Free walking tours in Stintino and what to see

Must-sees

Stintino is at the north-western tip of Sardinia, on a tongue of land stretching towards the island of Asinara. It was founded in the late 19th century as a fishing village by families who had to leave Asinara when a quarantine station and a penal colony were set up there. Its centre revolves around two inlets, Porto Vecchio and Porto Nuovo, where gozzi, wooden boats with lateen sails, are moored. In the old tuna fishery warehouse is the Museo della Tonnara, which explains tuna fishing with tackle and photographs.

La Pelosa beach is the big reason to visit: white sand, shallow clear water and, opposite, an islet with a 16th-century Aragonese tower. In summer access is limited and must be booked. To the north, Capo Falcone has a watchtower and cliffs with views of Isola Piana and Asinara. On the inner coast of the gulf are the longer, more sheltered beaches of Le Saline and Ezzi Mannu.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no walking free tours in Stintino; the village can be seen quickly on your own. What Civitatis does offer are outings by sea: excursions to Asinara National Park, catamaran crossings to the island, sailing cruises and a sunset catamaran trip around the gulf. For Asinara it is the easiest option, as Stintino is the nearest departure point and island visits usually combine the boat with a guided tour of the interior.

How long to spend

The village, the two harbours and the museum can be seen in a morning. If you want the beach, set aside at least a day for La Pelosa and Capo Falcone, arriving early to find a spot. Asinara needs another full day, as the boat and the island visits take up most of it. With three or four days you can add Porto Torres, with the basilica of San Gavino, or visit Alghero.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the village itself, by the harbours, where there are guesthouses, apartments and the odd small hotel, with fish restaurants within walking distance. If you are after the beach, the road towards La Pelosa and Capo Falcone has holiday residences and resorts. In summer, book ahead. Porto Torres and Sassari have alternatives outside the summer.