If you’re looking for the best beaches in Palau, Sardinia, I’ve got you covered. Whether you want a lively sandy bay, a quiet cove, or a beach buzzing with water sports, Palau delivers for mature travelers, couples, and small groups. This is your mobile-first, real-life checklist—short, snappy, and straight to the point.
Best Hotels in Palau🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Villa Smeralda
- 🏨 4-Star: Orso Residence Palau
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Appartamento I Pini
- 💸 Cheap: Mare Fuori Palau
- 🏢 Apartment: Appartamento Incantevole con Piscina
- 👪 For Families: Villa Nord Sardegna per Gruppi e Famiglie
- 🏩 For Couples: Casa Angelo
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
- 🏖️ Town Gem — Sciumara Beach
- 🌅 Panoramic Beauty — Porto Rafael Beach
- 🌞 Golden Sands — Costa Serena Beach
- 🏄 Windsurfing Spot — Porto Pollo Beach
- 🌿 Romantic Cove — Cala di Trana Beach
- 🤿 Dive & Swim — Cala Martinella Beach
- 🦀 Secluded Hideout — Cala Capra Beach
- 🏰 Historic Backdrop — Monte Altura Beach
- 🌈 Family Fun — Punta Nera Beach
- 🌳 Local Favorite — Palau Vecchio Beach
1. Sciumara Beach: The Heartbeat of Palau
Sciumara Beach is Palau’s main sandy show, a broad, free beach with coarse, golden grains that turn silky underfoot in summer on one of the most beautiful beaches in Gallura. The water is crystal clear, turquoise, and shallow—ideal for swimmers and sunbathers exploring beaches near Palau and the wider Costa Smeralda. A gentle breeze keeps it fresh even in August, with the island of La Maddalena visible on clear days across the La Maddalena Archipelago. I loved watching locals gather here for sunset picnics, especially at the end of the promenade near the old port after an easy afternoon excursion.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Walk the palm-lined promenade from the town center, grab a cappuccino at Bar del Porto, and wander towards the Roccia dell’Orso viewpoint—iconic for its bear rock silhouette and panoramic lookouts over Santa Teresa and the archipelago. Locals love the hidden pine-shaded corner at the east end for its cool breeze, always quieter than the main strip on this stretch of the Gallura coastline. Park at the large free lot near the beach entrance; arrive early in peak season for the best views toward Costa Smeralda.
- Pro: Easy walking distance from Palau, lively, great people-watching.
- Con: Gets crowded in July and August.
Best For / Skip If:
Active travelers who want to mix beach time with town exploration. Skip if you crave wild solitude—try Cala di Trana instead.
Best Hotels near Sciumara Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Hotel Palau — Four-star hotel with spectacular island views, full-service spa, private beach area, and highly rated breakfast overlooking the archipelago.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- La Sciumara Resort Palau — Modern resort just 400 meters from La Sciumara Beach with outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and air-conditioned rooms in a tranquil setting.
- La Vecchia Fonte Boutique Hotel — Charming harbor-view property in vibrant town center, five minutes walk to main beaches with excellent service and modern amenities.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- CelesteDiMare — Clean and comfortable accommodation within 500 meters of Sciumara Beach with seating area and convenient location for beach hopping.
2. Porto Rafael Beach: Elegance Overlooks the Sea
Porto Rafael is all about glamour—think high-end villas on the promontory, manicured gardens, and a charming marina. The main beach is a small crescent of soft white sand and crystal waters in a turquoise sea, but what you come here for is the splendid vibe. I lingered over a drink at Bar Rafael, watching yachts glide by and the occasional kite skimming the horizon.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Stroll the Piazza del Porto, admire the villas along Via Canalgrande, and pop into the tiny Nelson Bay—a locals’ favorite for its pink-tinged sand and views to La Maddalena and Caprera. The real secret? The quiet path behind the piazza leads to Isola dei Gabbiani, a perfect sunset walk that also makes a gentle trek toward viewpoints with the distant shape of a bear on the skyline. Parking is limited; arrive before 11am to snag a spot and avoid queues that erode your beach time.
- Pro: Sophisticated, scenic, tranquil outside peak hours.
- Con: Small beach, limited amenities.
Best For / Skip If:
Romantic strolls and aperitivo lovers—perfect for couples. Skip if you want a big sandy stretch for family games.
Best Hotels near Porto Rafael Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Boutique Hotel Solaz - Porto Rafael — Exclusive seafront boutique hotel right on Porto Rafael’s main square with expansive sea views, sophisticated rooms, and direct beach access.
- Villa Smeralda — Detached resort in Palau with garden space and private parking, a short drive to Porto Rafael Beach.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Orso Residence Palau — Beachfront-style apartments near Porto Rafael Beach with balconies and on-site parking.
- Tenuta Petra Manna — Country estate stay surrounded by granite and Mediterranean scrub, minutes from Palau’s seaside paths.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Appartamento I Pini — Air-conditioned apartment with balcony and courtyard views, about 2.5 km from Porto Rafael Beach.
3. Costa Serena Beach: Where Gold Meets Green
Costa Serena is a long bay of fine, golden sand backed by fragrant Mediterranean scrub, a calm entry in any guide to Palau and its family-friendly beaches and bays. The water is shallow and clear, making it great for families planning a trip to Palau or wider holidays in Sardinia. I spent a morning here with a book, dipping into the calm sea every hour while thinking about the best time to visit during a trip to Sardinia.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Park at the main lot and walk east to Padula Piatta—the locals’ pick for its wilder dunes and rare birds near the serene port of Palau shoreline. The waters are like glass at sunrise, and there’s a snack kiosk near the parking for those mapping things to do in Palau before they get to Palau’s ferry for island excursions. For adventure, rent a kayak to paddle to the Isuledda islet—just a few strokes from shore—and enjoy one of the most relaxed corners of Palau in Sardinia.
- Pro: Spacious, pristine, ideal for families and kayaking.
- Con: Can get breezy; bring your windbreaker.
Best For / Skip If:
Families and nature lovers. Skip if you want full services—head to Sciumara instead.
Best Hotels near Costa Serena Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Appartamento a Due Passi dal Mare — One-bedroom apartment a short stroll from the shoreline, with terrace and equipped kitchen for easy beach days.
- Appartamento Incantevole con Piscina — Air-conditioned apartment in a residence with shared pool and garden, convenient base for Palau’s main beaches.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Ammentos Palau — Modern apartment with balcony and private parking, set near shops and an easy drive to Costa Serena Beach.
- Casa Angelo — Simple, tidy stay with kitchen facilities and outdoor area, good value for beach hopping in northern Sardinia.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Mare Fuori Palau — Bright apartment featuring a balcony and AC, close to town amenities and within minutes of Palau’s sandy coves.
4. Porto Pollo Beach: Windsurfers’ Playground
Porto Pollo is Sardinia’s windsurfing mecca—wide, sandy, and always breezy, and one of the best base to explore this coast when you get to Palau. The sea is shallow and turquoise, with two mirrored bays and a distant view of the islands toward La Maddalena Island. I watched kitesurfers dance across the waves at sunset, sipping a local Vermentino at the beachside bar and chatting about a side trip to the village of Porto Rafael.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Rent gear at Windsurfing Center Porto Pollo or join a lesson that doubles as a quick primer on things to do in Palau along Costa Smeralda and Santa Teresa. Locals love the lesser-known Liscia Bay for early-morning swims and the quiet attraction of its dune-backed cove with a sweeping view of the islands. Park in the big lot; it fills up by midday if you plan to get to Palau later, and consider a sunset stroll to the headland for a final glance toward La Maddalena Island.
- Pro: World-class windsurfing, lively, great for groups.
- Con: Windy, not ideal for sunbathing purists.
Best For / Skip If:
Adventure seekers and water sports fans. Skip if you want calm, glassy waters.
Best Hotels near Porto Pollo Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Villa Nord Sardegna per Gruppi e Famiglie — Spacious resort with sea-view terrace and garden, a short drive to Porto Pollo and the windsurfing beaches.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Baragge Hill & Summer Pool — Holiday home with seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub, about 900 m from the coast and close to Palau center.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- La Residenza del Re! — Central Palau stay 6 minutes from Porto Pollo Beach, with modern rooms and easy access to the harbor promenade.
5. Cala di Trana Beach: Romantic Hideout
Cala di Trana feels hidden—a curved bay of fine sand, emerald water, and sheltering granite rocks that make a peaceful place to stay before crossing the bridge to the island for a day on the island of Caprera. There are no bars or sunbeds; just you, the sea, and the scent of wild rosemary on a coastline that looks toward the road leading to Porto Rafael. I found it by wandering the seaside path from Palau after an early drive from Olbia Costa Smeralda, rewarded with a private swim in June that’s gentle enough for families with children on calm days.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Pack a picnic and plenty of water—no facilities here near this wild corner that locals pair with a later stop on the island of Caprera. The walk in is short but rocky; wear sturdy sandals and follow the faint trail that branches toward the road leading to Porto Rafael for a quieter return with a sunset view over the bridge to the island. Locals adore Cala Li Cossi (just north) for even more seclusion; arrive before 10am to claim your spot and make time for a scenic pause if you’re driving back toward Olbia Costa Smeralda.
- Pro: Unspoiled, quiet, perfect for couples.
- Con: No services, limited parking.
Best For / Skip If:
Couples and solitude seekers. Skip if you need amenities or have mobility issues.
Best Hotels near Cala di Trana Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Nino Apartment Palau — Two-bedroom apartment with balcony and AC, a short drive from Cala di Trana Beach and Palau’s harbor.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Casa Fiorella - Vista Mare — Modern stay in a residence with shared seasonal pool and private parking, convenient for beach days around Palau.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- La Gioia Palau — Bright, tidy apartment with kitchenette and terrace, well placed for quick trips to Punta Nera and Cala di Trana Beach .
6. Cala Martinella Beach: Snorkelers’ Dream
Cala Martinella is a small, pebbly cove with turquoise water and rocky outcrops—heaven for snorkelers along a long stretch of shoreline surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. I spotted sea bream and octopus just a few meters from shore near the headland that looks toward Porto Faro and the distant line of the Monte Altura Fortress. The beach is backed by lush scrub, giving shade in the midday heat while you take in views that connect the bays of Smeralda and Santa Teresa Gallura, which are linked to nearby islands connected by a bridge.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Park on the roadside and follow the short trail that curves toward the rocky western end with deeper water and marine life around Porto Faro. Locals favor this side for quieter swims and the subtle sightline toward the Monte Altura Fortress, a landmark on the ridge above the coast that feels surrounded by Mediterranean greenery. Bring your own gear; there’s nothing to rent, and combine your visit with a quick photo stop at Bear Rock before looping back toward the long stretch of shore near Smeralda and Santa Teresa Gallura.
- Pro: Crystal water, great snorkeling, peaceful.
- Con: Pebbly, no facilities.
Best For / Skip If:
Snorkelers and wildlife lovers. Skip if you want soft sand or beach bars.
Best Hotels near Cala Martinella Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Splendido Appartamento con Piscina a Due Passi dalla Spiaggia — Bright apartment in a residence with shared pool and terrace, a short walk from the shoreline and Palau’s waterfront.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Bassa Prua — Beachfront-style accommodation about 500 m from Cala Martinella Beach, featuring sea-view balconies and easy access to local coves.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Monolocale in Centro con Parcheggio Privato — Compact studio in central Palau with private parking, ideal for quick beach getaways and ferry connections to La Maddalena.
7. Cala Capra Beach: Secret Sandy Cove
Cala Capra is a hidden gem—fine white sand and shallow, clear water, surrounded by granite rocks and a sense of discovery that shows how Palau is a small coastal gateway. I arrived mid-morning and had the place almost to myself, save for a few locals and their dogs, a reminder that Palau offers calm mornings before the breezes rise. The water is sand and shallow, warming up quickly in summer.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Park at the small lot and walk 10 minutes downhill. The beach is unserviced, so bring supplies, and remember that Palau is home to scenic viewpoints like Monte Altura nearby. Locals know to head here on windy days—it’s sheltered by the headland. Pair your visit with a hike up Monte Altura for sweeping views and an easy reminder that Palau offers quiet seaside moments even in peak season.
- Pro: Secluded, photogenic, ideal for quiet mornings.
- Con: No facilities, short walk from parking.
Best For / Skip If:
Travelers who love hidden spots. Skip if you need services or have mobility challenges.
Best Hotels near Cala Capra Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Casa Mirto — Sea-view apartment featuring a panoramic terrace and private parking, well located for ferry trips to La Maddalena and coastal walks.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Casa Vittoria Palau — Two-bedroom apartment with patio and AC, set on a quiet street within a short drive of La Sciumara and Cala Capra Beach.
8. Monte Altura Beach: History by the Sea
Monte Altura Beach sits below the 19th-century fortress, offering coarse sand and a backdrop of Sardinian history. The water is clear and calm, perfect for a post-exploration swim. I combined a visit here with a tour of the fort—highly recommended.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:Park at the fortress lot and walk down. Locals like the rocky western edge for its privacy. Visit in the late afternoon for golden light on the stone walls. The Ethnographic Museum in Palau town is a short drive for culture buffs.
- Pro: Unique setting, historic, rarely crowded.
- Con: Coarse sand, no amenities.
Best For / Skip If:
History lovers and photographers. Skip if you want a classic sandy beach.
Best Hotels near Monte Altura Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Locanda Domus De Vida — Rural lodge with seasonal pool, garden, and on-site restaurant, set in quiet countryside about 10 minutes’ drive from Palau’s beaches.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Palau Centralissimo — Central three-bedroom apartment with air conditioning and a terrace, roughly 200 m from Monte Altura Beach and close to the harbor promenade.
9. Punta Nera Beach: Family-Friendly Shallow Bay
Punta Nera is a small, sandy crescent sheltered from wind and waves—ideal for families with young kids. The water is shallow and warm by July. I watched a group of local nonnas teaching their grandkids to swim here—pure Sardinian summer.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Park at the nearby lots and walk five minutes to the beach. Locals love the Pine Park behind the beach for shady picnics. The snack bar is basic but handy. Visit early to avoid the midday family rush.
- Pro: Safe, shallow, great for kids.
- Con: Small, can feel crowded.
Best For / Skip If:
Families with small children. Skip if you want space or seclusion.
Best Hotels near Punta Nera Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Smeralda Dreams Sardinia — Stylish holiday home with sea-view balcony and private parking, well placed for quick drives to La Sciumara and Porto Rafael beaches.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- A Due Passi dal Mare Palau — Comfortable apartment a short stroll from the waterfront, with a furnished terrace and full kitchen for easy beach days.
10. Palau Vecchio Beach: Local Life Unfolds
Palau Vecchio is the town’s living room—a stretch of sand and rock right by the old port, where locals jog, chat, and swim. It’s not the prettiest beach, but it’s authentic. I joined the morning yoga group on the grass above the beach—surprisingly invigorating.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Walk from the town center in minutes. Locals gather at Bar del Molo for coffee and gossip. The best swimming is near the rocks on the eastern end. Park at the port and enjoy the lively Friday market on Via Fonte Vecchia.
- Pro: Authentic, convenient, vibrant.
- Con: Mixed sand and rock, urban setting.
Best For / Skip If:
Those who want to blend in with local life. Skip if you’re after postcard-perfect scenery.
Best Hotels near Palau Vecchio Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Gli Ulivi Palau – La Zirichelta — Quiet rural stay surrounded by olive trees, with garden views and parking; a short drive to Palau’s beaches and coastal trails.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Appartamento Palau Sole — Seafront apartment with balcony and kitchenette, steps from the promenade and well placed for ferries to La Maddalena.
FAQ
What budget should you plan for a beach holiday in Palau?
Expect to spend about €60–100 per person per day on meals, local transport, and activities in high season. Beach access is generally free, but rental chairs and umbrellas cost extra.
Which beaches in Palau are best for families with young children?
Punta Nera and Costa Serena are top choices—shallow, calm waters and plenty of space. Sciumara also works, but it can get busy.
Which beaches are ideal for water sports in Palau?
Porto Pollo is Sardinia’s windsurfing and kitesurfing capital. Sciumara and Costa Serena are good for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
What is the best time of year to visit Palau’s beaches?
Late May to late September offers the best weather and warmest sea. June and September are less crowded—ideal for mature travelers.
How can you easily get around Palau’s beaches?
Rent a car for flexibility, but several beaches (Sciumara, Palau Vecchio, Punta Nera) are walkable from town. Local buses connect to Porto Rafael and Costa Serena.
Are there any hidden or less-crowded beaches in Palau?
Cala di Trana, Cala Capra, and the eastern end of Costa Serena are quieter. Ask locals about “spiaggia della piscina” near Talmone for a real secret.
What practical tips should visitors know when going to Palau’s beaches?
Bring water, snacks, and shade—many beaches have limited services. Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Respect the delicate Mediterranean scrub. Arrive early in high season for parking.
