Where to stay in Palau and the surrounding area: a guide to hotels, B&Bs, campsites and farm stays

Where to stay in Palau and the surrounding area: a guide to hotels, B&Bs, campsites and farm stays

Choosing the right accommodation is one of the key factors in making the most of a holiday in Palau, the gateway to the La Maddalena archipelago. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, including hotels of all categories, cosy bed and breakfasts, campsites surrounded by nature, and farm stays where you can discover the authentic flavours of Gallura.

The choice of area and type of accommodation depends on your needs: you might opt for the town centre for convenience, Porto Rafael for luxury and tranquillity, or Capo d’Orso for nature lovers and those seeking breathtaking views.

The best areas to stay in Palau

Palau town centre: convenience and nightlife

Staying in the centre of Palau means having everything within easy reach: restaurants, shops, nightlife and the marina, the starting point for excursions to La Maddalena and the other islands in the archipelago. This area is ideal for those who want to get around on foot and enjoy a lively atmosphere, especially during the summer months, when the seafront and squares come alive with craft markets and open-air concerts.

Advantages of the centre:

• Close to restaurants, bars and shops

• Easy access to the ferries to La Maddalena

• A lively atmosphere during the high season

• Everything is within walking distance

Recommended hotels in the city centre:

• La Vecchia Fonte Hotel (4 stars): an elegant hotel with stylish rooms and a spectacular view of the harbour, highly regarded for its cleanliness and generous breakfast.

• Hotel Palau (4 stars): situated slightly above the town centre, it offers breathtaking panoramic views and luxury facilities, including a swimming pool, spa and gourmet restaurant.

• Palau City Hotel: a convenient and modern option, offering good facilities including parking and an airport transfer.

• Hotel Piccada: a hotel renowned for its hospitality and excellent value for money.

• La Fonda B&B: a bed and breakfast in the heart of Palau, with cosy, light-filled rooms, just a short walk from the beaches, the harbour and the town centre’s amenities.

Porto Rafael: exclusivity and relaxation

For those seeking peace and quiet and an exclusive atmosphere, Porto Rafael is the perfect choice. This chic resort offers villas set amongst lush greenery and small squares with spectacular views of the islands in the archipelago. Far from mass tourism, it is particularly well suited to couples and travellers looking for a romantic and secluded holiday.

Advantages of Porto Rafael:

• A peaceful and exclusive atmosphere

• Enchanting beaches such as Nelson Beach and Cala Inglese

• Ideal for a romantic or luxury holiday

• Perfect for those seeking privacy and relaxation

Recommended hotel in Porto Rafael:

• Solaz Boutique Hotel (4 stars): an intimate and elegant hotel with rooms furnished in a Mediterranean style, just a stone’s throw from the sea.

Capo d’Orso: nature and breathtaking views

If you love nature and peace and quiet, Capo d’Orso is one of the best areas in Palau. Dominated by the famous bear-shaped rock, this area offers access to beautiful coves and hiking trails with spectacular sea views.

Advantages of Capo d’Orso:

• Surrounded by nature, far from the hustle and bustle

• Unspoilt beaches such as Cala Capra and Saline Beach

• A relaxing atmosphere, ideal for excursions

• Perfect for lovers of hiking and photography

Recommended hotel in Capo d’Orso:

• Porto Mannu Residence (3 stars): luxury and wellness come together at this resort, which features a spa, swimming pools and direct access to the sea.

The different types of accommodation

Hotels and resorts

Hotels and resorts are the ideal choice for those seeking comfort, a full range of facilities and, in many cases, direct access to the beaches. In Palau, there is a wide range of accommodation on offer, from luxury options to more affordable yet comfortable choices, suitable for every type of traveller.

For families with children, some establishments offer dedicated services:

• Club Esse Posada Beach Resort (4 stars): direct access to the beach, children’s entertainment and a swimming pool.

• Park Hotel & SPA Cala di Lepre (4 stars): a resort with extensive green spaces, swimming pools and a spa.

• Palau Green Village Residence: accommodation with a swimming pool, car park and family-friendly facilities.

Bed & Breakfast

B&Bs are perfect for those looking for a more intimate and homely experience, with the chance to enjoy a traditional breakfast and receive personalised advice from the hosts. La Fonda, in the centre of Palau, is a fine example of a comfortable and well-located B&B.

Farm stays

For an immersive experience of nature and local cuisine, farm stays are an excellent choice. They offer fresh, locally sourced produce and traditional Sardinian breakfasts.

In the countryside around Palau, you’ll find places such as Country House, nestled in the lush Gallura countryside with an orchard and vegetable garden, run by a former chef who serves traditional dishes. The rooms are furnished in Sardinian style with modern comforts such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Its strategic location means you can reach Palau and the beaches in just a few minutes.

Another authentic experience is offered by Nuali, an old Gallurese stazzo (rural cottage) converted into accommodation with nine rooms and terraces. The estate is set amongst vineyards, olive groves and orchards, and breakfast is prepared using produce from the vegetable garden and eggs from the farm’s own hens. It is the perfect place for those seeking a leisurely stay, in close contact with nature and the rural traditions of Gallura.

Campsites and holiday villages

For the more adventurous travellers or those who love being close to nature, Palau offers a range of camping sites and holiday villages, many of which are right by the sea.

• Acapulco Camping Village: Overlooking the sea, most of the pitches for motorhomes, tents and caravans have sea views. It offers two toilet blocks, a launderette, a children’s play area and a Mexican-style restaurant, and works in partnership with a local operator to organise excursions to the archipelago.

• Baia Saraceno Camping Village: situated right by the sea, just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Palau, in an area surrounded by nature, amongst granite rocks and the scents of the Mediterranean scrub. The pitches are suitable for motorhomes, caravans and tents, and the site also features a restaurant and a diving centre.

Flats and holiday homes

Ideal for groups or families looking for greater independence, the apartments allow you to prepare your own meals and manage your time as you please, and are often better value for money for longer stays.

Practical tips for booking

• Book in advance: particularly during the peak season (July and August), it is essential to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation at the best price.

• Assessing the period: In spring and autumn, you’ll find better rates and fewer crowds.

• Consider the position: If your main aim is to go on boat trips, the centre of Palau is the most convenient choice. If you’re looking for relaxation and nature, head for Porto Rafael, Capo d’Orso or the farm stays in the surrounding countryside.