A symbol of Porto Rafael

Porto Rafael

A serene coastal scene at sunset, featuring a white building with a tiled roof surrounded by lush greenery, and a calm sea with distant hills.

The Count’s Descent is more than just a staircase — it’s a symbolic path that links the visionary dream of Count Rafael Neville with the vibrant heart of the village: the piazzetta. This open-air stairway, nestled among granite rocks and Mediterranean greenery, gently guides visitors from the quiet charm of the church to the social soul of Porto Rafael. It’s a scenic passage, a transition into beauty, serenity, and the unique rhythm of this coastal haven.

A sunlit stone pathway lined with greenery and framed paintings on stands. A white wall has a sign reading "La Discesa Del Conte," creating a serene ambiance.
A woman in a red dress walks down a sunlit cobblestone path, surrounded by vibrant purple flowers and white stucco buildings, conveying a serene, warm atmosphere.
A woman in a red dress walks down a quaint cobblestone street lined with lush greenery and flowers. White buildings and a glimpse of the sea enhance the serene, Mediterranean atmosphere.

From the church to the piazzetta

Set among granite rocks and Mediterranean shrubs, this stairway leads from the peaceful chapel to the vibrant life of the piazza — a passage no visitor should miss.

Key facts

  • A scenic granite staircase
  • Striking natural setting
  • Connects church and piazza
  • A must for every visitor

A world of beauty

A hilltop fortress

Monte Altura – where military history meets panoramic peace
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Ancient stone fortress atop a rocky hill, surrounded by sparse bushes, under a clear blue sky. Warm lighting gives the scene a historic, serene feel.

The Stazzo heritage

Palau’s Ethnographic Museum tells a rich story of the land.
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Four rustic cast iron skillets hang on a wooden cabin wall. The vintage pans have a worn, textured appearance, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The bear above the sea

A spectacular natural sculpture wrapped in myth and legend.
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Rock formation on a coastal cliff with intricate natural arches and holes, under a clear blue sky. The scene feels rugged and majestic.

Lighthouse excursion

Reach the historic lighthouse on foot or by sea — steeped in charm and legend.
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A serene coastal landscape with a rocky foreground and a small white lighthouse, overlooking a calm blue sea. Distant mountains provide a tranquil backdrop.

From dunes to shore

Two rocky headlands cradle the beauty of Cala di Trana
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A person in a blue swimsuit floats joyfully on their back in clear, sunlit water. The scene conveys a sense of relaxation and freedom.

Giants of the past

A small Giant’s Tomb with immense charm.
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Aerial view of a stone structure shaped like a keyhole surrounded by lush green trees. A dirt path runs alongside, creating a serene, natural setting.

Church of Santa Rita

Commissioned by Count Rafael, dedicated to Saint Rita, patron of artists.
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View through partially open green doors into a small chapel with religious statues, floral arrangements, and a tiled floor, conveying a serene atmosphere.