The 12 Most Beautiful Beaches in Palau and La Maddalena (Map and Tips 2026)
Between Palau and the La Maddalena archipelago, there are dozens of beaches awarded annually among the most beautiful in Italy. Here are the 12 truly worth visiting, with practical tips on how to get there and what to bring.
The Best Beaches in Palau (Accessible by Car)
Let's start with the beaches in the municipality of Palau, all reachable within a 5-20 minute drive from the center. Parking often requires payment during high season (5-10 €/day).
1. Porto Pollo
A double crescent-shaped beach with very fine white sand and transparent water. A world-renowned spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Excellent services: bars, restaurants, equipment rental, schools. 8 km from Palau.
2. Cala Battistoni
In Baja Sardinia, it is one of the most photographed coves on the Costa Smeralda: emerald-colored water, granite rocks, shallow waters perfect for children and excellent for snorkeling.
3. Spiaggia delle Vacche
Wild and uncrowded, accessible on foot via a panoramic path. Pink sand and emerging rocks. No services, bring water and an umbrella.
4. La Sciumara
The only beach easily accessible on foot from the center of Palau. Wide, with light sand and equipped with a bar and parking. Perfect if you don't feel like taking the car.
5. Punta Sardegna
A strip of sand between two bays on the Punta Sardegna peninsula, with a direct view of La Maddalena island. Romantic at sunset.
The Beaches of the La Maddalena Archipelago
For the archipelago's beaches, you first take the Palau-La Maddalena ferry (15 minutes, every 15-30 minutes), then by car or bus.
6. Cala Coticcio (Caprera's 'Tahiti')
Considered one of Italy's most beautiful beaches: very white sand, turquoise water, pink granite. Accessible only on foot (45-min trail). Access is restricted, compulsory booking on the Park's website.
7. Spiaggia del Relitto (Caprera)
Named after an old wrecked ship visible from the shore. White sand and intense blue seabed. Reached by a short walk.
8. Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli)
Famous for its pink sand due to fragments of coral shells. Since 1994, it has been forbidden to disembark and collect sand. You can admire it from a boat a few tens of meters away.
9. Cala Corsara (Spargi)
On the uninhabited island of Spargi, reachable only by boat. Four small coves of white sand and crystal-clear water. A fixed stop for all boat trips from Palau.
10. Bassa Trinita (La Maddalena)
A spacious beach with light sand and a gently sloping seabed, ideal for families. Free parking and a bar within a 5-minute walk.
11. Cala Granara (Spargi)
A small cove hidden among the pink granites of Spargi. Shallow, warm water, perfect for snorkeling. Only accessible by sea.
12. Cala Lunga (Razzoli)
A natural fjord on Razzoli island, with turquoise waters and granite walls. A stop on daily boat trips.
FAQ
Which is the most beautiful beach near Palau?
For those who don't want to take the ferry: Porto Pollo (8 km away) and Cala Battistoni (in Baja Sardinia). For the views: Cala Coticcio on Caprera, reachable by ferry + a 45-minute trail.
Which beaches are suitable for children?
La Sciumara (in town), Bassa Trinita on La Maddalena, and Porto Pollo on the lagoon side have shallow waters and fine sand, ideal for youngsters.
Do I need to book beaches in the archipelago?
Only Cala Coticcio (Caprera) requires compulsory booking on the National Park website. The others are free, but during high season, it's advisable to arrive early.
Planning a holiday in Palau?
Discover our apartments in the heart of Palau — 5 minutes from the harbour.