The bay of Cala Mariolu is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. It's hard to say which will captivate you more, the stunning blue water or the breathtaking limestone cliffs that line the coast. The beach is covered with finer white pebbles and larger rocks, which you can also lie on. In the summer season there is a small kiosk on the beach where you can buy drinks and snacks.
The entrance to the water is quite steep, but the reefs combined with the crystal clear water make it ideal for snorkelling.
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If you have the chance, head to the beach as early in the morning as possible. In the summer season, the first boats leave after 7:00 am and the beach is usually half empty until around 10:00 am.
After that, it fills up completely and you'll be hard pressed to find a free place.
There is a small bar on the beach in high season, but always bring plenty of water and ideally some snacks. The bar may be closed.
Apart from the price of a boat ticket, entry to the beach is free.
How to get to the beach
Mariola Bay is only accessible on foot or by boat.
By boat
Boats to Cala Mariolu leave from the towns of Cala Gonone, Arbatax and Santa Maria Navarrese.
The normal price for a round trip is 50 eur, and in the summer holidays around 60 eur. Examples of boat companies:
The boats sail several times a day in high season and have a precise timetable to plan the length of your stay on the beach.
On foot
The beach can also be reached on foot, but the journey is very difficult and only suitable for extremely experienced hikers.
Especially the last part of the path is effectively a climbing one. You don't need any special equipment, but the path is very steep and unpaved. Good shoes and good fitness are a must.
The trail starts about 5 km north of the town of Baunei. The trailhead can be reached by car on a dirt road.
Accommodation by the beach
Cala Mariolu lies in a completely remote area where you won't find hotels, apartments or campsites.
The nearest resorts to stay near Cala Mariolu are Arbatax and Cala Gonone. It is the smaller Cala Gonone that has significantly lower accommodation prices, where even in high season you can get apartments for under 90 eur per night for 2, which is a very good price for Sardinia.
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