Palau

Palau is a coastal town in north-eastern Sardinia, in the province of Sassari, best known as the main departure point for the nearby La Maddalena archipelago. The harbour offers regular ferry connections to the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, making day trips easy into this marine national park, renowned for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Palau is also home to the Roccia dell'Orso, a granite rock formation shaped by erosion into the likeness of a bear's head, offering panoramic views over the surrounding islands and the Strait of Bonifacio. Nearby Porto Pollo is a well-known spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing thanks to consistently strong winds. The village itself retains a lively seaside resort atmosphere in summer, with seafood restaurants and shops catering to holidaymakers. Its proximity to the Costa Smeralda and its more upmarket resorts, such as Porto Cervo, makes Palau a convenient and often more affordable base for exploring this part of Sardinia. The Mediterranean climate, warm and dry in summer, is ideal for water-based activities from April through to October.