A Mediterranean village suspended between granite and the sea, facing the La Maddalena Archipelago

Marina di Porto Rafael

The story

The story

In the 1960s the promontory was still a wild and untouched place, with a handful of fishermen's houses set in the Mediterranean scrub. In Paris, Count Rafael Neville dreamed of a small beach overlooking a blue sea and wonderful islands. He set off in search of that land and found it right here: from that dream Porto Rafael was born, the village that still bears his name today. Rafael wanted an authentic place, made of low pastel-coloured houses, staircases and alleys that gently descend towards the sea, without clamour and without excess.
The church of Santa Rita

The church of Santa Rita

In the heart of the village stands the small church of Santa Rita, simple and luminous, its white lines standing out against the blue of the sky and the sea. It is a place of contemplation and community, where every summer masses and celebrations are held that bring together residents and guests. Its Mediterranean sobriety makes it one of the most beloved symbols of Porto Rafael.
The seafront square

The seafront square

Down towards the sea you reach the little square, the living heart of Porto Rafael, facing directly onto the water. Here Count Rafael Neville's old house is now a hotel, and around it a bar and a restaurant come to life, inviting you to linger at any time of day. A pier makes it easy to land straight from the sea and reach the village in just a few steps, while the small, sheltered beach — with its gently sloping seabed — is the perfect spot for children to play and swim in complete safety.
How to get here

How to get here

Porto Rafael is located in the municipality of Palau, in northern Sardinia, facing the La Maddalena Archipelago. By air: the nearest airports are Olbia Costa Smeralda (about 40 km, 45 minutes) and Alghero Fertilia (about 130 km, 1h45). From both you continue by car or transfer. By car: from Olbia follow the SS125 towards Palau/Santa Teresa Gallura; just before Palau take the turn-off for Porto Rafael. From Palau the village is about 6 km away (10 minutes). By ferry: the most convenient ports of arrival in Sardinia are Olbia and Golfo Aranci, both less than an hour's drive from Porto Rafael.