Palau is much more than the port for La Maddalena: it's the heart of north-eastern Gallura, a small town facing the archipelago with white-sand beaches 10 minutes on foot, wind-sculpted granite, a lively historic centre and a strong Sardinian tradition. In one week you can see the best of the area: boat tours to the islands, Bear Rock at sunset, the Garibaldi memorial on Caprera, the windsurf spots of Porto Pollo and coves only reachable by sea. Here's what we recommend to our guests.
La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour with Lunch
Book the catamaran tour with lunch from Palau with our partner GetYourGuide: stops at the most beautiful coves and lunch included.
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Bear Rock (Capo d'Orso)
1–2 hours
Palau's icon: a 122 m natural granite sculpture shaped by millennia of Mistral wind. A 15-minute trail (€3 ticket, open April to October) leads to the base of the rock with sweeping views over the Maddalena Archipelago, Caprera and — on clear days — Corsica. Go at sunset: the golden light on the granite is unforgettable.
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Palau historic centre and port
Half day
Pedestrian alleys between Via Nazionale and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, with Sardinian craft shops, gelato spots and seafood restaurants. The port is alive all day: ferries to La Maddalena leave every 15 minutes and boat tours to the archipelago depart from here. In the evening aperitivo with a view of the islands.
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Maddalena Archipelago by boat
Full day
Seven islands in a marine national park: La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Budelli (with the famous Pink Beach, today visible only from a distance for conservation reasons), Santa Maria, Razzoli and Santo Stefano. Day tours leave Palau port at 10:30, lunch on board, return at 17:30. It's the number-one experience for guests — book at least 2–3 days ahead in high season.
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Garibaldi Memorial on Caprera
2–3 hours
Giuseppe Garibaldi's house-museum on Caprera Island, linked to La Maddalena by a road bridge. You can visit the White House, the tomb of the Hero of the Two Worlds and the museum with original memorabilia. €7 ticket, closed on Mondays. From Palau: 15 min ferry + 20 min drive.
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Porto Pollo & Isola dei Gabbiani
Half day
8 km from Palau, a white-sand isthmus creates two bays: one on the sea side for windsurfing and kitesurfing (a spot famous across the Mediterranean), one on the lagoon side with shallow water perfect for families and beginners. Sailing schools, beach bars and spectacular sunsets.
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Palau beaches (Sciumara, Palau Vecchio, Talmone)
Beach day
Less than 10 minutes on foot from the centre is Sciumara, white sand and shallow water. By car you can reach Punta Nera, Talmone bay (quiet, great for snorkelling) and Cala di Trana towards Porto Rafael. More detail in our Palau beaches guide.
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How to plan your stay based on the days you have.
1 day in Palau
Morning: walk through the historic centre, breakfast in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II with a view of the port. Light lunch by the sea. Afternoon: the Bear Rock trail (15 minutes on foot) with sunset over La Maddalena. Dinner at a seafood trattoria in the centre.
3 days in Palau (long weekend)
Day 1 — historic centre + Sciumara beach (10 minutes on foot). Day 2 — full-day boat tour to the Maddalena Archipelago. Day 3 — Porto Pollo in the morning and Caprera with the Garibaldi memorial in the afternoon.
1 week in Gallura
Add to the 3 days above: an excursion to Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo and Cala di Volpe), a self-guided day on La Maddalena by ferry, a boat day to the Pink Beach of Budelli (seen from the sea), and a relaxing day in the coves of Punta Sardegna or Porto Rafael.
When to visit Palau
- April – May
Mediterranean scrub in bloom, cool but crystal-clear sea, very few tourists. Perfect for hiking to Bear Rock.
- June & September
The ideal season: water at 22–24°C, long days, still reasonable prices and everything open.
- July – August
High season: all services running, daily boat tours, lively nightlife in the centre. Book well in advance.
- October
Sea still warm, golden light, restaurants open until mid-month. Great for photography and walks.
Getting around Palau
On foot
Historic centre, ferry port to La Maddalena and Sciumara beach are less than 10 minutes from our Vento Mare apartments in Via Po and Via Cavour.
By car
Useful for Porto Pollo, Costa Smeralda, Cala Trana and Punta Sardegna. Free parking is available in several spots around town, all within a short walk of the centre.
Bus & ferries
The public Turmo Travel bus links Palau to Olbia airport (€15, ~1h). Ferries to La Maddalena leave every 15 minutes — schedules and companies.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I need to visit Palau?
A long weekend is enough to see the historic centre, Bear Rock, a beach and take a boat tour of the archipelago. To properly explore the Gallura coast we recommend a full week.
Do I need a car in Palau?
Not for the centre, the port and Sciumara beach: everything is walkable (10 minutes from our apartments). A car is useful for Porto Pollo, Costa Smeralda and the less touristy coves. Free parking is available in the centre.
How do I get to the Maddalena islands?
Passenger and car ferries leave Palau port every 15 minutes (Delcomar and Maddalena Lines, ~15 min crossing). To visit the archipelago you take a full-day boat tour from Palau port — booking is essential in July and August.
What is the most beautiful beach near Palau?
For pure beauty, Cala Coticcio (Caprera) and the Pink Beach (Budelli, seen only from a boat). For convenience from the centre: Sciumara (10 min on foot). For families with children: the Porto Pollo lagoon.
When is the best time to visit Palau?
The best period is mid-June to mid-September for swimming, with June and September quieter. April, May and October are excellent for hiking, photography and cheaper holidays.
More about the Gallura coast
Stay in the heart of Palau
Our Vento Mare apartments are steps from the main square, from the ferry port to La Maddalena and 10 minutes on foot from Sciumara beach: the perfect base to explore everything without long drives.
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