Where to park in Palau: a comprehensive guide to free and paid parking
Palau, the gateway to the La Maddalena Archipelago, is a very popular destination during the summer months. Finding a parking space can be a challenge if you’re not familiar with the designated areas. This guide will help you find your way around the free and paid car parks near the harbour, the town centre and the beaches.
Parking in Palau: a challenge during the high season
Palau, the gateway to the La Maddalena Archipelago, is a very popular destination during the summer months. Finding a parking space in Palau can be a challenge if you’re not familiar with the designated areas. This comprehensive guide will help you find your way around the free and paid car parks near the harbour, the town centre and the most beautiful beaches in Gallura.
Top tip: During the high season, set off early. State Road 125 is very busy and the best car parks fill up quickly from as early as 9.00 am. If you arrive in Palau after 10.30 am, be prepared to drive round several times before finding a free space.
Car parks near the port of Palau
The port of Palau is the departure point for ferries and excursions to La Maddalena. Here are the main parking options in the vicinity.
Multi-storey car park (indoor)
Located in Via Capo d’Orso, this is the nearest covered car park to the harbour, just a 3-minute walk from the quay. It’s the ideal solution if you need to take your car on the ferry to La Maddalena.
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Seats: numerous, spread across several levels
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Rate: subject to a charge at an hourly rate
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Payment: automatic pay-and-display machines, parking meters (cash and card), the Easypark and Dropticket apps
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Accessibility: dedicated spaces and entrances for people with disabilities
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Advantages: sheltered from the sun, safe, ideal for a long stop or boarding
👉 Open the Multi-storey Car Park on Google Maps
Car park on Via Fonte Vecchia
One of the largest and most convenient car parks in Palau, situated a short distance from the harbour and the town centre.
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Seats: spacious outdoor areas
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Rate: subject to a charge, open daily from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (from 1 May to 31 October)
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Payment: parking meters that accept cash and cards
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Advantages: close to the harbour and the town centre, ideal for those who need to board a boat or make a quick stop
👉 Open the Via Fonte Vecchia car park on Google Maps
Car park on Via Riva dei Lestrigoni
Situated along the main road leading to the harbour, right next to the ferry terminal.
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Seats: an open-air area with marked-out stalls
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Rate: subject to a charge, with hourly and daily rates
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Payment: parking meters
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Advantages: a very central location, just a short walk from the pier and the port facilities
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the car park on Via Riva dei Lestrigoni (Porto) on Google Maps
Car parks in the centre of Palau
The historic centre and pedestrian areas require careful consideration when it comes to parking. Here are the recommended areas for parking near shops and restaurants.
Via Nazionale car park (City Centre)
One of the main rest areas in the heart of Palau, along Via Nazionale.
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Seats: an open-air area with spacious stalls
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Rate: subject to a charge
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Payment: parking meters (cash, cards) and apps
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Advantages: close to shops, restaurants and tourist information offices
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the Via Nazionale Car Park (City Centre) on Google Maps
Car park on Via Olbia
Located near the town centre, in a slightly more secluded area but easily accessible.
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Seats: outdoor space
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Rate: subject to a charge in high season, free of charge in low season
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Payment: parking meters
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Advantages: less traffic than on Via Nazionale, a short walk to the centre
Free parking in Palau
If you’re looking for free parking options, here are a few places where you can park for free in Palau.
Residential area, Via Palau (final section)
At the end of Via Palau, just beyond the town centre, there are plenty of spaces for free parking. They are not marked by blue lines and do not require a parking ticket.
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Seats: numerous, on dirt tracks or tarmac roads
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Rate: free of charge
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Distance from the centre: 10–15 minutes’ walk
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Council: arrive early in the morning to get a seat, especially in July and August
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the free car park on Via Palau on Google Maps
Via Nuova car park area
On this quieter side street, there are free parking spaces along the road.
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Seats: limited, along the roadside
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Rate: free of charge
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Distance from the centre: 5–10 minutes’ walk
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Please note: always check the road signs to avoid parking restrictions
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the Via Nuova car park on Google Maps
Sports ground car park
There are plenty of free parking spaces near the Palau sports complex.
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Seats: numerous
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Rate: free of charge
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Distance from the centre: 15–20 minutes’ walk
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Advantages: easy access and parking always available, even at peak times
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the Sports Ground Car Park on Google Maps
Parking for motorhomes and caravans in Palau
Palau is also a popular destination for motorhome travellers. There are specially equipped sites.
Palau motorhome stopover area
The municipality of Palau offers a fully equipped stopover area for motorhomes and caravans, situated on the outskirts but with good transport links to the town centre.
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Seats: numerous pitches
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Rate: subject to a charge (daily rate, services included)
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Services: water supply and drainage, waste water disposal, electricity
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Distance from the centre: 10–15 minutes’ walk
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Booking: recommended during the high season
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the Campervan Stopover Area on Google Maps
Free parking for motorhomes
In some outlying areas, you can find places to park overnight for free, but it is forbidden to park motorhomes in unauthorised areas. Always check for signs prohibiting parking or overnight stays.
Car parks near the beaches in Palau
Palau’s most famous beaches have dedicated car parks, which often charge a fee during the high season.
Porto Pollo Beach Car Park
Porto Pollo, famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing, has a large pay-and-display car park.
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Seats: numerous, outdoors
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Rate: subject to a charge in high season, free of charge in low season
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Distance from the beach: just a short walk away
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Council: Get there early – the beach gets very busy
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the Porto Pollo car park on Google Maps
La Sciumara Beach car park
One of the most beautiful beaches in Palau, with a car park right nearby.
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Seats: limited
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Rate: subject to a charge in summer, at an hourly rate
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Distance from the beach: 2–3 minutes’ walk
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Alternative: if the car park is full, you can park along the road (taking care to observe the road signs)
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open La Sciumara Car Park on Google Maps
Isuledda Beach car park
A small, charming beach, with a car park nearby.
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Seats: reduced
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Rate: mainly paid, with some free areas
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Distance from the beach: just a short walk away
📍 Location on Google Maps:
👉 Open the Isuledda Car Park on Google Maps
Practical tips for parking in Palau
Plan ahead
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High season: July and August are the busiest months. Arrive in Palau before 10.00 to find a parking space easily.
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Low season: From October to May, parking spaces are almost always available and many paid car parks become free.
Use payment apps
Download apps such as Easypark o Dropticket: they allow you to pay for parking conveniently via your mobile phone, extend your parking time remotely and receive reminders when your parking time is about to expire.
Pay attention to the road signs
Always observe parking restrictions (yellow lines, signs). Pedestrian zones and residents-only areas are clearly marked and are frequently monitored.
Choose the right car park to suit your needs
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If you’re setting sail for La Maddalena → Multi-storey car park or Via Fonte Vecchia (very close to the harbour)
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If you’re in the city centre for a stroll → Via Nazionale or Via Olbia
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If you’re on a tight budget → free parking in Via Palau or near the sports ground
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If you’re travelling in a campervan → equipped rest area