Where to eat tuna and shellfish after a day at La Pelosa, the turquoise gem of Stintino

Aug 3 2025, 13:28

Ranked third among the most “social” beaches, La Pelosa is now “limited access”: after the sea, there are some very interesting places for seafood

There’s a corner of Sardinia that, more than any other, enchants visitors with its natural beauty and its atmosphere suspended between sea and history: La Pelosa, the iconic beach of Stintino. Famous for its Caribbean-like sea and fine, powdery white sand, La Pelosa is now one of the most photographed beaches in Italy (ranked third in a study on Instagram and TikTok activity), a clear protagonist in Instagram posts and stories. A landscape that rivals tropical paradises, with the unmistakable backdrop of the 17th-century Aragonese Tower, standing silent over the coastline and offering postcard views at every hour of the day.

Regulated access, an ecosystem to protect

The charm of La Pelosa is as precious as it is fragile, which is why access is limited: only 1,500 people per day, with mandatory booking from 15 May to 15 October. The daily ticket costs €3.50 per person; children under 12 enter free, and entrance is controlled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. via QR code. A necessary measure to protect a unique area, where the shoreline and shallow transparent waters risk deterioration under the impact of unregulated tourism. For those dreaming of capturing this slice of paradise, it's advisable to plan ahead or rely on accommodations in Stintino that reserve some spots for their guests.

Stintino, between tonnare and untouched nature

The village of Stintino, founded in 1885 by 45 families “exiled” from Asinara, still retains its deep bond with the sea and with tuna and lobster fishing. A reminder of this legacy is the evocative Tonnara Museum, housed in a historic tuna fishery active until the 1970s, where the “memory of memory” brings back voices, images, and tools from a past that shaped the town’s identity. Beyond the beach, Stintino is the gateway to the island of Asinara, now a national park, which can be explored by bike, on horseback, or via scenic train rides: a wild and quiet territory, with protected coves like Cala Sant’Andrea and seabeds perfect for diving among colourful fish and sea fans.

The flavours of the sea in Stintino

After a day at La Pelosa, the journey wouldn’t be complete without diving into the local flavours. In the village’s restaurants and trattorias, often overlooking the harbour, the traditional seafood dishes of Stintino reign supreme: red tuna prepared using age-old recipes, “burrida di gattuccio” (a traditional fish stew), freshly caught lobsters, and raw or soup-served shellfish bursting with the scent of the sea. Also on offer are malloreddus and fregula pasta served with fish ragù (or meat) or tuna bottarga, all paired with a glass of Vermentino di Gallura—fresh and mineral—perfect for enhancing the delicacy of the catch.

Four addresses between land and sea

La Pelosa is not just a dream beach, but the heart of a region where sea, history, and gastronomy intertwine in an unforgettable experience. A place that invites you to slow down, respect the environment, and experience authentic Sardinia with your eyes, your palate, and your heart. In recent decades, seafood has taken the spotlight, but just a short drive inland reveals earthy flavours and age-old traditions on the plate.