The La Cinta beach extends lengthwise in an arch for about four kilometres, north of the town of San Teodoro.
The beach has a fine white sand with crystal clear waters and no rocky seabed.
A long dune belt separates the beach from the pond behind, a genuine natural asset to the area. The sandy stretch which makes up the low dunes mainly features vegetation known as “Pioneer”. This is mostly “Psammophile” herbaceous species (which grow on the sand) such as the European searocket
or Ammophila arenaria.
The Stagno di San Teodoro, behind the large La Cinta beach is of significant environmental importance, as a resting, overwintering and reproduction spot for numerous species of aquatic birds, many of which fall within international protection. Another important aspect is the presence of “halophyte” plant species (which grow in the presence of seawater or saline terrain) like, for example, the spiny rush and the sea rush.
Undoubtedly, due to these characteristics, the pond can be considered as the most important wetland on the northeastern coast of the island. The overall extension of the basins is around 230 hectares, 32 of which taken up by the Pescaia basin.
The entire area, pond, backshore and underwater beach are part of the Site of Community Importance (SCI) “Stagno di San Teodoro” (ITB010011), regulated by Rete Natura 2000.
The SCI also covers a part at sea aimed at enhancing and protecting the presence of the Mediterranean tapeweed meadow.
The beach is easy to reach from the town of San Teodoro and offers full services: parking, tourist information point, bar, beach equipment hire etc.
