The waters around Stintino offer some of the most varied sailing in northwest Sardinia — the Caribbean-like La Pelosa anchorage, the crystal-clear Fornelli Passage, the wild east coast of Asinara Island, and calm bays to the south toward Alghero. This guide covers the key anchorages within day-sailing range of Stintino marina.
⚠ Asinara National Park: The waters around Isola Asinara are a National Park and Marine Protected Area. Anchoring is regulated — mooring buoys are available at some locations. Berthing on the island is prohibited for private vessels. Check current regulations at parcoasinara.org before entering park waters. Fines are enforced.
⚓ Anchorage 1 — La Pelosa
| Coordinates | 40°58’N / 8°11’E |
| Distance from Stintino | 2 nm N |
| Depth | 2–5m, sand bottom |
| Shelter | Good in settled weather. Open to NW swell. |
| Conditions | Calm weather anchorage — move to Stintino if NW wind builds |
La Pelosa is one of the finest anchorages in the western Mediterranean — turquoise water over white sand, the 16th-century Torre della Pelosa watch tower visible offshore, with the profile of Isola Asinara in the background. Anchor in 3–5m on sand off the beach. Visibility is extraordinary — you can see the anchor from the cockpit.
⚠ Beach access restriction: La Pelosa beach has a daily visitor limit of 1,500 people in summer (June–September). Entry fee €3.50. The beach fills by mid-morning in July–August. Arriving by anchor off the beach avoids the land-access queues, but the beach itself may be crowded. Mats required (not towels). Best visited early morning or late afternoon.
⚓ Anchorage 2 — Fornelli Passage
| Location | Between Isola Piana and Isola Asinara |
| Distance from Stintino | 2.5 nm N |
| Minimum depth (channel) | 3–4m (on the correct transit) |
| Overnight | Prohibited — daylight transit only |
| Anchorage | Anchor in calm conditions off Isola Piana eastern shore (park rules apply) |
The passage itself is one of the most memorable sailing experiences in Sardinia — crystal-clear 3m water over white sand between two islands, with the rugged peaks of Asinara to the north. Anchor in the calm passage in settled conditions. The bottom is sand — exceptional clarity.
⚠ Navigation critical: Two transits mark the correct route. Minimum depth 3–4m only if you follow the transits exactly — a few metres off course = 2–3m depths. Daytime only. No rough sea from the west. Lower sails, use engine, zoom chartplotter to maximum scale. See the full Stintino guide for transit details.
⚓ Anchorage 3 — East Coast of Asinara (Park buoys)
| Location | E coast of Isola Asinara |
| Shelter | Protected from prevailing NW winds by the island |
| Mooring | Park-authorised buoys at designated locations — paid |
| Important | Anchoring free is prohibited in most areas — buoys only |
The east coast of Asinara has several lovely bays sheltered from the Maestrale — the main anchorages are in the vicinity of Cala Reale (central east coast) and Cala d’Oliva (north). These are the coves used by authorised excursion boats from Stintino. Wild, empty beaches with extraordinary water clarity. Wildlife: albino donkeys, griffon vultures, sea turtles.
To visit the island on foot: organised tours depart from Stintino daily. Futurismo (futurismoasinara.com) and Asinara Sailing (asinarasailing.it) operate authorised catamaran day tours with park guide included. Cost approximately €85–100 per person including lunch.
⚓ Anchorage 4 — South of Stintino (calm weather)
To the south of Stintino, in calm weather, several bays offer viable anchorages — sand and rock bottom, 4–8m depth. These are day anchorages or overnight in settled conditions only: exposed to any wind with S or SE component. Useful for a lunch stop while transiting toward Porto Conte.
⚓ Anchorage 5 — Stagno di Pilo Lagoon area
A saltwater lagoon 3 km south of Stintino, visible from the water. Pink flamingos feed here year-round. Not an anchoring spot but worth a slow pass under sail or motor. Best viewed from the water in the early morning before the wind picks up.
️ Anchorage Summary
| Anchorage | Distance | Conditions | Best for |
| La Pelosa | 2 nm N | Calm, settled NW | Swimming, snorkelling, overnight in calm |
| Fornelli Passage | 2.5 nm N | Calm weather, daylight only | Lunch stop, passage transit |
| Asinara E coast (buoys) | 5–8 nm N | Park permit + buoy required | Overnight, snorkelling, wildlife |
| South bays | 2–5 nm S | Calm weather only | Lunch stop, passage break |
✅ Safety Checklist
- Asinara Park permit required — anchor on buoys only, no free anchoring in most zones
- La Pelosa — NW wind builds quickly in afternoon, monitor forecast, ready to move
- Fornelli Passage — daylight only, follow transits, engine not sails
- Cala Arena and Cala S. Andrea on Asinara — permanently closed to public
- Submerged archaeological site at 41°03.661’N 8°17.498’E — navigation, swimming prohibited, marked by 4 red-white-red flags
For the full Stintino marina guide, see Stintino Sailing & Mooring Guide.
