Sardinia · Italy
Holidays in Palau, Sardinia
The gateway to the La Maddalena archipelago — turquoise water, granite islands and a real Sardinian town, without Costa Smeralda prices.
Why spend your holiday in Palau
Palau sits on the northeast tip of Sardinia, about 40 minutes from Olbia airport. It is the ferry port for La Maddalena and Caprera and a short drive from the Costa Smeralda — but it remains a genuine, lived-in town: a Sunday market, family-run trattorias, a walkable old town and beaches you can reach on foot. A holiday here costs a fraction of the luxury resorts next door, with the same sea.
What to do on holiday in Palau
- Boat tour of the La Maddalena archipelago — Spargi, Budelli, the famous Pink Beach (Spiaggia Rosa) and Cala Coticcio on Caprera.
- Beaches — La Sciumara about 10 minutes on foot from the center, Porto Pollo for wind and kitesurfing, Cala Trana and Capo d'Orso.
- Day trips — Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo, Santa Teresa Gallura and the cliffs of Capo Testa, the inland villages of Gallura.
- Evenings in the old town — restaurants, gelaterias and summer markets, all walkable from our apartments.
Where to stay: apartments in the old town
Vento Mare Apartments offers 5 apartments in the center of Palau, for 2–3 guests each, with kitchen, Wi-Fi and 24/7 self check-in. Booking direct means no commission and the best available rate — a smarter alternative to a hotel in Palau.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palau a good holiday destination in Sardinia?
Yes. Palau combines the La Maddalena archipelago on its doorstep, beaches within walking distance, and a real town center with restaurants and shops — at prices well below the Costa Smeralda, which is only about 20 minutes away by car.
How do I get to Palau for my holiday?
Fly into Olbia (OLB) — about 40 km / 25 mi away, roughly 40 minutes by car or shuttle bus. In summer there are direct flights to Olbia from many UK, US and European cities, including seasonal nonstops from New York.
Hotel or apartment for a holiday in Palau?
An apartment gives you a kitchen, more space and self check-in — usually for less than a hotel room. Our 5 apartments in Palau's old town host 2–3 guests each, with 24/7 self check-in and direct-booking rates with no commission.
What is there to do on a holiday in Palau?
Boat tours of the La Maddalena archipelago (Spargi, Budelli, the Pink Beach, Cala Coticcio), beaches like Porto Pollo and La Sciumara, day trips to the Costa Smeralda and Santa Teresa Gallura, hiking to Capo d'Orso, and evenings in the lively old town.
When is the best time for a holiday in Palau?
June and September offer warm sea and fewer crowds. July and August are the liveliest — book early. May and October are ideal for hiking, cycling and quiet beaches.
How many days should I spend in Palau?
Three to five days covers the archipelago, the local beaches and a Costa Smeralda day trip. A full week lets you add Caprera, Santa Teresa and the inland villages without rushing.