Few towns go better with summer than Palau, a lively resort destination home to surf shops, unique boutiques and an array of Italian and seafood restaurants. Along with being a gateway to the one-of-a-kind Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park, Palau is blessed with picturesque beaches and a distinct rock formation.

Things to do

You’d be remiss visiting Palau and not visiting the nearby Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park. This marine park boasts numerous small island and islets, offering the perfect environment for snorkelling, sailing, swimming and wildlife watching. Back on the mainland, don’t miss seeing the iconic Capo d'Orso, a unique rock formation created by salt weathering.

Looking for a place to swim? Venture out to L'Isuledda, where you can soak up views of the Sardinian channel while swimming, camping, windsurfing or sailing. Take your pick of some of the best beaches in Italy near Palau, including Spiaggia di Cala di Trana, known for its crystalline water and soft sand, and Spiaggia di Talmone that is perfect for snorkelling.

Within Palau, you’ll find a range of dining options around the main port, including Ristorante Pasta e Vino for fresh seafood and Italian wine. Check out Zio Nicola for late-night eats, Re Ferdinando for classic Italian pizza or Il Grillo Palau for hearty gastropub fare. You can combine beer, wine and cocktails with ocean vistas at Bar Porto Faro.

Discover more about the local history with a guided tour through La Fortezza di Monte Altura, an ancient fortress. You can also visit Museo Etnografico to admire ethnographic exhibits, including tools and weapons used by peasants.

Getting around

Palau is best reached by flying into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which is about 50 minutes away via car or just over 1.5 hours via bus. You can easily explore the town on foot but will need a ferry to access the national park.