By plane
The closest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB), about 40 km and 40 minutes by car. In summer it has direct connections with major Italian and European cities.
- Olbia — 40 km / 40 min — recommended option
- Alghero Fertilia (AHO) — 160 km / 2h — useful for low-cost flights
- Cagliari Elmas (CAG) — 290 km / 3h15 — if no Olbia flights available
From the airport we recommend renting a car: public transport to Palau is limited. As an alternative, private transfers on request.
By ferry
The most convenient routes arrive at Olbia and Golfo Aranci, both less than an hour from Palau.
- Civitavecchia → Olbia (Tirrenia, GNV, Moby, Grimaldi) — 5–8h
- Genoa → Olbia (Moby, GNV, Tirrenia) — 9–11h
- Livorno → Olbia / Golfo Aranci (Moby, Grimaldi) — 7–10h
- Piombino → Olbia (seasonal)
- Bonifacio (Corsica) → Santa Teresa di Gallura (Moby Lines, Blu Navy) — 50 min, then 25 km to Palau
Once you land in Olbia, you reach Palau in 40 minutes via SS125. See also our ferries page.
By car
From Olbia, two options:
- Panoramic SS125: more scenic, passing through Arzachena. About 50 min.
- SS133 via Tempio: inland alternative, useful in high season to avoid traffic.
Public transport
ARST runs buses between Olbia, Arzachena and Palau, but frequencies are limited. Not recommended as your only option if you want to move between beaches.
Once in Palau
The town centre is easy to walk. To move between beaches we recommend a car or scooter. For La Maddalena: ferries every 30 minutes from the port. See the harbour on Maps.