Palau is not only the port of embarkation for the La Maddalena Archipelago. This small town in Gallura, located on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia a few kilometres from the Costa Smeralda, offers a coastline rich in beaches and coves of extraordinary beauty, many of which are easily accessible and suitable for every need .
Here is the complete guide to Palau's most beautiful beaches
1. Palau Vecchio Beach
The convenient beach in the heart of the village
The Spiaggia di Palau Vecchio (Old Palau Beach) is located in the centre of Palau, easily accessible on foot along the old railway tracks. It is bordered by a pine forest and a long promenade that makes it pleasant for a walk .
Main features:
Type of sand: fine, light ochre in colour
Background: shallow and sandy, ideal for children
Wind protection: excellent, sheltered position
Services: bars and restaurants in the vicinity
AwardsBlue Flag for water quality
For whom it is suitable: families with children, the elderly, those looking for a convenient beach without having to travel by car.
What to dosnorkelling in the clear waters, relaxing in the shady pine forest, strolling along the promenade.
2. Le Saline Beach
A wide sandy bay with a view of Capo d'Orso
Le Saline is one of the largest beaches in the Palau area, located in a gulf sheltered from the wind a few minutes from the centre. The beach is distinguished by its long stretch of golden sand, interspersed with small pebbles .
Main features:
Lengthapproximately 350-450 metres
Type of sand: golden, fine
Background: shallow and gently sloping, ideal for long swims
Exposure: east
Crowdingmedium-low even in high season
Servicesbar, kiosk, showers, toilets, free parking a few metres away
What makes it specialnearby there is a nature reserve where pink flamingos and black-winged stilts can be spotted . From the beach there is a splendid view of the Capo d'Orso promontory and its famous granite rocks. .
For whom it is suitable: families, senior citizens, those seeking relaxation and tranquillity, snorkelling enthusiasts .
What to do: snorkelling (mixed beds with rocky stretches), SUP and kayaking, fishing from the shore, long swims .
3. La Sciumara
Golden sand and Mediterranean maquis a stone's throw from the centre
La Sciumara is located on the western outskirts of Palau, easily reached by following the ring road. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the area thanks to the play of colours between the blue-blue of the sea, the light-coloured sand and the green of the Mediterranean maquis and the holm-oak forest in the background. .
Main features:
Type of sand: fine and golden
Background: low and sandy
Wind protection: good
Parkingspacious and comfortable
Services: establishments equipped with sun loungers and parasols for hire, free part
For whom it is suitable: families, couples, tourists of all ages .
Panorama: from the beach you can see the island of La Maddalena in the distance .
4. Porto Faro
A little gem with a view of the white lighthouse
Porto Faro is a small inlet located a short walk from the centre of Palau, dominated by a characteristic white lighthouse that towers over the cliff. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, despite being little frequented .
Main features:
Type of sand: white, fine
Background: low and sandy
Contextframed by granite rocks and Mediterranean maquis
Crowding: low, ideal for those seeking tranquillity
For whom it is suitable: couples seeking intimacy, photographers (the lighthouse offers striking views), those who want to avoid the crowds.
Best momentsunset, when the lighthouse lights up and the panorama becomes magical .
5. Trana Cove
The wild beach that can only be reached on foot
Cala di Trana is Palau's most authentic and wildest beach. It is located in Punta Sardegna and to reach it, one must walk a path of about 45 minutes among rocks and Mediterranean scrub. .
Main features:
Type of sand: rosy
Contexthigh scented dunes behind the beach, rocks forming a natural “small pool” on the east side
Crowding: very low, for the intrepid few
Panorama: view of the islands of Spargi and La Maddalena
Difficulties of accessmedium. 45-minute trail, not recommended for those with very small children or buggies .
For whom it is suitable: hikers, lovers of unspoilt nature, those seeking solitude and silence.
CouncilBring water and food, there are no services on site .
6. Porto Pollo (Isuledda)
Surfers' and water sports enthusiasts' paradise
Porto Pollo, also known as Isuledda or Isola dei Gabbiani, is located halfway between Palau and Santa Teresa di Gallura. It is characterised by a thin tongue of sand connecting the mainland to Isuledda, creating a unique landscape suspended between open sea and lagoon. .
Main features:
Type of sand: very fine, emerald-coloured
Background: low and sloping, ideal for children
Wind: almost constantly present
Context: small rocky coves sheltered from the wind
Why it is famous: Porto Pollo is one of the world's most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations, thanks to its constant winds and exposure to mistral and tramontana winds . The colourful kites of the kitesurfers dancing in the wind are a sight not to be missed. .
For whom it is suitable: sportsmen (windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing), families (shallow water), even those who prefer to stay on the shore and admire the spectacle .
7. Cala Capra
Small sheltered cove among the rocks
Cala Capra is a secluded and sheltered bay, nestled between granite rocks and Mediterranean scrub. It is located in the Capo d'Orso area and is perfect for those looking for a quiet day at the sea without giving up services .
Main features:
Lengthabout 120 metres
Beach type: mixed (sand and pebbles)
Background: medium depth near shore, with stretches of sand and rock
Crowding: medium-high (small cove)
Services: parking at a short distance, bar, restaurant, showers, toilets, equipped establishments and free beach
For whom it is suitable: families with children, the elderly, people with reduced mobility, those seeking peace and quiet .
What to do: snorkelling (interesting mixed beds), SUP and kayaking, fishing from the shore .
8. Isolotto Beach
Blue Flag a stone's throw from the centre
The Isolotto beach is among the most popular on the Palau coastline. Accessible on foot from the centre of the village, it boasts white sand and a backdrop of wind-smoothed rocks. .
Main features:
Type of sand: white
Context: wind-smoothed granite rocks
Services: pine forest for shelter from the sun, car parks, kiosks for sports equipment hire, refreshment areas
AwardsBlue Flag for water clarity, environmental protection and quality of services
For whom it is suitablefamilies (pine forest offers shade, full facilities), couples, groups of friends.
9. Cala Inglese (Porto Rafael)
The natural pool of Porto Rafael
Cala Inglese is located in the picturesque village of Porto Rafael, created in the 1960s by Rafael Neville and frequented over the years by numerous artists. The village still retains a spirit and charm of yesteryear .
Main features:
Type of sand: pinkish, rather coarse
Contextsmall rounded granite rocks that make it resemble a natural pool
Sea: crystalline
Panorama: from the village square there is a spectacular view of the cove
For whom it is suitable: couples looking for a romantic and refined atmosphere, photographers.
10. Vena Longa (Portu Mannu)
Beach protected from the winds
Vena Longa, also known as Portu Mannu, is located just 3 km from Palau, in the Capo d'Orso area. The inlet is surrounded by Mediterranean maquis and pine forest, which provide shade during the hottest hours .
Main features:
Type of sand: golden, medium to coarse
Background: sandy shallow
Wind protection: excellent, well sheltered from mistral and north wind
Sea: crystalline
For whom it is suitable: families with children (calm, shallow water), those seeking shelter from the wind.
11. Table summarising Palau's beaches
| Beach | Type of sand | Background | Ideal for | Access | Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palau Vecchio | Fine ochre | Low | Children, families | Easy (centre) | Bars, restaurants nearby |
| The Salt Pans | Fine gold | Low sloping | Relaxation, snorkelling | Easy (car) | Bar, showers, toilets, car park |
| La Sciumara | Fine gold | Low | All ages | Easy (car) | Establishments, parking |
| Porto Faro | Fine white | Low | Tranquility, couples | Easy | None |
| Trana Cove | Rosata | Medium | Hikers, nature | Difficult (trekking) | None |
| Porto Pollo | Finest emerald | Low | Surfing, kiting, sport | Easy (car) | Surfing schools, bars |
| Cala Capra | Mixed (sand+cobbles) | Medium | Families, snorkelling | Easy | Bar, restaurant, showers, toilets |
| Isolotto | Bianca | - | Families, all | Easy (centre) | Pine forest, kiosks, parking |
| English Cove | Big rose | - | Couples, atmosphere | Easy | Bars, restaurants in Porto Rafael |
| Vena Longa | Medium-coarse gold | Low | Families, shelter from the wind | Easy | None |
12. Frequently asked questions about Palau's beaches
What is the most beautiful beach in Palau?
According to reviews and guides, Porto Faro and La Sciumara are considered among the most beautiful for their landscape and crystal-clear waters. Cala di Trana is the wildest and most authentic .
Which beach is most suitable for children?
Palau Vecchio and Le Saline have shallow, sandy bottoms, ideal for children. La Sciumara is also great for families .
Where can you snorkel in Palau?
Le Saline has interesting mixed sea beds with rocky stretches. Cala Capra is excellent for snorkelling. Palau Vecchio also offers clear waters perfect for swimming with mask and snorkel. .
What is the least crowded beach in Palau?
Cala di Trana is the least frequented because it requires a 45-minute trek. Porto Faro and Cala Capra are generally uncrowded despite the easy access .
Where can you windsurf and kitesurf?
Porto Pollo is the ideal destination, world-renowned for steady winds. Le Saline also offers good conditions for windsurfing .
Which beaches have facilities (bars, toilets, umbrellas)?
Le Saline, La Sciumara and Cala Capra have fully equipped establishments and full services. The Isolotto beach offers kiosks and pine forest .
Can you walk from the centre of Palau to some beaches?
Yes, Palau Vecchio and the Isolotto beach are within walking distance from the village centre .
What is the longest beach on the Palau coastline?
Porto Liscia, extending 8 km to Santa Teresa di Gallura, is the largest sandy beach on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia .
Conclusion
Palau offers a variety of beaches to satisfy every need: from the comfortable and well-equipped coves in the centre of the town such as Palau Vecchio and Isolotto, to the wide golden bays such as Le Saline and La Sciumara, to hidden gems such as Cala di Trana for lovers of trekking and wilderness.
Whether you are on holiday with children, looking for water sports in Porto Pollo, or simply want a relaxing day in a secluded cove, the Palau coastline will provide unforgettable moments.