About us

The Caronte & Tourist Group

Created in 2003 from the merger of two historic private ferry companies, both operating between the two shores of the Strait of Messina, the Caronte & Tourist Group now also provides connection between Sicily and its smaller islands (through C&T Isole Minori) and the transport of commercial vehicles between the ports of Salerno and Messina (through Cartour).

Maddalena Lines

Maddalena Lines operates the connection between Palau and the island of La Maddalena in Sardinia.

The ferry departs from Palau with a frequency ranging from one hour to half and hour during peak hours.

In high season, Maddalena Lines makes up to 30 departures per day, seven days a week.

The crossing takes only 15 minutes.

How to get there

You can reach Palau in various ways:

• By air: Olbia airport is 40 km away, Alghero airport 150 km and Cagliari airport 300km.
• By boat: the nearest ports are Olbia and Golfo Aranci. Porto Torres is slightly further away, followed by Cagliari.
• Bus and car: From Porto Torres, take the scenic road north; from Olbia, follow the SS 125 towards Arzachena-Palau; from Cagliari; take the SS 131 to Sassari, then follow directions to Palau; from Alghero, follow the SS 291 to Sassari and then directions to Palau.

La Maddalena

La Maddalena is an archipelago of seven main islands and several smaller islands, the most important of which are La Maddalena, Budelli, Santo Stefano and Caprera. Since 1994, these islands and the surrouding sea have been part of the Maddalena National Park, a part of the Maddalena National Park, a protected marine and terrestrial area of national and community importance, known for its crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity. A popular tourist destination, the archipelago offers numerous beaches, including the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on the island of Budelli, an area with maximum environmental protection.

Palau

Palau is a municipality renowned for its marina, 20 fine sandy beaches and 24 km of coastline stratching from the Gulf of Saline to the mouth of the River Liscia. Situated in a natural inlet, Palau is very close to the famous Costa Smeralda and opposite the Maddalena National Park. During the summer, Palau comes alive with clubs, lights and events that attracts tens of thousands of tourits.