Punta Palau lighthouse

Punta Palau Lighthouse marks the tip of a granite headland in Palau, on the northern coast of Sardinia, directly facing the La Maddalena archipelago. It is still an active navigational light, guiding boats along this stretch of coastline.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

The lighthouse sits at the northernmost point of a rocky promontory, roughly at 41°11′ N, 9°23′ E, where the pink-grey granite of this part of Sardinia drops straight into the sea. From here the view opens toward the islands of the Maddalena archipelago across the water.

What makes this spot worth a stop?

The real draw at Punta Palau isn't the lighthouse structure itself but the rock around it. Centuries of wind and sea have carved the granite into a shape that looks like a bear, and that natural silhouette has become an informal emblem of Palau. This part of Sardinia is known for similar wind-sculpted granite outcrops, the most famous being the nearby Roccia dell'Orso ("Bear Rock"), one of the area's signature viewpoints.

The lighthouse itself is a modest, whitewashed structure, typical of the smaller navigational lights dotted along the Sardinian coast — it isn't a grand building, but its setting on the bare granite, with La Maddalena's islands laid out across the strait, is what makes the walk worthwhile.

How do you get there?

Palau is a small harbour town and the main departure point for ferries to the La Maddalena archipelago. The lighthouse stands on the headland right at the edge of town, so reaching it is a short walk rather than an expedition — an easy stop to combine with a stroll along the waterfront or a wait for a ferry.

When should you visit?

Because the site is fully exposed to sun and wind, the light around sunrise or sunset brings out the colour contrast between the pink granite and the sea, which is when the spot photographs best. Summer months bring more visitors thanks to ferry traffic toward La Maddalena, so travelling outside peak season usually means a quieter visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Punta Palau lighthouse still in use? Yes, it remains an active lighthouse used for coastal navigation.

Can you go inside the lighthouse? Available sources don't confirm public access to the interior — it's best treated as a viewpoint you approach from outside rather than a building open for tours.

What is the "bear rock" near the lighthouse? It's a natural granite formation at the lighthouse's promontory whose shape resembles a bear, which is why it became an informal symbol of Palau.

Can you see La Maddalena from here? Yes — the lighthouse faces the La Maddalena archipelago directly, and that view is one of the main reasons to visit.