Capped-entry beaches in Sardinia: where you need to book in 2026
La Pelosa, Goloritzè, Tuerredda, Cala Brandinchi: more and more Sardinian beaches cap daily visitors and require booking. The updated map so you don’t get turned away.
Every summer the list gets longer: to protect sand, seagrass and seabeds, many Sardinian municipalities have introduced daily visitor caps and mandatory booking on their most photographed beaches. For snorkellers it is good news — fewer crowds mean clearer water and less disturbed fish — but it takes planning: turning up without a booking can mean being turned away.
The beaches with capped access
La Pelosa (Stintino) is the best-known case: from June to October entry is paid and capped, with booking through the municipality’s official portal. A mat under your towel is compulsory, and taking away even a handful of sand is forbidden.
Cala Goloritzè (Baunei) can only be reached on foot from the Golgo plateau, with paid, capped access; boats stop offshore, since landing is forbidden. Other coves in the Gulf of Orosei also regulate landings in high season.
Tuerredda (Teulada) and Punta Molentis (Villasimius) apply daily caps with booking via app or portal. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu (San Teodoro) require booking in the summer months. Cala Coticcio (Caprera), La Maddalena’s “Tahiti”, can now only be visited with an authorised environmental guide.
How to plan it (well)
Rules change from year to year: always check the municipality’s official portal shortly before you travel, and book a few days ahead for July and August. Slots usually open 72 hours to 7 days in advance.
For snorkelling, capped entry is almost a gift: book the first morning slots, when the water is still and the beach half-empty, or consider the boat alternative — many excursions include the same coves without the problem of a spot on the sand.
