Ferry to Sardinia
La Maddalena - Palau
Sardinia's shortest ferry crossing, from the Molo Commerciale in Palau into the La Maddalena National Park archipelago, running almost like a shuttle
- 15 minutes with Delcomar, 20 minutes with Maddalena Lines
- Up to around 40 departures a day, Delcomar also runs in winter
- Cars, motorhomes, bikes and dogs travel too, dogs need their own ticket
What to know before the crossing
Table of Contents
Getting there & the terminal
The ferries leave Palau from the Molo Commerciale, right in the middle of town. Palau lies on the SP90 between Santa Teresa di Gallura and Arzachena, around 40 kilometres north of Olbia. Maddalena Lines' ticket office sits at Piazza del Molo 7, right at the pier, while Delcomar sells tickets at the pier and online.
On La Maddalena you arrive at the Molo Commerciale in the town's harbour; Maddalena Lines' ticket office is on Via Amendola.
Check-in & departure
With Delcomar, the boarding deadline is printed on the ticket, and missing it forfeits your right to travel. Given the dense frequency, it's usually enough to join the vehicle queue at the pier a few minutes before departure, with loading staff deciding the order. Anyone using a discount fare should show valid ID both when buying the ticket and when boarding.
On board
The crossing takes a quarter of an hour, with no cabins or restaurants. Maddalena Lines' main ship is the Pace, a double-ended ferry for around 292 passengers with a large vehicle deck; Delcomar runs several small car ferries. You stay on deck or in the passenger lounge, as the vehicle deck is closed during the crossing.
Vehicles, bikes & pets
Cars, motorhomes, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles travel too; drivers handle boarding and disembarking themselves under crew direction. LPG vehicles must be declared at booking with Delcomar, otherwise the right to travel is forfeited. If the booked vehicle dimensions don't match, the operator may refuse boarding. More on Motorhomes on the ferry.
Dogs travel with Maddalena Lines on their own ticket, wearing a muzzle and lead, and are allowed indoors except in dining areas; they can't stay in the car. You'll need registration, a vet's health certificate and the required vaccinations, details on Taking your dog on the ferry.
Arrival & onward travel
From the La Maddalena port you're a few minutes from the old town; the island of Caprera with the Garibaldi house connects to La Maddalena by a causeway. The other islands of the national park, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, are only reachable by excursion boat. For a day trip, check the last return sailing in the timetable.
Tickets & fares
Booking runs through the booking window above, and the from price is pulled live from the operators' data. Delcomar offers special fares to residents of the departure and arrival towns, and multiple discounts can't be combined; travelling with an unentitled discount means paying the full fare plus a surcharge. For a car on a weekend trip in peak season, booking online is worthwhile.
Palau - La Maddalena
Into the Maddalena archipelago
La Maddalena is the main island of the archipelago of the same name off Sardinia's northeast coast; from there, a causeway continues on to Caprera. The ferry from Palau is the only connection, and one of Sardinia's busiest lines.
Two operators run the route: Delcomar in 15 minutes, year-round and at a dense frequency, and Maddalena Lines from April to October in 20 minutes. Together they run up to around 40 departures a day in season, so booking ahead is rarely necessary.
- Crossing
- approx. 15-20 mins
- Operators
- Delcomar, Maddalena Lines
- Frequency
- up to 40 departures daily
- From price
- €3
Next departures
FAQ La Maddalena - Palau
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about the Palau - La Maddalena ferry route
How long is the ferry from Palau to La Maddalena?+
15 minutes with Delcomar, 20 minutes with Maddalena Lines. The timetable shows the next departures.
How often does the ferry run?+
In season, up to around 40 departures a day combined, and in winter Delcomar runs alone at a dense frequency. Maddalena Lines operates from 1 April to 31 October. Details in the timetable.
Do I need to book in advance?+
Rarely, given this frequency, tickets are available online and at the ticket windows on the pier, at Maddalena Lines' offices at Piazza del Molo 7 in Palau and on Via Amendola in La Maddalena. With a motorhome in peak season, booking ahead is a safer bet.
How much does the crossing cost?+
The from price above is pulled live from the operators' data. Residents of Palau and La Maddalena get special fares with Delcomar. The price overview compares all Sardinia routes.
Can I bring my car or motorhome?+
Yes, both operators carry cars, motorhomes and motorbikes; Maddalena Lines runs double-ended ferries with a large vehicle deck. LPG must be included in the booking with Delcomar. More on Motorhomes on the ferry.
Can my dog come on the ferry?+
Yes, with Maddalena Lines on their own ticket, wearing a muzzle and lead; they can't stay in the car during the crossing. Indoor areas apart from dining are permitted. Paperwork and rules on Taking your dog on the ferry.