PALAU Palau is a famous small town on the northern coast of Sardinia, in the Gallura region, near the famous Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda) and opposite the La Maddalena archipelago. The ancient mathematician and geographer Ptolemy already knew Palau and marked it in his maps as an important orientation point for sailors. It was founded at the end of the 19th century, it has around 4000 inhabitants during the winter and tens of thousands of tourists during the summer season. Its life revolves around tourism and the port. The main feasts are the celebration of Saint Maria delle Grazie at the beginning of September or the carnival celebrations in February, which are popular for tourists even in the winter season. For nightlife lovers, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The azure blue sea and dramatically shaped rocky outcrops give this area a unique character. From one end of Palau to the other, there are granite rocks alternating with sandy coves. To the west lies the hidden tourist port of Porto Rafael, with the exclusive atmosphere of luxury villas, surrounded by the scent of myrtle and lavender. Further you can visit the beautiful beaches of Punta Sardegna and the exotic Cala Trana, protected by dunes and massive granite rocks, whose sand has a reddish tinge. To the west, towards Santa Teresa Gallura, there is the natural paradise of Isuledda or Isola dei Gabbiani. It is actually a peninsula connected to the mainland by a sandbank and surrounded by a turquoise sea, with two beautiful beaches, l’Arenaria on one side and Porto Pollo on the other. Exposed to the winds, they provide favourable conditions for windsurfing or kitesurfing. World competitions in various water sports are held here every year. Isuledda is also a very convenient location for camping. There is a wonderful view of the island of Cavalli or the more distant islands of Spargi and Budelli. From Palau you can visit a number of beautiful places on the coast, at a distance of about 3 km lies, for example, Capo d’Orso, whose granite rocks have been shaped by the wind into the shape of a bear. The landscape around Capo d’Orso is impressive not only thanks to its reliefs and beautiful nature, but also thanks to tombs and Neolithic remains. Those interested in history do not forget to visit the nuraghe Luchìa or the so-called Tomb of the Giants (Tombe dei Giganti) Li Mizzani and di Sajacciu, near the Church of St. George. In the direction of Don Diego, you can visit the Talmone military fortress. Another fortress dominates the panorama of Mount Altura, which is a panoramic point from which you can admire the entire seaside area.