Palau is one of Sardinia's golden gateways. From here the ferries depart for La Maddalena, Caprera and Spargi. Capo d'Orso is the symbolic rock, carved by the wind into the shape of a crouching bear that has watched over the harbour for thousands of years.
Our rates are already lower than Booking and Airbnb. Write to us BEFORE booking and we will compare dates together — we will find you the right home at the best possible price.
Palau is a municipality of around 4,300 inhabitants in northern Gallura, in the province of Sassari. It is the main gateway to the Maddalena Archipelago — from here the ferries depart every day for the seven islands of the National Park (La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano).
The original village grew up around the harbour as a small settlement of fishermen and farmers, but today it is a very lively tourist destination thanks to its strategic location: 10 km from the Costa Smeralda, 25 km from Santa Teresa di Gallura, and thedaily crossing to La Maddalena. It is the ideal base for those wanting to explore Costa Smeralda, the Archipelago and the North-East all at once.
We at AffittaSardegna directly manage 2 properties in Palau since 2011. A very focused boutique selection — we know that those who choose Palau do so for its strategic position and for specific experiences (Maddalena, Capo d'Orso, Costa Smeralda nearby), so our 2 homes are designed to guarantee maximum convenience to the key points: harbour and centre.
The Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena is one of the most protected treasures of the Mediterranean. Seven main islands and numerous islets, all of granite, with beaches that have become world icons of Sardinian tourism.
6 km east of the centre of Palau rises the Capo d'Orso headland, dominated by the bear-shaped rock sculpted by wind and salt over thousands of years. It is one of the most famous natural monuments of Sardinia, recognisable in all the images of Palau.
You reach it by car as far as the car park, then a 15-minute walk along a scenic path among junipers and Mediterranean scrub. Entry cost: €3. From the top: a 360° view over the Maddalena Archipelago, the Strait of Bonifacio, Corsica on the horizon. A must-do experience, best at sunset.
Town beach, pale sand, gently shelving seabed, excellent for families. A 5-minute walk from the centre.
Small cove near the harbour, authentic atmosphere, frequented by locals. View of Maddalena.
10 km east. A windsurfing and kitesurfing paradise — constant mistral wind, enclosed bay. Schools and rentals.
At the foot of the symbolic rock. Wild, sand mixed with pebbles, primitive atmosphere. Access on foot.
8 km east. Panoramic cove with views of the Archipelago, intimate atmosphere, spectacular snorkelling.
Towards Porto Pollo. White sand, gently shelving seabed, equipped. A good alternative to Maddalena on overcrowded days.
The top experience in Palau. A full-day boat tour with stops at Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli, viewed from a distance), Cala Corsara (Spargi), Santa Maria, La Maddalena. Lunch on board or on the island, swims in crystal-clear water. Average cost €60-100 per person.
Giuseppe Garibaldi's Casa Bianca on the island of Caprera, 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, half a day.
A climb up to the headland of the symbolic rock at sunset. A panoramic view over the Archipelago, the coast, Corsica on the horizon. An unmissable experience, to do at least one evening.
Porto Pollo (10 km east) is considered one of the best spots in the Mediterranean for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Steady mistral wind 200 days a year, an enclosed bay, schools for every level.
15 km from Palau is the drawing room of Costa Smeralda — Porto Cervo. A sunset aperitif in the piazzetta, a 'glamorous' evening without having to pay the prices of staying there. From Palau you go and return 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 via Discover Cars — average saving of 35%.
| Period | Sea | Maddalena | Prices | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May-June | 🌊 21-23°C | 🟢 Empty tours | 🟢 -30/40% | ⭐ Top season |
| July | 🌊 25°C | 🟡 Crowded | 🟡 Standard | Book 3 months ahead |
| August | 🌊 27°C | 🔴 Overcrowded | 🔴 Peak | Book 4-5 months ahead |
| September | 🌊 24°C | 🟢 Ideal | 🟢 -20/30% | ⭐ Favourite season |
| October-April | 🌊 17-19°C | 🟢 Free | 🟢 -50% | Capo d'Orso wonderful |
40 km, 40 minutes by car. The most convenient airport for Palau, direct flights from all over Italy + northern Europe in summer.
45 km, 45 minutes. Moby, Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV companies. From Genoa (10h), Civitavecchia (5-7h), Livorno (8h).
Delcomar/MOBY ferries every 30 minutes, 15-minute crossing. Cost 5-8€. Service from 6:00 to 23:00.
Connections from Olbia airport with a change at Olbia centre. Total time 1h30. A car is recommended.
In Palau we have selected 2 strategic properties for those who want to use Palau as a base camp:
Both with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, washing machine, linen and towels included. Total capacity: 8-10 guests at the same time.
2 selected homes in Palau, managed directly since 2011. A strategic base for Maddalena, Costa Smeralda, Santa Teresa.
25 km west. Capo Testa, 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, Tavolara Marine Area.
15 km east. The drawing room of the jet set, piazzetta, boutiques. An evening aperitif even without staying.
We know every corner of Sardinia and select only housing that meet clear standards of comfort and reliability. From booking to on-site assistance, we follow you step by step.
Each property is verified by our local team: real photos, checked equipment and really convenient locations for your holiday.
Transparent contracts, secure payments and prompt assistance in Italian and English before, during and after your stay.
Official rates, seasonal offers and zero hidden costs: the right value for the right home.
