Palau or Arzachena for La Maddalena? Count the rest of your holiday too

One day trip should not decide the whole stay

Palau and Arzachena serve different needs. Palau is the departure port to consider when arranging a visit to the archipelago; Arzachena includes an inland town and coastal localities. If La Maddalena is one day in a longer holiday, consider where you will spend all the other days as well, not only how close you are to the port.

Write down how many days you expect to spend in the archipelago, at the beach, in towns and on other visits. For each one, note where you will start and how you plan to travel. Then compare accommodation. An easy logistical day for one excursion may not outweigh less suitable journeys during the rest of your stay. If the archipelago is the main purpose of the trip, your priorities may change.

Palau: plan the departure day

Palau may make sense if you want to simplify arrangements for travelling to La Maddalena or plan several archipelago days. Check current information from the maritime transport operator, including vehicle conditions and departure details. Schedules, availability and rules can vary by season and service, so do not rely on a generic detail from an old guide.

Even in Palau, check your accommodation address against the port and consider the trip with luggage or beach equipment. A harbour town does not mean every home is beside the departure point. If the excursion depends on sea conditions, availability or access restrictions, prepare a mainland alternative so the rest of your holiday still has a plan.

Arzachena: a base for varied itineraries

Arzachena is neither an island alternative nor one point on a map. The municipality includes an inland town and coastal localities, and the specific address changes daily journeys. It may suit a programme that includes several places in Gallura and a mix of coast, town and visits, but convenience depends on the address and your transport.

Compare the outings you expect to make most often from a specific location. Check roads and access on a map, then ask the host for precise property details. Do not assume a home described as “Arzachena” is in the old town or next to a beach. SardegnaHouses homes are in Arzachena and Pantogia, near Porto Cervo; they are not on La Maddalena island.

Compare the complete trip

Use the same itinerary for both bases: the port on excursion day, planned beaches or visits, shopping and evening returns. Consider how often you will make each journey, not only the longest distance. If comparing costs, request like-for-like quotes and include relevant items such as transport, possible parking and transfers. There is no base that is always cheaper for every traveller.

Consider flexibility too: how easy will it be to change plans if the excursion is unavailable or you decide to spend that day elsewhere? Keep a mainland alternative. You do not need to fill every day with travel; group visits by area and choose the base that best supports the pace you want.

Park rules belong in the plan

A visit to the archipelago does not mean you can freely land on every island or beach. The National Park sets specific rules and areas: access to Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina is regulated, while Nibani, Soffi and Mortorio are strictly protected zones. Do not plan landings or independent itineraries in these places; consult the Park's current official rules before booking an excursion.

Conditions can change, and access should be checked, especially after events that may affect trails or landings. Choose a service and itinerary that follow Park rules, not broad promises from a travel portal. If the visit is essential to your trip, confirm in advance what the excursion includes and which places are actually accessible during your chosen period.