Palau is the perfect base to explore one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the Mediterranean. Click on each beach to open it in Google Maps.
In-depth guides to the main beaches
- Porto Pollo — Palau
- Punta Sardegna — Palau
- Spiaggia del Talmone — Palau
- Porto Liscia — Palau
- Spiaggia del Principe — Costa Smeralda
- Liscia Ruja — Costa Smeralda
- Capo d'Orso (Cala Capra) — Palau
Beaches of Palau
- Porto Pollo (Isola dei Gabbiani) — white sand between two bays, a windsurf and kitesurf paradise.
- Talmone Beach — sheltered bay, great with kids, view of Santo Stefano.
- Cala di Trana — wild cove reachable on foot from Talmone.
- Sciumara Beach — handy, in central Palau.
- Spiaggia delle Conche — small cove in pink granite, magical at sunset.
- Porto Liscia — long windy beach, kite and windsurf hotspot.
- Punta Sardegna — small inlets, great for snorkeling.
- Punta Nera — rocks and sand, island views.
- Cala Capra — quiet bay below Capo d'Orso.
- Cala Selvaggia — set among rocks, access on foot.
- Porto Rafael — elegant hamlet with a sheltered bay.
Beaches of Costa Smeralda
South of Palau, reachable in 20–45 minutes by car.
- Spiaggia del Principe — Aga Khan's favourite, white sand and emerald water.
- Liscia Ruja — the longest on Costa Smeralda.
- Cala di Volpe — iconic bay with the hotel in the background.
- Romazzino — brilliant white sand, sea in layers of blue.
- Grande Pevero — shallow waters, ideal for families.
- Piccolo Pevero — smaller twin bay.
- Capriccioli — three bays with views of Soffi and Mortorio.
- La Celvia — small, scenic, among granite and juniper.
- Razza di Juncu — hidden cove between Capriccioli and Romazzino.
- Liscia di Vacca — quiet bay north of Porto Cervo.
- Pitrizza — small refined bay.
- Cala Granu — pale sand, close to the centre.
- Rena Bianca (Santa Teresa) — to the north, white sand and Corsica views.
Practical tips
- In high season Costa Smeralda car parks are paid (€10–20/day).
- Arrive by 10:00 to find space at Principe, Romazzino and Capriccioli.
- Bring reef shoes for the granite coves.
- The best season runs from May to mid-October.