Free walking tours in Palau and what to see

Must-sees

Palau is a seaside town in northern Sardinia, in the Gallura region, and the main port for crossing to the La Maddalena archipelago, a national park. Its centre is small and quick to explore, with the harbour, the promenade and streets of shops and restaurants. The area's great symbol is the Bear Rock, Roccia dell'Orso, a wind-sculpted granite formation that looks like a bear, reached by a short path with views over the archipelago.

Above the town stands the Monte Altura fortress, built in the late 19th century to watch over the strait, with good views over the sea and the islands. The surrounding coast has coves of clear water, and to the west is Porto Pollo, well known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island of La Maddalena, a few minutes away by ferry, deserves at least half a day.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours in Palau. The usual outings are excursions around the La Maddalena archipelago: by boat with lunch on board, by sailing boat or by speedboat, with swimming stops at islands such as Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria. They are full-day or half-day trips leaving from the harbour itself.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the town and the Bear Rock. What takes time is the archipelago: allow a day for a boat trip around the islands and another for La Maddalena and Caprera by car or scooter. With four or five days you can add Porto Pollo, Santa Teresa Gallura and the Costa Smeralda.

Where to stay

The centre of Palau, near the harbour, is the best base: the ferries, the boat trips and the town's restaurants are close at hand. In the surrounding area, towards the Bear Rock or Porto Pollo, there are quieter hotels, residences and apartments by the sea, although you will need a car. In August it is worth booking well in advance.