Palau is a municipality (comune) located in the Province of Gallura in north-east Sardinia, Italy. Situated approximately 220 kilometres north of Cagliari and about 30 kilometres northwest of Olbia, it is one of the smaller towns in the region with a population of 4,058 inhabitants.
The town serves as a gateway to the archipelago of La Maddalena, making it an important transit point for visitors heading to the islands. Its strategic coastal location in north-eastern Sardinia has made it a notable stop for ferry services connecting mainland Sardinia to the island group.