The bucket list · U.S. Edition
Things to Do in Sardinia
Eight experiences that make the north coast unforgettable — all from one home base in Palau.
01
Take a boat through the Maddalena archipelago
The number-one day of almost every trip. Full-day tours leave Palau's harbor for Spargi, Budelli's natural pools and Santa Maria — swimming stops, lunch on board, water you'll describe as 'unreal' on Instagram. Ferries also run to La Maddalena town every 30 minutes if you prefer to explore on your own.
02
Hike the Bear Rock (Roccia dell'Orso)
The granite bear watching over Palau since Roman times. A 20-minute uphill walk from town, best at golden hour, with a 360-degree view over the archipelago. Free, easy, unforgettable.
03
Wander the Valle della Luna at Capo Testa
A moonscape of wind-carved granite boulders, hidden coves and Roman-era quarries, 15 minutes from Palau. Go early or late for the light — and bring your camera.
04
Beach-hop the north coast
La Sciumara and Porto Faro in Palau, Porto Pollo for windsurfing and sunsets, Rena Majore, Li Cossi, and the Costa Smeralda's famous coves like Capriccioli — all within a 30-minute radius. One beach per morning is the right pace.
05
Step back 3,500 years at a nuraghe
Sardinia's mysterious Bronze-Age stone towers exist nowhere else on Earth. The giants' graves and nuraghi near Arzachena are an easy half-day trip from Palau — a must for history lovers.
06
Day-trip the Costa Smeralda
Porto Cervo's yacht-lined marina, the piazzetta's people-watching, and beaches like Liscia Ruja and Capriccioli. Go for the day, sleep in Palau for a third of the price — the smart move.
07
Eat like a Sardinian
Seadas (honey-drizzled cheese pastries), porceddu (slow-roasted suckling pig), fresh bottarga, and a cold Vermentino at a harbor-side table. Ask us for the places locals actually go — we keep a list for our guests.
08
Catch the sunset at Porto Pollo
Kites in the sky, bare feet in the sand, a spritz in hand while the sun drops behind Isola dei Gabbiani. The most laid-back evening on the coast, ten minutes from your apartment.
One home base, all of it
Everything on this list is within 30 minutes of Palau — which is exactly why we tell American friends to settle in here and explore out, instead of hopping hotels every two nights. Our five apartments sit a 10-minute walk from the beach and the ferry, each with a private outdoor space, fast Wi-Fi and A/C. Book direct for the best rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Sardinia?
A boat day in the La Maddalena archipelago national park. Ferries and tours leave from Palau all day, and the coves of Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria are the single most memorable day of most trips.
Can you see North Sardinia in a week?
Yes, comfortably: base yourself in Palau, take two or three beach days, one boat day, and two day trips (Costa Smeralda and Capo Testa or the interior). No packing and unpacking required.
Are there things to do beyond the beach?
Plenty: the Bronze-Age nuraghe towers (UNESCO-listed), the granite moonscape of Capo Testa, the Bear Rock hike above Palau, wine tastings in cannonau country, and the old towns of Tempio Pausania and Castelsardo.
What are the best things to do on a windy day?
The Mistral days are perfect for the Valle della Luna at Capo Testa, a nuraghe visit, lunch in Tempio Pausania, or simply switching to the sheltered side of the coast — ask us and we'll point you to the right beach that morning.
Is Sardinia good for families with kids?
Very much so: shallow sandy entries at beaches like La Sciumara and Porto Pollo, short driving distances, boat trips kids love, and apartments with kitchens that make family logistics easy.