{"id":13293,"date":"2026-06-16T14:07:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:07:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/?p=13293"},"modified":"2026-06-16T15:06:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T13:06:51","slug":"how-to-get-around-palau-and-la-maddalena-by-car-scooter-bike-and-bus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/come-muoversi-a-palau-e-la-maddalena-auto-scooter-bici-e-bus\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting around Palau and La Maddalena: cars, scooters, bikes and buses"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"come-muoversi-a-palau-e-la-maddalena-auto-scooter-bici-e-bus\"><span class=\"\">Getting around Palau and La Maddalena: cars, scooters, bikes and buses<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Palau is the beating heart of Gallura and the gateway to the La Maddalena Archipelago. Once you arrive, the question naturally arises: what\u2019s the best way to get around and explore this wonderful area? The answer depends on your travel style, the time of year and the destinations you plan to visit. In this comprehensive guide, we look at all the options available for getting around freely and comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"noleggio-auto-a-palau-la-soluzione-piu-flessibile\"><span class=\"\">Car hire in Palau: the most flexible option<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Hiring a car is undoubtedly the best option for anyone wishing to explore not only Palau, but also the Gallura hinterland, the Costa Smeralda and the more remote beaches. With a car, you have the freedom to stop wherever you like and set your own pace.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dove-noleggiare\"><span class=\"\">Where to hire<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">In the centre of Palau and the immediate vicinity, you\u2019ll find a number of car hire agencies, including both international brands and local operators. During the high season, it\u2019s essential to book well in advance, as demand is extremely high.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"vantaggi-del-noleggio-auto\"><span class=\"\">Advantages of car hire<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Freedom of movement<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: you can reach less accessible beaches such as Cala di Trana or the footpaths in Porto Rafael Park.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Convenience when travelling with luggage and equipment<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: ideal if you\u2019re travelling with your family or bringing beach umbrellas, canoes or diving equipment with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Connections to the hinterland<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: In half an hour you can be in Arzachena or Santa Teresa Gallura for cultural and food-and-wine excursions.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"svantaggi\"><span class=\"\">Disadvantages<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Car parks<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: In July and August, finding a parking space in Palau \u2013 particularly near the harbour and the seafront \u2013 can be difficult. There are paid car parks, but there are also free parking spaces on the outskirts, from where you can walk into the centre.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Excess costs<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">Car hire does cost money, but if the cost is shared amongst several people, it becomes competitive compared with other modes of transport.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"noleggio-scooter-e-moto-agilita-e-parcheggio-facile\"><span class=\"\">Scooter and motorbike hire: manoeuvrability and easy parking<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">If you love the feel of the wind on your face and want to avoid parking problems, a scooter is the perfect way to get around Palau and the surrounding area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"perche-scegliere-lo-scooter\"><span class=\"\">Why choose a scooter?<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Parking is always available<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: on a scooter, you can find a parking space anywhere, even in the narrow streets of the city centre or near the busiest beaches.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Economy<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: Hiring a 125 or 150 cc scooter generally costs less than hiring a car, and fuel consumption is very low.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Fun and scenic<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: Riding a scooter along the coastal road leading to Porto Pollo or Capo d\u2019Orso is a truly unique experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"cosa-considerare\"><span class=\"\">What to bear in mind<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Protection<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: it offers no shelter from the sun or rain, so it is particularly recommended in spring and early autumn.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Load capacity<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: ideal for those travelling light, with a rucksack or a holdall.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Driving licence<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: A Category B licence is sufficient for 125 cc motorcycles, whilst a Category A licence is required for larger engine capacities.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"dove-noleggiare\"><span class=\"\">Where to hire<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">There are several scooter and motorbike hire agencies operating in Palau, many of which also offer delivery to hotels or the harbour.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"noleggio-biciclette-e-e-bike-lopzione-green-e-slow\"><span class=\"\">Bicycle and e-bike hire: the green and slow option<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Palau and its surroundings are ideal for exploring by bike, especially for those who enjoy slow, sustainable tourism. The terrain is hilly, but with a reasonable level of fitness \u2013 or with the help of an e-bike \u2013 you can tackle some stunning routes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"itinerari-consigliati-in-bici\"><span class=\"\">Recommended cycling routes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Palau seafront<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: an easy, flat cycle with views of the archipelago, ideal at sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Palau \u2013 Porto Pollo<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: a route of around 15 km through Mediterranean scrubland, offering breathtaking views, with ascents and descents.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Capo d\u2019Orso Loop<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: a tarmac road but with steep gradients, suitable for experienced cyclists or those on e-bikes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"vantaggi-della-bici\"><span class=\"\">Benefits of cycling<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Zero emissions and silence<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: perfect for getting out into nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Reasonable price<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: Anyone can hire a traditional bike or an e-bike.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Endless stops<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: you can stop anywhere to take a photo or have a swim.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"svantaggi\"><span class=\"\">Disadvantages<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Exhaustion and heat<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: In the height of summer, cycling during the middle of the day can be tiring. It\u2019s best to set off early in the morning or in the late afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Limited range<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: if you want to cycle all the way to Santa Teresa Gallura (about 30 km), you\u2019ll need to gauge your stamina carefully or opt for an e-bike.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"dove-noleggiare\"><span class=\"\">Where to hire<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">There are numerous bike hire companies offering bicycles, mountain bikes and e-bikes in the centre of Palau and at accommodation providers.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"trasporti-pubblici-autobus-arst-e-collegamenti-locali\"><span class=\"\">Public transport: ARST buses and local services<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">If you don\u2019t want to drive or hire a vehicle, you can use public transport. The main operator in Sardinia is ARST, which runs the inter-city routes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"collegamenti-da-e-per-palau\"><span class=\"\">Connections to and from Palau<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Olbia \u2013 Palau<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: The service runs all year round, with more frequent services in summer. The journey takes about an hour and connects the centre of Olbia with Costa Smeralda Airport.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Palau \u2013 Santa Teresa Gallura<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: another useful route for travelling along the north-east coast.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Internal links<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: There are no city buses in Palau, as the town centre is small and easy to get around on foot.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"vantaggi-dei-bus\"><span class=\"\">Advantages of buses<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Cost-effectiveness<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: Tickets are reasonably priced, making them ideal for travellers on a tight budget.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Sustainability<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: reduce your environmental impact compared to using a private car.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"svantaggi\"><span class=\"\">Disadvantages<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Limited frequency<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: particularly in the low season, there are few services and the timetables do not always fit in with day trips.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Lack of flexibility<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: you\u2019re tied to timetables and bus stops, and you can\u2019t reach secluded beaches or inland footpaths.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Summer crowds<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: In July and August, coaches can be full and seats are not always guaranteed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"consiglio-pratico\"><span class=\"\">Practical tip<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Download the official ARST app or visit the website to check real-time timetables, which are often subject to seasonal changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"muoversi-verso-le-isole-traghetti-per-la-maddalena-e-arcipelago\"><span class=\"\">Heading for the islands: ferries to La Maddalena and the archipelago<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">A key part of travelling from Palau involves sailing to the La Maddalena Archipelago. The port of Palau is the main point of departure.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Delcomar Ferries<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: They connect Palau to La Maddalena (the main island) in around 15\u201320 minutes. There are frequent departures, with more frequent services in summer. You can take cars, motorbikes and bicycles on board, or travel as a pedestrian.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Rubber dinghy trips and boat hire<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: to reach the smaller islands (Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli), the most popular option is to hire a boat or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/maddalena-boat-trips-from-palau\/\">day trips<\/a> organised. In this case, the boat itself serves as your means of transport, and you can travel between the archipelago\u2019s most beautiful coves and beaches.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"suggerimenti-per-il-trasporto-sulle-isole\"><span class=\"\">Tips for getting around the islands<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">In La Maddalena<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: Once you\u2019ve disembarked, you can get around in the car you brought on board, or hire a scooter or a bicycle directly on the island. There is also a local bus service, but it\u2019s limited.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Council<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: If you\u2019re staying in Palau and only going on day trips, leave your car in Palau (in the pay-and-display car parks near the harbour) and travel as a pedestrian on the ferries to save on the cost of the crossing.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"palau-non-solo-punto-di-partenza\"><span class=\"\">\u00a0Palau: not just a starting point<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Remember that\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"\">Getting to Palau<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0It\u2019s not just the first stop on the way to La Maddalena: this town offers\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"\">wonderful beaches<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0(such as Porto Pollo Beach and Sciumara),\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"\">hiking trails<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\"> with sea views, a lively nightlife and fantastic <a title=\"boat trips\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/maddalena-boat-trips-from-palau\/\">boat trips.<\/a> That\u2019s why many travellers choose to stay here for the whole of their holiday.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"consigli-finali-per-il-tuo-viaggio\"><span class=\"\">Final tips for your trip<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Book everything in advance<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: both flights and ferries to the islands, especially if you\u2019re travelling in July and August.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Check the weather and sea conditions<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">: Ferry crossings may be suspended in rough seas.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Make sure you bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0if you\u2019d like to explore the trails in the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Come muoversi a Palau e La Maddalena: auto, scooter, bici e bus Palau \u00e8 il cuore pulsante della Gallura e la porta d&#8217;accesso all&#8217;Arcipelago di La Maddalena. Una volta arrivato, la domanda sorge spontanea: qual \u00e8 il modo migliore per spostarsi e visitare questa meravigliosa zona? La risposta dipende dal tuo stile di viaggio, dal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13304,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-default"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13293","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13293"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13293\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petagus.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}