Palau

Palau harbor

THE ROMANTIC PORT CITY

They really do exist: those idyllic places you see on postcards. The port town of Palau in Gallura, in northern Sardinia, is one of them. A pretty, palm-fringed harbor promenade, small boutiques and numerous cafes and restaurants are just waiting for you.

A city with
lots of charm

Sardinia Map Palau

Most excursions to the beautiful island archipelago of La Maddalena also start from the port in Palau. The main island of the same name is even within sight and can be reached by boat or ferry in just a few minutes. The community of 4,000 people in the province of Sassari is well prepared for tourists.

Palau unfolds its very special charm in the early evening hours, when the promenade and the small shops invite you to take stroll. From June to September, a small evening market is set up on the harbor promenade every day, with stalls selling local handicrafts and products.

The later it gets, the more the restaurants in Palau fill up. Of course, the most popular are those from whose terraces and balconies you can enjoy the view of the harbor. In the main season it is advisable to reserve a table in advance. Otherwise you can still find a romantic spot in the small alleys. To top off dinner, you can find a gelateriaright around the corner and treat yourself to a delicious ice cream.

Speaking of calories… Those who like to work off the extra dessert and want to spend an active holiday in Sardinia can reach the wind and kite surfing paradise Porto Pollo from Palau, which is only ten minutes away. It doesn’t matter whether you leave the port of Palau and head north to Santa Teresa Gallura or south to Costa Smeralda , numerous other dream beachesare nearby.

The bear rock on the Capo d’Orso

One of the most popular excursion destinations near Palau is the Bear Rock, Roccia dell’Orso on Capo d’Orso . This is a rock formation that was formed by the tides and looks like a giant bear on four paws, perched high above the coast. The Bear Rock is three kilometers from Palau and can be reached via a 15-minute climb. Sturdy shoes are recommended. In addition to the sight of the bizarrely shaped rock, a fabulous view over the coast awaits as compensation for the short hike.

Bear rock Capo d'Orso

Bear rock on the Capo d’Orso