What to do in Palau Sardinia

One of the most popular coastal resorts for tourists in North Sardinia is undoubtedly Palau, which represents the gateway to the enchanting La Maddalena Archipelago. But there is much more: Palau's is an area that can offer numerous natural attractions such as golden beaches surrounded by granite rocks, as well as cultural itineraries and outdoor sports activities that can be enjoyed even on holiday.

But first of all, how to get to Palau, Sardinia? Its strategic location makes it easily accessible from the two main airports in northern Sardinia: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport about 45 km away and Alghero Fertilia Airport 150 km away. Likewise, the closest ports are those of Olbia and Golfo Aranci, served by the main shipping companies.

If you really don't know where to start, you are in the right place. In this article, we will give you all the best advice on what to do in Palau (Sardinia) and its surroundings.

With no less than 24 km of coastline, Palau includes some of the most beautiful beaches in the north of the island, different in shape and size. Indeed, there is something for everyone! Keep reading to choose the beach that best suits your needs.

• Porto Pollo beach: the paradise for surfers and sailing fans, thanks to the favourable wind that blows there all year round. The reddish sandy shore stretches up to a small island, Isola dei Gabbiani (Island of Seagulls), and is surrounded by a crystal-clear turquoise sea. Despite the imposing Mediterranean scrub, here you can find numerous facilities such as car parks, beach resorts, bars and restaurants that enliven the atmosphere until late in the evening. There are, of course, rental stations for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as offers of lessons and courses for all ages.
• Cala di Trana: trekking and adventure lovers, we have the beach for you. It is a small cove that can only be reached on foot after about an hour of hiking among granite rocks and nature trails. But once you get there, you will immediately understand why it was worth it: it is uncrowded, there are no services, the waters are crystal clear and the sand is made up of tiny grains. An enchanting setting, by the way. 
• La Sciumara: Shallow water and ample space are the watchwords for this beach in Palau, especially recommended for families with children. Nothing is missing, from the parking area to the bathing establishment and a bar where you can stop in the shade and sip a refreshing drink. Also accessible on foot from the village center, La Sciumara beach is one of the (according to many) quieter and less crowded than many others in the area.
• Baia di Nelson: we do not forget couples seeking privacy and peacefulness. One of the beaches near Palau not to be missed is Nelson's Bay (Baia di Nelson), exactly in the exclusive village of Porto Rafael. A small oasis of relaxation amid soft, white sand and a sparkling turquoise sea.

Speaking of Porto Rafael, this village is a hidden, therefore little-known pearl of the north Sardinian coast. Uncrowded, it stands out from other resorts for its timeless elegance and the relaxing atmosphere that pervades it. A great alternative for luxury holidays in Sardinia away from the bustle of the Costa Smeralda.

The foundation of Porto Rafael dates back to the 1960s and is named after the man who fell in love with this little piece of land: the Spanish Count Rafael Neville de Berlanga del Duero. According to the legend, in his youth the count had a dream about a bay, a small square with a few white houses and a spectacular sea view. Once the first piece of land was purchased, the first white buildings were built around the main square. From then on, Porto Rafael became an important holiday destination for important people, artists and world-famous celebrities.

The marina of Porto Rafael is also an important landing point for various boats, as well as a departure point for the wonderful islands of La Maddalena.

Not only beaches! The uniqueness of Palau lies in its variety of things to do during your holiday in Sardinia. 

The most popular activity is the excursion from Palau to La Maddalena. In fact, tourists have the possibility of either catching a public ferry on their own (on foot or by car) and arriving in little more than twenty minutes at the delightful town of La Maddalena, or of setting sail for the smaller islands on board a variety of boats. All our suggestions on how to get to La Maddalena can be found in this article.

One of Palau's main attractions is the imposing Bear rock (Capo d’Orso), located about 120 metres high on the promontory of the same name. It is a granite sculpture eroded by the effect of the wind and has taken on the shape of a bear facing the sea. A dominating figure, therefore, that offers a spectacular panorama of the entire bay.

The best way to explore Palau and its surroundings independently is to rent a holiday home or a villa in Palau (Sardinia). For this reason, we suggest some of our beautiful villas and houses:

• Casa Eleanor: a nice holiday home in Sardinia for groups of up to 6 guests. Finished in a modern style, the flat consists internally of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, but the real highlight is the veranda adjacent to the entrance. Its location, not far from the centre of the village, also makes it a practical Sardinia home for rent for those who want to be close to the main services.
• Casa Freya: located above Casa Eleanor, Casa Freya is also a comfortable holiday home in Palau. The interior of this house for rent in Sardinia also features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, suitable for up to 6 guests. The property is completed by a large outdoor area for living unforgettable moments.
• Villa Carezza di Mare: a villa for rent in Sardinia with a unique location, overlooking the sea right on the La Maddalena island. It sleeps 6 in total and is suitable for small groups or families looking for a seaside retreat, especially if you wish to hire a boat to leave moored in front of the villa.

Are you ready to book your next holiday in Palau in Sardinia? It's much simpler and faster than it sounds! Just contact us via phone call (or Whatsapp, if you prefer), or via e-mail.

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