Palau
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Latest page update: 30 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Palau
Palau, on the northern coast of Sardinia, serves as a key gateway to the Maddalena Archipelago and offers a good range of established hotels. Many of the town’s best-rated options are close to the harbour and beaches, making them convenient for exploring both the coastline and the islands.
Hotel Palau is a long-standing property overlooking the town and marina, with a pool, panoramic views and strong reviews for service and facilities (€€€). Near the harbour, Club Esse Posada Beach Resort provides direct beach access, two pools and family-friendly services, regularly praised for its location (€€). Another well-regarded choice is La Vecchia Fonte Hotel, situated in the centre opposite the port, with comfortable rooms and guest feedback highlighting its convenient position (€€).
Hotel Palau is a long-standing property overlooking the town and marina, with a pool, panoramic views and strong reviews for service and facilities (€€€). Near the harbour, Club Esse Posada Beach Resort provides direct beach access, two pools and family-friendly services, regularly praised for its location (€€). Another well-regarded choice is La Vecchia Fonte Hotel, situated in the centre opposite the port, with comfortable rooms and guest feedback highlighting its convenient position (€€).
Where is
Where is Palau?
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The sea port of Palau is situated within the Province of Sassari and has a population of around 4,000 inhabitants.
From its ferry port it's possible to sail to the islands that make up La Maddalena Archipelago. Places of interest nearby include Cannigione, Baja Sardinia, Porto Cervo and Capriccioli, while the recommended accommodation in the town is the Hotel Palau. |
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Comune di Palau
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 4,100 (in 2024 - source) Size: 44 km² Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024-2025 Close by: Cannigione, Baja Sardinia, Porto Cervo, Capriccioli Ferry destinations: La Maddalena Archipelago Fly to: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - 44 minutes by car (42 km) |
What People Ask About Palau
Is Palau worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Palau?
How do I get to Palau?
What can you do in Palau?
When is the best time to visit Palau?
Related links
Discover
Discover Palau
Palau is a coastal town in the Province of Sassari, set on the northeastern shore of Sardinia facing the Maddalena Archipelago. The settlement curves around a natural harbour framed by granite headlands, pine groves, and clear Tyrrhenian waters, with a compact centre developed close to the seafront. Its coastline is marked by beaches, rocky coves, and wind-sculpted granite formations characteristic of the Gallura landscape, giving Palau a distinctly maritime atmosphere.
The town is one of the main departure points for ferries to La Maddalena, linking it directly to the islands just offshore. Landmarks such as the Roccia dell’Orso, a granite outcrop shaped by wind erosion, highlight the area’s natural character, while small churches and local traditions reflect its coastal heritage. Positioned between Santa Teresa Gallura and the inland routes towards Arzachena, Palau serves as a key gateway to island excursions, coastal scenery, and the wider seascapes of northern Sardinia.
The town is one of the main departure points for ferries to La Maddalena, linking it directly to the islands just offshore. Landmarks such as the Roccia dell’Orso, a granite outcrop shaped by wind erosion, highlight the area’s natural character, while small churches and local traditions reflect its coastal heritage. Positioned between Santa Teresa Gallura and the inland routes towards Arzachena, Palau serves as a key gateway to island excursions, coastal scenery, and the wider seascapes of northern Sardinia.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Palau
- Roccia dell’Orso is a large granite formation shaped by wind and weather to resemble a bear, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. It can be reached by a short uphill walk and offers panoramic views over the Maddalena Archipelago and the coastline below.
- Palau Harbour is the town’s central point, with a mix of ferry terminals, fishing boats and leisure craft. The waterfront area includes restaurants, markets and shops. It also serves as the main departure point for ferries and excursions to nearby islands.
- Museo Etnografico in Via Nazionale provides insight into the traditional rural life of northern Sardinia. Exhibits include tools, textiles and domestic items from the Gallura region. The museum is housed in a restored local building and often features seasonal displays.
- Ferries and boat trips to La Maddalena run daily and take around 15 minutes. Visitors can explore the historic town of La Maddalena or join guided boat tours through the surrounding islands, stopping at beaches and swimming spots in the national park.
- Outdoor activities around Monte Altura and the coastline include hiking trails, cycling paths and access to sandy beaches such as Porto Faro and Isuledda. The Fort of Monte Altura, a 19th-century military structure, is open for guided visits in summer and offers sea views from its ramparts.
Tours and Activities
Palau Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Palau Photo Gallery
Sardinia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Palau
By Rail: Palau does not have a standard train station connected to Sardinia’s main rail network. However, it is the terminus of the Trenino Verde (Green Train), a tourist railway line that runs seasonally and connects with the interior of the island. For regular rail travel, the nearest major station is in Olbia, around 40 kilometres to the south.
By Road: Palau is located on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, facing the La Maddalena Archipelago. It is accessible via the SS133 and SS125 roads, with the drive from Olbia taking approximately 50 minutes. Public parking is available near the port and in the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
La Maddalena: Palau operates a frequent ferry service to La Maddalena Island, with crossings taking about 15 minutes. Services run multiple times per day, and the ferries accommodate both passengers and vehicles. This route is the primary gateway to the archipelago.
By Road: Palau is located on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, facing the La Maddalena Archipelago. It is accessible via the SS133 and SS125 roads, with the drive from Olbia taking approximately 50 minutes. Public parking is available near the port and in the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: Located about 45 kilometres south of Palau, the drive takes just under 1 hour. This airport has frequent seasonal and year-round flights from major Italian and European cities.
- Alghero-Fertilia Airport: Situated around 150 kilometres to the west, the journey by car takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Ferry Connections:
La Maddalena: Palau operates a frequent ferry service to La Maddalena Island, with crossings taking about 15 minutes. Services run multiple times per day, and the ferries accommodate both passengers and vehicles. This route is the primary gateway to the archipelago.
Private Transfers
Palau Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and straightforward way to travel to or from Palau, with a professional local driver providing direct, door-to-door service. It’s a practical option for visitors heading to this coastal town and ferry port, avoiding the need for car hire or managing luggage on public transport.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which operates frequent domestic and international flights, as well as from Alghero Fertilia Airport for those arriving from further afield. Private transfers also connect Palau with nearby destinations such as Arzachena, Cannigione, and Santa Teresa Gallura, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace through northern Sardinia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which operates frequent domestic and international flights, as well as from Alghero Fertilia Airport for those arriving from further afield. Private transfers also connect Palau with nearby destinations such as Arzachena, Cannigione, and Santa Teresa Gallura, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace through northern Sardinia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
