Stintino

Stintino Sardinia: what to see between Caribbean beaches and maritime traditions

Overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, along the north-western coast of Sardinia, Stintino is one of the island's most charming seaside villages. Founded as a fishing village in the late 19th century, it still retains its authentic identity, deeply linked to the sea, the memory of its origins and a natural landscape of extraordinary beauty.

Visiting Stintino means discovering a place where history meets the crystal-clear sea and where maritime traditions continue to live on in the daily rhythm of the village.

The origins of Stintino: the birth of a community by the sea

The history of Stintino began in 1885, when the Italian government established an agricultural penal colony and a maritime health station on the island of Asinara, the first lazaretto in the Kingdom of Italy, intended for the quarantine of ships to prevent the spread of epidemics such as cholera and the plague.

The 45 families who lived on the island, mostly fishermen of Ligurian and Ponza origin, were forced to abandon their homes. After receiving compensation, they settled on the coast opposite Asinara, where they founded a new village.

The village took the name Isthintìnu, a term from the Sassari dialect meaning 'gut' or 'intestine', in reference to the narrow strip of land between two natural inlets. The current name Stintino derives from this name.

The founding families established the "Comunione dei 45" (Community of 45), which regulated the distribution of land and contributed to the creation of the new town. The houses, simple and functional, were built with a view of the sea, an essential element for a community that lived off fishing.

Until 1988, Stintino was part of the municipality of Sassari; today it is an independent municipality and one of the most important tourist destinations in northern Sardinia. Since 2016, it has been part of the Northern Sardinia Metropolitan Network, in the province of Sassari, together with the municipalities of: Alghero, Castelsardo, Porto Torres, Sassari, Sennori, Sorso and Valledoria.

What to see in Stintino: symbolic places and memories of tradition

The village preserves numerous reminders of its seafaring history, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the deep connection between the community and the sea.

Museo della Tonnara (MUT)

One of the most significant places to visit in Stintino is the Museo della Tonnara (MUT), which reopened in 2016 in a historic building linked to fish processing.

The museum tells the story of tuna fishing and the life of the tuna fishermen through traditional tools, photographs, documents and multimedia installations, offering an authentic glimpse into one of the activities that have marked the economic and social development of the village.

Tuna Fishery Saline

A short distance from the town centre are the Tonnare Saline, an important testament to the tradition of tuna fishing. These buildings represent a precious historical memory and help to recount the maritime identity of Stintino.

The beaches of Stintino: one of the most beautiful seas in Sardinia

The coastline of Stintino is among the most spectacular in Sardinia, with beaches characterised by white sand and crystal clear waters reminiscent of Caribbean landscapes.

La Pelosa, symbol of Stintino

La Pelosa It is the most famous beach in Stintino and one of the most iconic in Sardinia. Located at the foot of Capo Falcone, it stands out for its fine white sand and transparent waters, with shades ranging from turquoise to emerald.

The location, protected by the island of Piana and the Asinara, makes the sea particularly calm and shallow.

To preserve this natural environment, access to the beach is regulated during the summer season, with limited numbers and compulsory booking.

Other beaches to discover

In addition to Pelosa, Stintino offers numerous beaches and coves of great charm:

• Le Saline, characterised by wide open spaces and clear waters

• Pazzona, immersed in a picturesque natural setting

• Ezzi Mannu, a wide beach with facilities

• La Pelosetta, dominated by the Aragonese tower dating back to 1578

• Coscia di Donna and Cala del Vapore, ideal for those who love cliffs and wild landscapes

These locations are some of the most evocative destinations for those who wish to discover the north-western coast of Sardinia.

The port and its relationship with the sea

The village has two main ports, Portu Mannu (Piazzale Guardia Costiera) and Portu Minori, which bear witness to the enduring link between Stintino and the sea.

From here, boat trips, fishing tourism activities and visits to Asinara depart, offering experiences that allow you to enjoy the area from a privileged perspective.

Nearby is also the Casaraccio pond, a natural environment of great interest and an important habitat for various species of birds.

Traditions and identity of the village

The heart of village life is Piazza dei 45, dedicated to the founding families. Events and celebrations are held here to keep local memories and traditions alive, including the Sagra del Tonno (Tuna Festival), one of the community's most representative events.

Even today, Stintino retains the atmosphere of an authentic seaside village, where local history and culture coexist with tourist hospitality.

Hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes and farmhouses offer a variety of accommodation options, making Stintino an ideal destination for discovering the sea and the most authentic identity of Sardinia.