Discover Stintino: Beaches and Maritime History

Coasts between the “mare di fuori” and “mare di dentro”

Stintino combines a distinctive coastline with opportunities to observe nature and explore maritime history. In the west, the “mare di fuori”, a high, rugged coast alternates with sandy and pebble coves. The east coast, the “mare di dentro” in the Gulf of Asinara, is low-lying and sheltered. La Pelosa completes this landscape with clear water, fine white sand and very shallow water extending for many dozens of metres.

Nature and trails around Stintino

The natural highlights include the Cesaraccio and Pilo ponds. They form a natural oasis inhabited by purple herons, little egrets and kingfishers. At Capo Falcone, peregrine falcons nest in rock crevices; the rare Eleonora’s falcon is also found there. Three important natural habitats extend across the Stintino area; they are classified as Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) and included in the Natura 2000 network.

For active days, Stintino is part of the Sentieri della Sardegna network and therefore has marked and safe trails. The trail at Stagno di Casaraccio is 1.7 km long, presents no particular difficulties in terms of gradient or surface and can be covered on foot or by bicycle. A well-marked, easy trail to Torre del Falcone is 2.2 km long and can likewise be explored on foot or by bicycle. One trail offers views over the entire Gulf of Asinara and Stintino’s west coast.

Experience the history of the town

At the Museo della Tonnara, a multimedia journey explores the history of tuna fishing in the Gulf of Asinara. Exhibits include fishing equipment, diaries, newspaper articles, “Mattanza” clothing, replicas of boats and works by Sardinian artists. The “Gente di Tonnara” exhibition traces the history of the town of Stintino and its population and is set up in the streets beside the homes of former tuna fishers. At Le Saline beach, there is a military base from the Second World War with around 25 positions distributed between Le Saline and Monti Frattu. Torre della Pelosa controlled the Strait of Asinara, maintained visual contact with the towers on Isola Piana and at Capo Falcone, and was probably built before 1578.

Maritime tradition and activities on the water

The Porto Museo delle Vele Latine at Porto Minori opened in April 2023 and houses several characteristic gozzi boats from Stintino’s seafaring tradition. The Regata della vela latina was established in 1983 to preserve the surviving boats with lateen sails and revive interest in this maritime heritage and body of knowledge. The Palio Remiero is organised every year on 8 September by the Canottieri Stintino sports association as part of the patron saint’s festival. At Il Gabbiano beach, the Windsurf Center offers windsurfing and sailing courses for all levels.

Beaches and experiences on the water

With Pescaturismo, visitors can experience the daily life of local fishers aboard traditional boats and explore the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Asinara. The clear waters of Punta Negra and its species-rich seabed are suitable for swimming and snorkelling. Cala Lupo on the west coast is a cove with medium-grained golden sand, rocks and Mediterranean scrub; its clear, deep-blue waters and species-rich seabed are suitable for snorkelling and diving. La Pelosetta has a shallow, sandy seabed for swimming and relaxing. The small island off La Pelosetta can be reached on foot at low tide.

Guidance for your holiday apartment in Stintino

When choosing a holiday apartment in Stintino, the area’s different landscapes and experiences can guide your planning. The approximately 3.5 km road connects the town of Stintino with La Pelosa; shuttle buses operate along this route. Asinara National Park can be reached directly from Stintino, and direct departures for excursions are available from April to October. From Stintino, Capo Falcone can be reached via the road to La Pelosa after approximately five kilometres. This makes it possible to combine beach days, nature trails, culture and maritime excursions according to your own interests.

Discover more places in the same region: Olmedo, Pattada, Ozieri, Banari, San Nicola, Ardara, Villa Gorizia, La Muddizza.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sassari.