“Palau is one of Sardinia's golden gateways. From here the ferries leave for La Maddalena, linked to Caprera by a bridge, and the boat trips set off for Spargi. Capo d'Orso is the emblematic rock, carved by the wind into the shape of a crouching bear that has watched over the harbour for thousands of years.”
With our direct rates you save up to 15%. Message us BEFORE you book and we'll compare dates together: we'll find you the right home.
Palau is a municipality of about 4,300 inhabitants in northern Gallura, in the province of Sassari. It is the main gateway to the La Maddalena Archipelago — every day ferries leave from here for La Maddalena (linked to Caprera by a bridge), and boat trips set off for the other islands of the National Park (Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano).
The original village grew up around the harbour as a small community of fishermen and farmers, but today it is a lively holiday resort thanks to its strategic position: 10 km from the Costa Smeralda, 25 km from Santa Teresa di Gallura, and the daily sailings to La Maddalena. It's the ideal base if you want to explore the Costa Smeralda, the archipelago and the north-east all at once.
We at AffittaSardegna have been directly managing holiday homes in Palau since 2011. A carefully targeted boutique selection — we know that people choose Palau for its strategic position and for specific experiences (La Maddalena, Capo d'Orso, the nearby Costa Smeralda), so our homes are chosen to guarantee maximum convenience for the key spots: the harbour and the town centre.
The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is one of the most protected treasures of the Mediterranean. Seven main islands and many smaller islets, all granite, with beaches that have become world-famous icons of Sardinian tourism.
6 km east of Palau's centre rises the Capo d'Orso headland, crowned by the bear-shaped rock carved by wind and salt over thousands of years. It is one of Sardinia's most famous natural monuments, recognisable in every picture of Palau.
You drive to the car park, then walk 15 minutes along a scenic path through juniper and Mediterranean scrub. From the top: a 360° view over the La Maddalena Archipelago, the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica on the horizon. A must, best at sunset.
Town beach, pale sand, gently sloping seabed, great for families. A 5-minute walk from the centre.
A small cove near the harbour with an authentic feel, popular with locals. Views of La Maddalena.
About 7 km west. A windsurfing and kitesurfing paradise — frequent mistral, enclosed bay. Schools and rentals.
At the foot of the emblematic rock. Wild, sand mixed with pebbles, an untouched feel. Access on foot.
8 km east. A scenic cove with views of the archipelago, an intimate feel and spectacular snorkelling.
Towards Porto Pollo. White sand, gently sloping seabed, with facilities. A good alternative to La Maddalena on overcrowded days.
Palau's top experience. A day-long boat tour with stops at Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli, seen from a distance), Cala Corsara (Spargi), Santa Maria and La Maddalena. Lunch on board or on the island, swims in crystal-clear water. There is a charge: check prices and times.
Giuseppe Garibaldi's Casa Bianca on Caprera Island, where he lived until his death in 1882. Today a national museum open to visitors, with historic memorabilia from the Risorgimento era. A unique atmosphere; allow half a day.
Climb the headland of the emblematic rock at sunset. Panoramic views over the archipelago, the coast and Corsica on the horizon. Not to be missed — do it at least one evening.
Porto Pollo (about 7 km west) is one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in the Mediterranean: a sheltered bay and schools for every level.
15 km from Palau lies the drawing room of the Costa Smeralda — Porto Cervo. A sunset aperitivo in the piazzetta, a “glamorous” evening without paying the price of a stay there. From Palau you can go and be back the same evening.
In Palau a car is essential to make the most of the strategic position (Costa Smeralda, Capo d'Orso, Santa Teresa). We compare prices through Discover Cars.
| Period | Sea | Maddalena | Prices | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May–June | 🌊 21–23°C | 🟢 Quiet tours | 🟢 Reduced rates | ⭐ Best season |
| July | 🌊 25°C | 🟡 Crowded | 🟡 Standard | Book 3 months ahead |
| August | 🌊 25–26°C | 🔴 Overcrowded | 🔴 Peak | Book 4–5 months ahead |
| September | 🌊 24°C | 🟢 Ideal | 🟢 Reduced rates | ⭐ Favourite season |
| October–April | 🌊 17–19°C | 🟢 Free | 🟢 The lowest rates of the year | Capo d'Orso at its finest |
40 km, 40 minutes by car. The most convenient airport for Palau, with direct flights from all over Italy + northern Europe in summer.
45 km, 45 minutes. Moby, Tirrenia, Grimaldi and GNV ferries. From Genoa (10 hrs), Civitavecchia (5–7 hrs), Livorno (8 hrs).
Delcomar/MOBY ferries every 30 minutes, 15-minute crossing. There is a charge: check prices and times. Service from 6:00 to 23:00.
Connections from Olbia airport with a change in Olbia town centre. Total journey time 1 hr 30 min. A car is recommended.
In Palau we have selected comfortable homes for anyone who wants to use Palau as a base:
Each home has different amenities: you'll find them on every home's page.
Holiday homes managed directly since 2011. Book direct and save up to 15%.
25 km west. Capo Testa, the gateway to Bonifacio (Corsica), Rena Bianca.
35 km west. Sculpted pink granite, secret coves, a premium alternative to the Costa Smeralda.
50 km south. La Cinta, Cala Brandinchi, the Tavolara Marine Protected Area.
15 km east. The jet set's drawing room, the piazzetta, boutiques. An evening aperitivo, even without staying there.
We know every corner of Sardinia and select only accommodation that meets clear standards of comfort and reliability. From booking to on-site assistance, we're with you every step of the way.
Every property is checked by our local team: real photos, verified amenities and genuinely convenient locations for your holiday.
Transparent contracts, secure payments and fast support in several languages before, during and after your stay.
Official rates, seasonal offers and no hidden costs: the right value for the right home.
