Cala Mariolu Beach
A pearl of extraordinary beauty, Cala Mariolu captivates thousands of visitors every summer with its crystal-clear water and ever-changing colours, its small white and pink pebbles, its peach and ivory shades, and the cliffs plunging dramatically into the sea, giving the beach a wild and ancient appearance.
It is also a truly spectacular place. Cala Mariolu has been chosen as the setting for several viral videos, including one featuring an unconventional Santa Claus who, without a sleigh or reindeer, visits this earthly paradise, retrieves gifts from the clear water, walks along the beach and enjoys the warm weather of Baunei.
Named among TripAdvisor’s 25 most beautiful beaches, Cala Mariolu is widely considered a natural masterpiece.
According to rankings published by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, Cala Mariolu was named the second most beautiful beach in the world and the most beautiful beach in Europe.
How to Get to Cala Mariolu: Practical Tips
If you are wondering how to get to Cala Mariolu, you are in the right place.
The beach can be reached by sea through several organised excursions, travelling either by inflatable boat or passenger boat. Alternatively, you can rent a dinghy independently and explore the coast without fixed schedules.
Cala Mariolu can also be reached by land through organised hiking excursions led by qualified local operators.
The large rocks surrounding the beach provide shaded areas for visitors looking for some relief from the heat.
One useful tip: if you enjoy sunbathing, it is best to visit Cala Mariolu in the morning or during the early afternoon. Later in the day, the beach gradually falls into the shadow of the limestone cliffs and the temperature generally becomes cooler.
Cala Mariolu Access and Booking Options
Access to Cala Mariolu is limited, and the beach can currently accommodate a maximum of 700 people at the same time.
As with many other coves along the Baunei Coast, there are several ways to reach it.
Visitors can arrive by land, following the ancient paths and mule tracks once used by local shepherds, or by sea from Santa Maria Navarrese, Arbatax, Cala Gonone, Orosei and La Caletta.
Cala Mariolu is suitable for families with children, snorkelling enthusiasts and diving lovers, thanks to its spectacular seabed.
How to Book a Visit to Cala Mariolu
Several transport companies and operators provide access to this picture-perfect beach by sea, using passenger boats with capacities generally ranging from 100 to 300 people.
Those who want to reach Cala Mariolu by sea without following fixed departure and return times can rent a dinghy or book a boat tour, with or without a skipper.
Charter boats can generally accommodate up to 12 people, while self-drive dinghies without a skipper usually carry around eight passengers.
For more active visitors, there is also the combined hiking route departing from Baunei, which is considered moderately difficult.
The Story Behind the Names Cala Mariolu and Ispuligidenie
Let us begin with its official name, Cala Mariolu, whose origin is surrounded by legend.
According to the story, fishermen from the island of Ponza used to leave their catch on the rocks inside a cave. One of them was met with an unpleasant surprise: a hungry monk seal, once a well-known inhabitant of this magical stretch of coastline, had stolen all the fish.
The frustrated fisherman reportedly exclaimed, “Acca cestà o mariuolo”, which means “There is a thief here” in the Ponza dialect.
The word was later adapted into Sardinian, with the final “u”, becoming “Mariolu”.
The other name, Ispuligidenie, means “snow fleas”. This name was given to the cove by Sardinian shepherds because of the tiny, bright white pebbles covering the beach.
What to See Near Cala Mariolu
Visitors are spoilt for choice along this extraordinary stretch of coastline.
Nearby places worth visiting include Cala Goloritzé, Cala Sisine, Cala Biriala, Cala Luna, Cala dei Gabbiani and many other beautiful coves.
Crystal-clear waters, dreamlike beaches and unforgettable coastal landscapes: what more could you ask for?
