A quadrangular tower 13 metres high, resting on two floors below it and standing like a sentinel of the sea on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio. It is the distinctive lighthouse of Punta Sardegna, a tourist resort in the territory of Palau, which is one kilometre away, exactly as far as the captivating Porto Rafael. The construction of the lighthouse dates back to 1913 and was carried out by the Genio Civile (Civil Engineering Department). After decades of abandonment, the Coastal Observatory of the Natural Underwater Environment (OCEANS) has been located there since 1995. One of its distinctive features is that the beacon stands on one of the terraces and not on the tower.

From the lighthouse, there is a view of the island of Spargi and of Cala Corsara. Nearby, you’ll find the Batteria di Monte Altura, a fortification dating back to 1800 that, thanks to its excellent state of preservation, is open for guided tours and, in the summer season, it hosts concerts and cultural events. From Punta Sardegna, you can get to the inlet of Cala Trana with its small sandy shore. Then, continuing west, there is Poltu Cuncatu, an inlet of limestone rocks.

Around the tip, the natural and scenic characteristics of a stretch of coast overlooking the Maddalena Archipelago have remained intact: this is the best place for observing it. Throughout the area, there are services equipped for bathing and sea excursions for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Considering the closeness of the Costa Smeralda tourist villages, you can stay in exclusive hotels in perfect harmony with the environment.