There are places in Sardinia where the sand seems to set the sea alight. In the far northwest, Stintino surprises with shades ranging from milky white to deep turquoise, amidst Aragonese towers, Mediterranean scrub, and ponds populated by migratory birds.
The peninsula boasts endless beaches, rocky coves perfect for snorkelling, and a wealth of stories tied to tuna fishing. Here's how to get there, what to see, and when to plan your visit to discover Stintino's beaches.
Where it is and how to get there
Stintino is located at the tip of the narrow peninsula overlooking Asinara, in northwestern Sardinia. The nearest airport is Alghero-Fertilia, which has connections to several Italian and European cities. From there, you can continue by rental car or bus to Porto Torres and then to Stintino.
Those arriving by ferry at Porto Torres can reach the peninsula by following the inland provincial roads.
The sea beyond La Pelosa: must-visit beaches
La Pelosa is iconic: fine, pale sand, shallow waters, and still waters like a swimming pool, thanks to the protection of Piana and Asinara islands. But the peninsula offers much more to those seeking wide-open spaces or secluded corners, often with changing colours within a few meters.
Ezzi Mannu and Le Saline: miles of coastline and the wind in your face
Moving to the western side of the gulf at Ezzi Mannu, you'll find about two kilometres of coastline with white quartz grains mixed with sand, shimmering in the sun.
The shoreline stretches out, and the sea changes from emerald to a cooler, almost milky blue. A little further south, Saline beach owes its name to the historic structures and the eponymous tower.
Rocky coves and silence: Cala Grande and Cala Coscia di Donna
Those who prefer the rocky coastline will find Cala Grande a small snorkelling paradise. The rugged seabed, with its cracks and crevices, attracts fish and small crustaceans: all you need is a mask and snorkel to discover waters unlike any others in the area.
Even more secluded is Cala Coscia di Donna, a narrow cove of pebbles and gravel that can be reached via local trails.
Coastal towers, tuna fisheries, and nuraghes: border stories
The town's birth as a residential centre dates back to August 15, 1885, when families relocated from Asinara and founded the new village near Capo Falcone. The history of the area, however, extends much further back, emerging along the coast with defensive towers and, inland, with Nuragic remains.
The Torre della Pelosa, begun in the 17th century during the Aragonese era, controlled the passage between Piana Island and the mainland. The Torre delle Saline, cylindrical and massive, was built in the second half of the 16th century to protect against Barbary raids and was later also linked to tuna fishing activities.
At the summit of Capo Falcone stands the Torre del Falcone, almost 190 metres high. The climb through twisted junipers and rockroses takes just enough time to be rewarded with a panoramic view.
To get a real feel for the area’s long-standing ties to the sea, the Tonnara Museum, set along the panoramic entrance road, brings the old tuna fishery back to life. Inside, you’ll find original tools, heavy nets, cork floats, archive photographs and audio recordings that trace the story of the Tonnara delle Saline.
Step further back in time, and the Nuraghe di Unia reveals an even older layer of history. This prehistoric stone structure offers a tangible link to Sardinia’s Nuragic civilisation.
Asinara by boat and other water experiences
From the small port of Stintino, excursions depart for the Asinara National Park on sailing boats, motorboats, or catamarans. In about 45 minutes, you reach the coves of the marine protected area, with stops for swimming and, in some cases, lunches featuring local produce cooked on board.
On foot and by bike among salt marshes and ponds
Coastal roads and inland dirt roads allow for itineraries by traditional or electric bike, with varying levels of difficulty. Within a few kilometres, there are salt marshes, ponds behind the beaches, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Capo Falcone.
The lakes, like the one at Casaraccio, are home to greater flamingos and other migratory species at certain times of the year.
Flavours of the village: what to taste
The table is dominated by a blend of land and sea: octopus "Stintinese" or "in agliata" (sautéed octopus), lobster and potato soups, and shellfish pasta dishes. Among the desserts, Tumbarella—a fried dumpling filled with ricotta and dusted with powdered sugar—encapsulates the simple delights of local recipes.
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