Which port to choose for a tour in the La Maddalena archipelago?
- Bleex - Boating for you
- Mar 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Discover all the features, location, and access details of Porto Pozzo, Palau, and La Maddalena to choose the best departure point for your tour.
Selecting the right port is essential to optimize sailing time and fully enjoy the wonders of the archipelago. Each port offers different advantages based on its location, accessibility, and available services. This guide provides a detailed comparison of Porto Pozzo, Palau, and La Maddalena, helping you find the ideal option for your catamaran adventure.
Marina di Porto Pozzo: the most exclusive and closest port to the La Maddalena archipelago islands
Marina di Porto Pozzo is a new private marina offering an innovative concept of hospitality. Located in a deep inlet between Isola di Culuccia (a peninsula) and the Sardinian coast, it is the closest departure port for exploring the northern islands of Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and Razzoli, which are only accessible by sea. Additionally, it serves as an excellent starting point for tours to Corsica.
The marina features a seafront restaurant, a lounge bar, and a large free parking area right in front of the docks. Despite its small size, Porto Pozzo provides all essential services, including an ATM, pharmacy, supermarket, bars, restaurants, fish market, pastry shop, ice cream parlor, and hair salon.
How to Get to Porto Pozzo
Porto Pozzo (ZIP code 07028) is a hamlet of Santa Teresa Gallura and is well connected by public transport:
Line 601 (ARST) connects Santa Teresa Gallura to Olbia, passing through Palau, Arzachena, and San Pantaleo, with a stop in Porto Pozzo.
Line 728 runs from Sassari to Santa Teresa Gallura, with stops in Castelsardo, Badesi, and Porto Pozzo.
Advantages of Departing from Porto Pozzo
Ideal for those looking for a more private experience, away from mass tourism.
Less crowded port and town, with easier access.
Faster access to the northern islands Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria.
Easier parking, less congested than Palau.
Disadvantages of Departing from Porto Pozzo
Public transport connections are not as direct as in Palau.
Fewer tour options available compared to Palau..
Palau: the main and most well-known port for tours in the La Maddalena archipelago
Located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, Palau is the primary departure point for boat tours to the La Maddalena Archipelago. Its municipal port is one of the most popular among tourists due to its strategic location and wide range of available services.
The town center offers bars, restaurants, shops, pharmacies, a post office, ATMs, clothing and souvenir stores, supermarkets, and greengrocers, making it a convenient base for those who want to enjoy a tour without giving up modern comforts.
A paid parking area is available near the port, but during the peak tourist season, it is often full, making it difficult to find a spot. Additionally, heavy traffic can cause delays, especially during high season. While the port area is lively and bustling, it can also feel crowded and chaotic in summer.
How to get to Palau
Palau (ZIP code 07020) is a municipality in the province of Sassari and has excellent public transport connections:
Line 601 (ARST) connects Olbia to Santa Teresa Gallura, passing through Palau, Arzachena, and San Pantaleo.
Line 728 runs from Sassari to Santa Teresa Gallura, with stops in Castelsardo, Badesi, and Palau.
Ferry service – Continuous connection between Palau and La Maddalena, with departures every 30 minutes and a crossing time of approximately 15 minutes.
Advantages of departing from Palau
Wide selection of tours available.
Well-connected by public transport.
Comprehensive services near the port.
Direct ferry connection to La Maddalena.
Disadvantages of departing from Palau
High traffic and tourist crowds in summer.
Farther from the northern islands compared to Porto Pozzo.
Parking is often full during peak season.
Port of La Maddalena: the vibrant and authentic heart of the archipelago
Situated on the main island of the archipelago of La Maddalena, the port of La Maddalena is the main departure point for those who wish to start their tour directly from the archipelago. Thanks to its strategic location and numerous services, it is an ideal choice for those staying on the island.
The town offers a wide range of services for visitors, including bars, restaurants, cafés, pharmacies, a post office, ATMs, clothing and souvenir shops, supermarkets, and grocery stores. The port area is well-equipped, featuring accommodations and boat rental services.
A paid parking area is available near the port, but during the high season, finding a spot can be challenging. Traffic in the historic center, especially during peak periods, may slow access to the port area. However, compared to Palau, La Maddalena offers a more intimate and authentic atmosphere, with its charming cobblestone streets and small squares overlooking the sea.
How to get to La Maddalena
La Maddalena (CAP 07024) is the main town of the archipelago and the only one directly connected to Sardinia by ferry. The only way to reach it is by sea, boarding from Palau.
Palau - La Maddalena ferry service - Operates year-round, with departures every 30 minutes during the day and hourly at night. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and accommodates both passengers and vehicles.
Public transport within the island - On the Island of La Maddalena, the Turmo Travel urban bus network connects the port to the historic center and major locations.
Advantages of departing from La Maddalena
Direct access to the islands of the archipelago.
A more authentic and local experience, away from the crowds of Palau.
Complete services near the port, with easily accessible restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
Disadvantages of departing from La Maddalena
Requires taking a ferry from Palau.
Limited parking, often full during high season.
Which port to choose port to choose for a tour in the La Maddalena archipelago? Comparison table
To help you choose, here is a summary of the pros and cons of each port.
Port | Best for | Distance from Olbia | Services | Crowd levels in high season |
Porto Pozzo | Proximity to islands and tranquility | 50 minutes | Medium | Low |
Palau | Number of available offers | 40 minutes | High | High |
La Maddalena | Departure directly from the island | 40 minutes + traghetto | High | High |
Types of boats available at the ports of Porto Pozzo, Palau, and La Maddalena
Regardless of the departure port, various types of boats are available for rental or organized tours, suitable for different sailing experiences.
In Porto Pozzo, Palau, and La Maddalena, you can find:
Motorboats and yachts, ideal for those seeking comfort and high performance.
Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), perfect for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Sailboats, for an authentic and relaxing experience in close contact with nature.
Sailing catamarans, the ideal choice for those who want stability and space without giving up the pleasure of sailing.
Discover our exclusive tours in the archipelago of La Maddalena
Explore the wonders of the archipelago of La Maddalena with our boat, RIB, and sailing catamaran tours departing from Porto Pozzo.
Comments