Asinara from Stintino: Sailboat, Minivan or Ferry on Your Own?
Updated October 19, 2026 · 6 min read
Asinara is the island off the north-west tip of Sardinia, and from Stintino you can see it in three ways. For most visitors the best choice is the Asinara minivan tour from Stintino: 8 hours, €83.50, rated 4.8 from 457 reviews, and the most-reviewed of the Asinara trips compared here. If swimming matters more than seeing the island, book a sailboat instead.
Alghero is not the departure point. Stintino lies north of Alghero, roughly an hour by car, so the day starts early and the drive back comes at the end of eight hours outdoors. Plan for that before you book.
The three formats compared
| Tour | Duration | From | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asinara minivan tour | 8 hours | €83.50 per person | 4.8 from 457 reviews | Seeing the island: donkeys, history, viewpoints |
| Asinara sailboat tour with lunch | 8 hours | €107 per person | 4.8 from 454 reviews | Swimming and a day on the water |
| La Pelosa and Asinara, 15 m sailboat, small group | 8 hours | €139 per person | 4.8 from 47 reviews | A quiet sailing day, maximum eight guests |
Prices and ratings are those shown on the booking pages. The three tours last the same time, so the choice is between land and sea, not between long and short.
The minivan: the island itself
The listing promises white donkeys, beaches, history and landscapes, and it is the only one of the three that is built around moving across the island. Asinara is a national park with its own rules: private cars are not allowed, and visitors who come on their own have to leave the car in the car park at Stintino harbour. A guided minivan is the simplest way to cover distances that are too long to walk in the heat.
Typical stops on guided days include the former prison buildings at Fornelli, the area around Cala Reale with its white and grey donkeys, and viewpoints along the coast. The operator decides the exact route, so check the booking page for the stops on your date. Part of the coast, including Cala Sant’Andrea, is zone A of the protected area and closed to visitors, by land and sea.
Check dates and availability for the minivan tour
The sailboat with lunch: for water first
The listing for the sailboat tour with lunch describes swimming from the boat, coves and beaches in Asinara National Park, and a meal on board. At €107 it costs €23.50 more than the minivan and has almost exactly the same review record, with 454 reviews against 457. You see the coast from the sea, you do not land to walk through the island, and you depend on the wind and sea state. Rough conditions can change the route or cancel the departure.
Swimming is not allowed everywhere. In zone A of the marine protected area it is forbidden, and operators choose bays where it is permitted. Do not assume you will swim at any stop you pass.
The small-group sailing day: more space, fewer reviews
The 15 m sailboat with a maximum of eight guests sails to La Pelosa and Asinara and includes a homemade Sardinian lunch. It is the most expensive of the three at €139, and its 47 reviews are a far shorter record than the other two. Choose it if you want a quiet boat and have the budget. Do not book it just because it is the premium option.
Going on your own by ferry
Several companies run ferries between Stintino and Fornelli, a crossing of about 30 minutes, and reservations are recommended. Ask the operator whether bicycles can go on board, which would be one way to explore the island under your own power. Park admission and what is included differ between operators, so confirm both before you pay.
If you are staying in Alghero, Stintino means a drive, and a car hire comparison for Alghero shows what is available for your dates. Check the meeting point and start time on the booking page before you plan the route.
Which to choose
- First visit, curious about the island: the minivan tour.
- You mainly want turquoise water and a swim: the sailboat with lunch.
- Small group, calm pace, budget not a problem: the 15 m sailing day.
- Cyclists who like planning: the ferry, if the operator confirms bikes can come along, with an early start.
If Asinara is one stop among several, see the Asinara and Stintino day trips for the full list, or sailing trips from Alghero for shorter days on the water.
