La Pelosa beach in Sardinia is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and honestly, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen anywhere in Europe. The white sand, the shallow turquoise water, the views out to the old Aragonese tower on the tiny island just offshore. After spending three weeks in Sardinia last summer, splitting our time between the Costa Smeralda and Alghero, our day at La Pelosa was a highlight.
That said, visiting La Pelosa takes a bit of planning. The beach has a daily visitor cap, a reservation system for peak season, and a set of rules in place to protect the sand and surrounding ecosystem. Over the years, overtourism caused real erosion to the dunes and vegetation, so the local authorities stepped in. A small fee and limited daily numbers have made a difference. And the effort is worth it. The water here is shallow and crystalline, the kind you’d expect in the Caribbean, not the Mediterranean.
I put together this guide to share everything I learned about visiting La Pelosa, Sardinia, including a workaround if you can’t get a reservation. From how to book, to the beach rules, to what to expect when you arrive, this guide covers it all so you can plan your visit to this incredible beach.
Short on Time? Here’s My Top Pick for the Best Place to Stay to Visit La Pelosa:
I’d recommend basing yourself in Alghero. The Old Town is beautiful, the restaurants are great, and La Pelosa is about a 40-minute drive north.
Airbnbs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment with Sea View Terrace and Parking (Where We Stayed), for the best sea-view terrace with parking near the Old Town
- 2-Bedroom Apartment in the Historic Center with Private Garage, for the best central location with private garage parking
- 3-Bedroom Home with Terrace in Alghero Old Town, for the best spacious home in the heart of the Old Town
- 2-Bedroom Penthouse with Sea View Terrace and Parking, for the best penthouse views near the waterfront
Hotels
- Villa Mosca ($$$), for the best luxury seafront hotel within walking distance of the Old Town
- San Francesco Heritage Hotel ($$), for the best historic stay inside the Old Town
- Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best boutique hotel in Alghero
- Double B ($), for the best bed-and-breakfast near the Old Town
Travel Tips
- Rent a Car to Explore Sardinia — The best way to experience Sardinia is by car. We book our rental cars in Europe through Discover Cars and always opt for full coverage insurance with companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Driving in Sardinia is easy once you’re outside the cities, and having a car makes reaching La Pelosa and the surrounding coastline so much simpler. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
- Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing yours before you land. Maps, directions, and translations all work the moment you arrive. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
I have a full set of Sardinia guides to help you plan your trip. Start with my Sardinia itinerary and things to do in Sardinia guide, then use my where to stay in Sardinia guide to choose your base. My best beaches in Sardinia guide covers the full island. And if you’re exploring more of northern Sardinia, don’t miss my guides to Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena, Alghero, the Baunei Coast, and San Pantaleo.
How to Visit La Pelosa: Sardinia’s Most Beautiful Beach
What to Know Before Visiting La Pelosa
What is La Pelosa Beach?
La Pelosa Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, and honestly, in all of Europe. Located near the small fishing village of Stintino on Sardinia’s northwest coast, La Pelosa is known for its powder-white sand and shallow turquoise water. The colors here genuinely look Caribbean. At the far end of the beach, you’ll spot the Torre della Pelosa, a 16th-century Aragonese watchtower that sits on a small rocky islet. You can wade out to it when the water is calm, and the tower against that turquoise backdrop is one of the most iconic views in Sardinia.
Travel Tip: La Pelosa is incredibly popular, and peak season gets busy. Reservations are required in summer, so you’ll want to plan ahead. I cover the full booking process later in this guide.
Where is the Best Place to Stay to Visit La Pelosa?
I’d recommend basing yourself in Alghero. The drive to La Pelosa takes about 50 minutes, which makes it an easy half-day or full-day trip. Alghero is a bigger town with great restaurants, a beautiful old town, and plenty of accommodation options. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to spend a few evenings wandering the cobblestone streets after a day at the beach.
There are plenty of things to do in town, and some of the best beaches in Sardinia are within easy reach. Alghero is also close to Alghero-Fertilia Airport, so picking up a rental car is simple.
Stintino itself is another option if you want to be closer to La Pelosa. The village is tiny and quiet, with a handful of restaurants and a laid-back fishing-town feel. Just know that your dining and nightlife options will be more limited compared to Alghero.
For those looking to stay in Alghero, these are my top recommendations:
Best Airbnbs in Alghero
- 1-Bedroom Apartment with Sea View Terrace and Parking (Where We Stayed), for the best sea-view stay with parking within walking distance of the Old Town
- 2-Bedroom Apartment in the Historic Center with Private Garage, for the best central apartment with private garage parking
- 3-Bedroom Home with Terrace in Alghero Old Town, for the best spacious home with terrace in the heart of the city
- 2-Bedroom Penthouse with Sea View Terrace and Parking, for the best penthouse terrace with sea views near the waterfront
Best Hotels in Alghero
- Villa Mosca ($$$), for the best luxury seafront hotel within walking distance of the Old Town
- San Francesco Heritage Hotel ($$), for the best historic atmosphere inside a converted 14th-century monastery
- Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best rooftop pool and family-friendly value near the old town
- Double B ($), for the best bed-and-breakfast near the Old Town
When is the Best Time to Visit?
June and September are the sweet spot. You’ll still get warm weather and beautiful water, but without the crowds that July and August bring. Weekdays are also noticeably quieter than weekends. I’d recommend arriving early in the morning to get the best spot and the calmest water.
Visitor numbers are capped each day to protect the beach, so overcrowding is managed. That said, you do need to plan ahead. Reservations fill up fast, especially on weekends and during peak summer.
How Much Time to Visit La Pelosa?
A half day is perfect. For most people, 3–4 hours at the beach with a lunch stop at one of the nearby restaurants in Stintino is plenty. That gives you time to swim, relax on the sand, and take in the views without feeling rushed. You could easily spend a full day here too, but I found a half day was just right.
How to Visit La Pelosa, Sardinia
Make a Reservation for High Season
La Pelosa is a protected beach, and daily visitor numbers are capped at 1,500 people. Between May 15 and October 15, you need a reservation to visit. You can book through the official Spiaggia La Pelosa website. July and August are peak summer vacation months across Europe, so those dates book out fast. I’d recommend planning as far ahead as possible if you’re visiting during that window.
Half of the tickets are released a month in advance, and the other half are held until 48 hours before. So even if you don’t plan far ahead, you still have a shot at grabbing a spot. Visiting outside the reservation period? You don’t need to pre-book at all.
One more thing worth knowing: after 6 p.m., entry is free and no reservation is required. The beach clears out a bit by then, and in summer the sun doesn’t set until late, so you still get a good stretch of time on the sand.
The daily cap was introduced in 2018 to protect the beach’s delicate ecosystem. The booking process can feel confusing at first, but once you know the steps, it’s straightforward. I’ve outlined everything below so you can skip the stress.
How to Get Tickets for La Pelosa
Visit the Official Reservation Website
Head to the official Spiaggia La Pelosa website and click “Prenota” (book) in the top right corner. The page sometimes loads in Italian. Just tap the globe icon in the top right to switch to English.
Choose Your Date and Number of Visitors
Each booking covers up to four people. Children under 12 don’t count toward the limit. You can also open the “places available” section to check remaining spots on the calendar.
Check Availability
The calendar is color-coded:
- Grey means tickets are available for advance reservations
- Blue means tickets were released within the 48-hour window
Enter Visitor Details
Add the full name of each adult and enter your email address. Double-check it. Your tickets get sent there.
Confirm and Pay
Select “Confirm and Pay” and head to the payment page. Tickets are €3.50 per adult. Children enter free.
Save Your QR Code
You’ll receive a QR code ticket by email after booking. I’d recommend downloading or screenshotting it, just in case you lose service at the beach. Staff scan the code at the entrance, and they may ask for photo ID too. Don’t forget to bring it.
How to Get to La Pelosa Beach
From Alghero
The drive from Alghero to La Pelosa takes about 50 minutes via the SP42 and SP34 northbound. A rental car is by far the easiest option.
Public transport is possible but slow. The journey takes around 2.5 hours by bus. You’ll take Line 714 from Alghero to Porto Torres, then transfer to Line 727 toward Stintino and get off at Spiaggia La Pelosa. There is also a seasonal Sardabus route that runs from Alghero and Fertilia Airport directly to the Stintino area, though schedules change from year to year, so check before you go.
From Costa Smeralda
A day trip from the Costa Smeralda is doable, but the drive is about 2.5 hours each way across northern Sardinia. Depending on your starting point, you’re looking at 150 to 175 km via the SS597/E840. You will absolutely need a rental car for this one.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Sardinia is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Top Tips for Visiting La Pelosa
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast at La Pelosa, especially in the summer. I’d recommend arriving by 8:30 a.m. to get a good spot. Paid parking runs about €2 per hour, capped at €20 for the day. You can pay by cash or card.
One important thing: Parking near La Pelosa is paid (around €2–2.50/hour in summer), and spaces fill up fast, so arrive early. Police patrol frequently, so make sure you’re in a marked spot and don’t let your meter expire.
Checking In for Your Reservation
Once you arrive, head straight to the check-in desk before going onto the beach. The process is simple:
- Go to the check-in desk near the entrance.
- Show your QR code.
- Staff will scan your ticket.
- You receive a wristband for the day.
The wristband gives you access to the main beach area. Keep it on all day.
Beach Rules at La Pelosa
La Pelosa has strict rules in place to protect the beach, and they enforce them. Here’s what you need to know:
- Beach mats are required under your towel — Sand sticks to towels and gradually erodes the beach over time. You can buy mats at the information center near the entrance or at shops in Stintino.
- No collecting sand or shells — This applies across all of Sardinia, and fines are steep.
- No smoking outside designated areas
- No pets between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- No littering — Bins are provided at the beach. Use them.
- Rinse your feet before leaving — There are public fountains near the exit for washing sand off your feet
- Watch your belongings — The beach gets crowded in peak season, so keep your things close
Fines range from €25 to €500 depending on the violation, so take these seriously.
The Hack if You Can’t Get a Reservation
Even though we had reservations for La Pelosa, we ended up spending most of our day just down the beach at Spiaggia della Pelosetta. We rented beach chairs and an umbrella at Ristorante Bar La Pelosetta, and honestly, it was wonderful. We had shade, a spot to order drinks and a casual lunch, and easy access to restrooms.
The water at Pelosetta is essentially the same as La Pelosa. Clear, shallow, and that magical shade of turquoise. You’re about 20 yards from the main stretch of La Pelosa, with the same views of the iconic watchtower. You can’t walk onto the restricted section of sand without a wristband, but the experience in the water is nearly identical.
Prices for chairs and umbrellas range from about €15 to €50 for the day, depending on the season. If you weren’t able to secure a reservation for La Pelosa, this is a great alternative. You’re still swimming in the same beautiful water with the same views.
Other Nearby Beaches
Pelosetta is the closest and best alternative, but if you want to explore a bit more, there are a few other beaches worth knowing about in the area. Le Saline is a long, quiet stretch of sand south of Stintino. Ezzi Mannu is a wilder, more wind-exposed beach popular with locals. Porto Ferro, farther south near Alghero, has a completely different feel with golden sand and bigger waves. None of these are La Pelosa, but they’re all beautiful in their own way.
What to Pack
There are a couple of kiosks and restaurants near La Pelosa, but the options are limited and a bit overpriced. I’d recommend packing everything you need for a full beach day.
- Plenty of water, insulated bottles ideal since there’s no shade to keep things cool
- Snacks or a packed lunch, options nearby can be limited and somewhat expensive
- A beach mat, required by the beach rules (no towels directly on the sand)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- An umbrella or shade cover, there is zero natural shade on the beach
- Snorkel gear or inflatables
- Water shoes
What to Know About the Winds
La Pelosa is stunning on a calm day, but the Mistral winds can change things quickly. The Mistral is a strong, cold northwesterly wind that blows down from southern France across the Mediterranean. The winds are more common in winter and spring, but they do show up in summer too. Beaches on the north coast of Sardinia feel the brunt of them, which is why I’ve included eastern alternatives in my Sardinia beach guide.
On windier days, the water gets choppy, temperatures drop a bit, and conditions are less ideal for swimming. La Pelosa is partially shielded by the offshore islands, so the water stays calmer here than at many nearby beaches. Windy days are great for windsurfing and kitesurfing if that’s your thing.
How to Check the Wind and Wave Forecast: Before committing to a beach for the day, I’d check Windfinder. This was our go-to site for wind, wave, and weather forecasts while in Sardinia. A quick look the week of your visit will help you pick a day with the calmest, clearest water.
Things to Do at La Pelosa
Beach Activities
Most people come to La Pelosa to relax, and honestly, that’s reason enough. The shallow, crystal-clear water is perfect for wading, swimming, and just floating for hours. Beyond lounging, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
- Swimming and wading in the warm, shallow water
- Snorkeling along the rocks near Torre della Pelosa
- Paddleboarding (rentals available on the beach)
- Kayaking
- Windsurfing on breezier days
You’ll also find beach chair rentals, small beach bars for drinks, and paddleboard hire right on the sand. The water is incredibly shallow, which makes La Pelosa a great pick for families with young kids.
Visit Stintino
The small fishing village of Stintino is just a few minutes from La Pelosa and worth a visit. I recommend walking around the harbor, grabbing a gelato, and finding a spot for dinner after a long beach day (the village is known for its fresh seafood). Stintino is also where you’ll find the shuttle to La Pelosa if you’re not driving, and the village has a quiet, laidback charm that feels very different from the tourist energy at the beach.
Day Trip to Asinara Island
One of the best things you can do from La Pelosa is take a day trip to Asinara Island. Boats leave from Stintino’s harbor, and the island is a national park with beautiful coves, wild donkeys, and almost no crowds. The water around Asinara is some of the clearest in Sardinia. I’d recommend booking a boat tour in advance during high season since they do fill up.
Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting La Pelosa Beach
Do you need a reservation for La Pelosa beach?
Yes. Between May 15 and October 15, reservations are required, and daily visitor numbers are capped at 1,500. Tickets are €3.50 per adult and can be booked through the official Spiaggia La Pelosa website. I cover the full step-by-step booking process in the how to get tickets section above.
Can you visit La Pelosa without a reservation?
You can. Outside of the May 15–October 15 reservation window, no booking is needed. During peak season, entry is also free after 6 p.m. with no reservation required. The sun doesn’t set until late in summer, so you still get a solid stretch of beach time. If La Pelosa is fully booked, Spiaggia della Pelosetta is right next door with the same turquoise water and views of the tower.
Is there parking at La Pelosa?
There is designated paid parking near the beach, but spots fill up fast in summer. I’d recommend arriving by 8:30 a.m. to get a good spot. Parking runs about €2 per hour, capped at €20 for the day. Police patrol frequently, so make sure you’re in a marked spot and don’t let your meter expire.
How do you get to La Pelosa from Alghero?
The drive from Alghero takes about 50 minutes via the SP42 and SP34 northbound. A rental car is the easiest option by far. Public buses are possible but take around 2.5 hours with a transfer in Porto Torres. I cover the full route details in the How to get to La Pelosa section above.
Is La Pelosa good for families with kids?
La Pelosa is one of the best family beaches I’ve been to. The water is incredibly shallow and warm, so young kids can wade and splash safely. Children under 12 don’t count toward the reservation cap and enter free. Just bring your own shade (there’s none on the beach) and pack plenty of water and snacks.
What are the fines for breaking beach rules at La Pelosa?
Fines range from €25 to €500 depending on the violation. The rules are strict: you need a beach mat under your towel, you can’t take sand or shells, and smoking is only allowed in designated areas. I’d take them seriously. I cover the full list of rules in the beach rules section above.
Can you visit Asinara Island from La Pelosa?
Yes, and I’d highly recommend it. Boats leave from Stintino‘s harbor, just a few minutes from La Pelosa. Asinara Island is a national park with beautiful coves, wild donkeys, and some of the clearest water in Sardinia. Book a boat tour in advance during high season, as they fill up.
When does La Pelosa booking open each year?
Half of the daily tickets are released one month in advance, and the other half open up 48 hours before the date. July and August weekends book out the fastest. I’d recommend checking the official website as early as possible and setting a reminder for 30 days before your planned visit date.
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Xx,
Jessica
