a reservation.
Frequently asked questions
Does La Pelosa require a reservation?
Yes, from around June to September a daily cap applies. Visitors must book online in advance and pay a small fee of about €3.50 per person.
How do visitors reach the beach?
By car only, about an hour from Alghero or Sassari. There is no direct public transport, and parking fills early in summer.
Are there rules on the beach?
Conservation rules require using a mat rather than placing towels directly on the sand, and rinsing sand off before leaving, to protect the fine white grains.
When is the best time to visit?
May, June, and September are the most comfortable, with the beach open but quieter than the July and August peak. Arriving before 10am is best in any month.