Things to know before visiting La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy
PLUS: 2 *great* alternatives if the beach is fully booked
Of all beaches in southern Europe I’ve been to, Spiaggia La Pelosa in Sardinia, Italy, is probably one of the most spectacular ones.
With its white sand and endless shades of blue reaching until the horizon, this beach is a real gem that should be on every beach lover’s bucket list!
Here are some tips for first time visitors, and some great alternatives to La Pelosa beach if you want to skip the crowds (or you missed your chance to book).
#1 - Access isn’t free for everyone
To preserve its natural beauty and prevent overtourism, the access to La Pelosa beach is restricted to 1,500 visitors per day.
700 places can be booked at any time without time limit;
700 places can be booked no earlier than 48 hours in advance;
The remaining places are for accommodation facilities in Stintino.
Between June 1 and October 31 2024 there is an entry fee of 3,50 EUR per person. Children under 12 do not need to make reservations. Reservations can be only made through the official website.
#2 - Wind is a REAL thing
Beware of the wind, that sometimes can be really strong in this area!
While there are barely any waves in La Pelosa (due to the shallow waters), using a beach umbrella with strong winds will be close to impossible. You can check the wind forecast on any weather app.
#3 - There is no free car parking
Unfortunately, there is no free car parking around La Pelosa beach, but plenty of paid parking.
The hourly rate is around 2 EUR per hour, with frequent controls by the local police. You can pay by credit card, but remember: It’s always best to have some change with you.
#4 - You can be fined if you don’t respect the rules
There are some simple rules to follow when visiting La Pelosa. These include, among others:
It’s obligatory to use a mat under the beach towel;
It’s forbidden to remove sand, seashells and stones;
It’s forbidden to smoke on the beach.
More rules can be found on the website. Local police patrols the beach, ensuring safety and adherence to the rules.
#5 - Best time to visit La Pelosa beach
For the best experience and less crowds, I recommend visiting early in the morning, possibly on weekdays during the months of June, September -sometimes even October.
#6 Where to go if La Pelosa beach is fully booked?
It’s not unusual to find the beach fully booked, especially in high season (July-August) and over the weekends.
Here are two great alternatives that locals love, just minutes away from La Pelosa:
Coordinates: 40.959723, 8.213605
This hidden beach doesn’t even have a name! In fact, you’ll need to enter the coordinates above into Google Maps.
It’s a tiny beach located just 500 meters before La Pelosa beach, therefore you’ll enjoy the same crystal-clear waters and similar landscapes.
Parking around here might be challenging, therefore make sure to go there early if you want to secure a spot!
Spiaggia Ezzi Mannu
This beach is located some 15 km (9 mi) from La Pelosa Beach. What makes this beach really special? Its sand, made of tiny white pebbles reflecting the light and contributing to unique shades of blue in the water.
This beach is ideal for families as it’s relatively easy to access. Finally, parking the car near Ezzi Mannu beach is free and there’s usually enough space, even during high season.
Enjoy your stay in Sardinia!
On Google Maps
Check out the map with the beaches on Google Maps
About me:
As a skilled traveler and tourism professional I’ve experienced the world: From hiking the Andes to flying Business Class, from camping in Serengeti to staying in luxury resorts in Maldives.
In my career as a marketer I’ve driven brand collaborations, scaled up communities and websites and helped tourism companies reach international travelers.
Beating Jetlag is where my authentic experiences as a traveler and genuine curiosity as an industry insider come together for behind-the-scenes travel content and resources.
For quick travel tips and hacks you can also follow me on Instagram or on Facebook.
Thanks for this info! Where would you stay overnight to visit La Pelosa?