Things to do in Palau

Palau looks out over the Strait of Bonifacio at Sardinia's north-eastern tip, right opposite the La Maddalena archipelago: ferries to the islands leave from its harbour and take about twenty minutes. It's a young, welcoming town that grew up among wind-sculpted granite rocks, with a lively seafront and coves just steps from the centre. Palau has two souls: a seafaring one, with boat trips among some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands, and a sporty one at Porto Pollo, one of Europe's top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots. It's perfect for families, couples, sailors and anyone wanting to explore northern Gallura.

What to see in Palau

The Bear Rock

Palau's symbol is a giant natural sculpture: a granite boulder that, from the right angle, looks like a bear gazing out to sea. It sits on the Capo d'Orso headland at about 122 metres up and was already known to ancient sailors, so much so that the geographer Ptolemy mentions it. A short path leads up beneath the rock, with spectacular views over La Maddalena, Caprera and the coast.

Monte Altura Fortress

Built between 1887 and 1889, it was part of the archipelago's military defence system. Camouflaged among the rocks, the fortress is open to visitors and offers one of the widest views over the Strait of Bonifacio. Great for history buffs and for understanding why this stretch of sea mattered so much.

The harbour and town centre

The heart of town is the main street running down to the harbour, lined with shops, bars and ice-cream parlours. The marina, full of sailing boats, is the starting point for trips around the archipelago. It's also the terminus of the Trenino Verde, the heritage tourist train that in summer links Palau with inland Tempio Pausania through cork woods and granite.

Li Mizzani giants' tomb

Inland from Palau lies this Bronze Age giants' tomb (a collective grave typical of Nuragic Sardinia), with a central stele about 2.8 metres high and a long burial corridor. Surrounded by scrub, it's an evocative stop for anyone curious about ancient Gallura.

Things to do in Palau

The must-do is a boat trip around the La Maddalena archipelago, a national park: Budelli, Spargi, Santa Maria, Razzoli and Caprera offer white-sand coves and crystal-clear water, with stops for swimming and snorkelling. Choose between larger tour boats, RIBs, sailing boats and private outings. Sailing fans will find one of Italy's finest racing areas right here.

At Porto Pollo, sheltered from the strongest winds yet crossed by steady breezes, you can take windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling lessons for every level. Underwater, diving between Palau and the islands reveals granite seabeds full of life. On land, go hiking around Capo d'Orso, Monte Altura and the coast, or hop on the Trenino Verde for a different kind of day inland. Right below you'll find the experiences offered by Palau's local operators: choose your adventure and book.

Beaches in Palau

Porto Pollo and Isola dei Gabbiani

L'Isuledda, also called Isola dei Gabbiani ("Seagull Island"), is a peninsula joined to the mainland by a thin strip of sand: Porto Pollo beach on one side, Arenaria beach on the other. About two kilometres long in all, it's a windsurf and kite paradise that hosts international competitions. The shallow water also makes it suitable for children.

La Sciumara and Palau Vecchio

Close to town, La Sciumara is an easy-to-reach sandy beach with calm water and facilities. Palau Vecchio is a quiet bay with views of the archipelago, good for families.

Porto Faro, l'Isolotto and Talmone

Between the town and Capo d'Orso, small sandy and rocky beaches such as Porto Faro and l'Isolotto can be reached on foot. Towards Capo d'Orso, the Talmone coast has wilder coves and crystal-clear water.

Cala Trana

A small sheltered beach of pinkish sand enclosed by granite boulders. Perfect if you're looking for a quieter, more natural spot.

History

People were here as early as the Bronze Age, as giants' tombs and the remains of nuraghi and villages inland show; the Bear headland already appears in ancient descriptions of the world. For centuries, though, the area remained shepherds' countryside. In 1793, the French fleet that tried to seize La Maddalena, with a young Napoleon Bonaparte on board, was driven back partly thanks to cannons placed on Palau's coast.

The first village grew up in the early 19th century, founded by shepherds from Tempio. In the late 1800s the coast was fortified with works such as the Monte Altura fortress. In 1943 an air raid sank the cruiser Trieste in nearby Mezzoschifo bay. Palau belonged to Tempio Pausania until 1959, when it became an independent municipality; since then, tourism and its role as the gateway to La Maddalena have made it one of Gallura's liveliest towns.

What to eat and buy

In Palau seafood takes centre stage: lobster, fresh fish, sea urchins in season, mussels and clams. Gallurese tradition brings suppa cuata (bread, cheese and broth baked in the oven), chjusoni with meat sauce, roast lamb and suckling pig, and desserts like seadas with honey. The wine is Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. To take home: strawberry-tree honey, cheeses, cork and granite objects and local crafts.

Festivals and traditions

The main feast is Santa Maria delle Grazie, in the first week of September, with a beautiful procession at sea. On 1 May the countryside feast of San Giorgio brings outdoor picnics and accordion music. In winter, the Palau Carnival draws visitors from all over the island with floats and masks. In summer, regattas and sailing events fill the sea in front of town.

Nearby

• La Maddalena and Caprera: about 20 minutes by ferry, with La Maddalena's old town and Giuseppe Garibaldi's house-museum on Caprera.
• Porto Rafael: a small, elegant seaside hamlet a few minutes from Palau.
• Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa: about 25 minutes' drive, with sculpted rocks and views of Corsica.
• Arzachena and Porto Cervo: about 20–30 minutes away, with archaeological sites and the Costa Smeralda.
• Tempio Pausania: also reachable on the Trenino Verde, the granite heart of Gallura.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airport is Olbia–Costa Smeralda, about 45 minutes' drive along the SS125; Olbia's port, with ferries from mainland Italy, is about 40 kilometres away. Ferries to Bonifacio in Corsica leave from Santa Teresa Gallura. The best time is May to October: June and September are ideal for boat trips without the crowds, while July and August are the liveliest months. For windsurfing and kiting, Porto Pollo has good conditions for much of the year, especially in spring and summer.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Palau?

At least 3 days: one for the town and the Bear Rock, one for an archipelago boat trip, one for La Maddalena and Caprera. With a week you can add Porto Pollo, Santa Teresa and the Costa Smeralda.

Is Palau good for families?

Yes. The beaches near town have calm water, distances are short and a boat trip among the islands is a real adventure for kids.

How do you get from Palau to La Maddalena?

By ferry from Palau harbour, car included if you like: the crossing takes about 20 minutes and boats run frequently all year round.

Is Porto Pollo good for beginner windsurfers?

Yes, the shallow water and steady winds make it ideal for learning, with schools and rentals right on the beach.