It may be hard to leave the Saline beach or the panoramic pool at the Park Hotel Cala di Lepre, but if you wish to enjoy an equally captivating day, we recommend exploring the stretch of coast from Palau to Cannigione. A perfect itinerary to follow by car, with the freedom to stop at the most scenic spots along the way.
Overlooking the La Maddalena Archipelago, Palau boasts stunning beaches and places steeped in charm, where nature and history blend seamlessly. Start in the heart of this lively seaside town, with its evening market, waterfront strolls, and small shops where you can browse for a special keepsake to take home.
Palau Vecchio, just a short walk from the centre, is a Blue Flag beach, perfect for a refreshing dip during the day. For those who love water sports and a vibrant atmosphere, a stop at Porto Pollo is a must – a favourite destination for surfers and anyone seeking energy and freedom. Then there are the iconic landmarks of this coastline, such as Porto Rafael with its elegant little square, the military fortress of Monte Altura, and the famous Bear Rock, sculpted by wind and time, standing as a silent guardian over the archipelago.
Join the guided trek from Park Hotel Cala di Lepre: a free trail suitable for adults and children alike, through wind-carved granite and ancient maritime legends in Palau.
Have you ever stood beneath the Bear’s belly? If not, this is the perfect opportunity. From the Park Hotel Cala di Lepre, a free guided trek sets off to one of the most iconic and fascinating spots in Northern Sardinia: the Bear Rock. In the company of our sports team, you’ll explore the granite guardian that watches over the sea.
Bear Rock is far more than a geological formation – it is a natural masterpiece. This imposing granite boulder, standing about 120 metres above sea level, has over time taken the shape of a bear gazing out to the horizon. From the top, the view stretches across the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and the coastline of Palau. It’s easy to see why the site was declared a natural monument back in 1993.
During your holiday in Northern Sardinia, treat yourself to this unforgettable experience. Walk among legends, observe nature shaped by the wind, and be amazed by a place where time seems to stand still. Bear Rock awaits.
As Sardinia’s first FAI property, the military fortress merges the beauty of nature with history. A seaside retreat between the beaches of Palau and Costa Serena.
If you want to add a dash of historical adventure to your seaside holiday in Northern Sardinia, a hike to Battery Talmone is just what you need. Imagine walking among the scents of juniper and myrtle, with beaches and coves as your backdrop – sounds good, right?
Battery Talmone is not just a charming place, but also a piece of Italian history. Built in the late 1700s at Punta Don Diego, this fortress was part of a broader defensive system consisting of about fifty forts, fortresses, and military batteries scattered across the Maddalena Archipelago. It became particularly important after the Unification of Italy, when La Maddalena hosted the royal fleet and maintained a strategic role until the Second World War, with sentry soldiers tasked with monitoring the stretch of sea that separates Sardinia from the island of Spargi.
You’ve chosen the North of Sardinia for your holidays and now you want to know more about things to see and do in order to make the most of the island. Here are a few ideas.
You’ve planned your well-deserved holidays in the North of Sardinia. You’ve booked a hotel and would like to spend your days on the beautiful beaches around Palau … but it’s not enough! You’re on the magical island of Sardinia so you want to fully enjoy the area, visit unique places and get to know the people and customs of the place!
If you are in or near Palau, this short tourist guide will give you 5 of the best things to see and do in the North of Sardinia, ranging from excursions, to sport and party places that will all go to make your holiday unique.
Starters of vegetables and local cheeses
Begin your typical Gallurese menu with traditionally prepared vegetables preserved in oil: garden aubergines and courgettes, Sardinian olives. Directly from the Delphina Selection, enjoy wild asparagus hand-picked in the Gallurese countryside and broad beans from the fertile vegetable gardens of the Coghinas area in the north of the island. Another must-try is the DOP-certified artichokes from Valledoria – a unique spiny variety prepared in a small artisan workshop directly by the producer. These vegetarian starters pair perfectly with spianata flatbread filled with melted Sardinian peretta cheese from the oven, or Gallurese-style wild boar stew.
Gallurese first courses: “Sardinian” lasagne, sweet ravioli, and homemade gnocchetti
Born as a “poor man’s dish”, Gallurese soup or suppa cuata (meaning “hidden soup”) is one of the signature dishes of this part of the island. Made with stale bread or spianata, the layers are soaked in meat broth, fresh cheese, and aromatic herbs. The dish is enriched with ghisatu, a slow-cooked stew of mutton.
While holidaying in Gallura, you might also come across Li Bruglioni or Puligioni, the Gallurese version of ravioli, sweeter than those found in the rest of Sardinia. Perfect for li bucchi dulzi (dialect for “those with a sweet tooth”), these ravioli are filled with ricotta, citrus zest, and sugar, while the fresh pasta is made with durum wheat semolina flour. The perfect dressing? A rich tomato sauce topped with pecorino cheese.
In Gallura, gnocchetti are known as chiusoni. Handmade with durum wheat flour and salted boiling water, they take their distinctive shape on the colbula, a traditional woven basket. They are usually served with a meat or game-based sauce.
Overlooking the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago, Palau is one of the most sought-after destinations for holidaymakers. It’s easy to blend in with the locals, who love spending their days at the beach before joining the lively nightlife among trendy bars and evening markets.
There is no shortage of things to do in the vibrant village of Palau. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy browsing shops selling typical products, traditional crafts and nautical-style items along the charming streets of the centre. Those who can’t resist the sea view can stroll along the tourist marina — perhaps before an aperitif or dinner, or after browsing the stalls of the evening market.
Not into nightlife? Prefer peace and privacy? Many nature trails around Palau lead to hidden coves, solitary lighthouses and open-air monuments such as the Monte Altura Fortress, the Bear Rock or the Li Mizzani Giants’ Tomb. But when it comes to water sports, Palau truly excels: sailing and surfing lessons at Porto Pollo, kayaking excursions, as well as fishing, diving and snorkelling. And if you simply wish to spend a day at the beach, here are the ones most loved by the locals:
A paradise for windsurfing. Golden dunes and lavender plants frame this natural wonder: two strips of white sand meet in a narrow isthmus before opening to embrace the Isola dei Gabbiani. On either side are the Arenaria and Porto Pollo beaches, but it’s the latter that is the most popular. Thanks to its lively atmosphere of young people and sports enthusiasts, this long stretch of sand attracts the most dynamic and fun-loving visitors. Opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing abound, and for those curious to try riding the waves, there are plenty of schools to get started.
With its shallow, sandy seabed and sheltered position from the winds, this delightful beach in the heart of Palau is perfect for families with children. The pine grove behind provides shade during the hottest hours, while bars and restaurants are just steps away. The crystal-clear waters make it a haven for snorkelling lovers, while the panoramic view over the islands of Santo Stefano and La Maddalena is an unmissable stop for romantics. For years, this beach — along with Isolotto Beach — has been awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of its services and the clarity of its waters.
Small and secluded, this beach is framed by a pine grove and smooth, pale granite rocks. The view offers one of Palau’s most romantic panoramas: a solitary white lighthouse watching over the short stretch of sea separating Palau from La Maddalena. Perfect for letting your imagination run free, feeling moved by a unique landscape — perhaps in the company of a loved one — while the sunset turns the sky into shades of pink and violet.
Equally loved along Palau’s coastline, the small Isolotto beach can be easily reached on foot from the village centre. White sand and wind-smoothed rocks enrich the scenery of this sandy crescent, which has been awarded the Blue Flag by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) for several consecutive years in recognition of its water clarity, environmental protection and quality services. A lovely pine grove offers shade during the hottest hours, while refreshment points, parking facilities and sports equipment make it particularly convenient for family holidays.
Light-coloured, fine sand and shimmering turquoise waters offer bathers a landscape of countless shades, while the surrounding vegetation shelters them from the wind. Just behind this green belt lies a stretch of water, a favourite spot for birdwatchers as it is an oasis and home to several migratory birds, including elegant flamingos.
