About Cala Mariolu
- near Baunei, Province of Ogliastra, East Sardinia, Italy.
- None. You'll want to bring some amenities.
- snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking.
- 17:59 PM
- 08:12 AM
- 60 meters.
Cala Mariolu is one of the most precious Sardinia beaches the eastern coast of the beautiful island of Sardinia has to offer. This gem is located just north of Cala Goloritze and is decorated with little pebbles made round and smooth by the eternal movement of the waters. The beach of Cala Mariolu is very suitable for scuba diving and is one of the best snorkeling beaches in Sardinia. Due to its location, the beach of Cala Mariolu rests in the shade of limestone rocks at the end of the afternoon.
Unfortunately, there are no hotels or other accommodations in the direct vicinity of Cala Mariolu, but there are plenty of accommodations to be found in the cities north and south of the cove. Just 14 kilometers north of Cala Mariolu you’ll find several beachfront hotels, apartments, and bed & breakfasts in Cala Gonone. Just about 22 kilometers south of Cala Mariolu there’s a wide variety of hotels and apartments to be found in Santa Maria Navarrese. All accommodations in both cities are 3-stars and up, and great starting points for beach, nature, and hiking enthusiasts and backpackers who come to Sardinia to explore the Gulf of Orosei.
Boat Trip to Cala Mariolu
To fully appreciate its beauty and reach this secluded gem, it is highly recommended to go on a boat trip! Boat trips to Cala Mariolu depart from various ports (Cala Gonone, Arbatax, and Santa Maria Navarrese) along the eastern coast, so you can soak in the breathtaking coastal views along the way. As you sail towards Cala Mariolu, you’ll see the dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline that define this part of Sardinia. Upon arrival, the boat will anchor near the beach, and there will be plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing!
Places to Stay near Cala Mariolu
Hotel Villa Gustui Maris
Hotel Villa Gustui Maris is one of the top picks in Cala Gonone. Located near the slopes of the Supramonte mountain range, at the foot of Mount Irveri, the four-star family-friendly hotel is strategically located north of the center of the seaside village, from where you can explore the famous Sardinian beaches and hidden coves such as Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna, Cala Fuili and Cala Cartoe. From the hotel's porch and balconies, you'll enjoy the swoon-worthy panoramic views of the Gulf of Orosei and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The hotel's restaurant serves traditional Sardinian dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. In the morning, an Italian continental breakfast buffet is available and can be enjoyed while looking over the bay of Cala Gonone. The staff at Villa Gustui Maris are very friendly and will gladly provide you with any information you may need to explore the region. Trekking excursions through the Supramonte’s long canyons, narrow gorges and valleys, and boat trips to Cala Mariolu and other hard to reach coves can also be arranged at the hotel's concierge desk.
Highly recommended!
Hotel Cala Luna
The beachfront Cala Luna Hotel is a modern three-star boutique hotel located along the cozy promenade of Cala Gonone. It's a family-run business with 27 unique rooms, most of them feature grand views of the bay of Cala Gonone and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Traditional Sardinian dishes and excellent local Italian wines are available in three à la carte dining venues: Inside the hotel, you'll find an air-conditioned dining room, outside the hotel, there are restaurants with a veranda and a romantic oceanfront terrace. Excursions and boat trips to Cala Mariolu can be arranged by the hotel's professional and English-speaking staff. Another option to discover the most beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Orosei is to organize boat trips to Cala Luna, Cala Golorizé, Cala Sisine and the Bue Marino caves at the local harbor in Cala Gonone, which is located within walking distance of the hotel. A mountain bike rental service is free for hotel guests if you'd like to explore the seaside village or the mountain biking trails that run through the hills of the jagged Supramonte mountain range.
How To Get To Cala Mariolu
Hiking
Cala Mariolu can be accessed on foot from Piredda in the Plateau of Golgo (Altopiano del Golgo), where goats and donkeys gather to graze in the Mediterranean scrub. While the rewards are truly worth the effort, the trek to the beach is not easy and should be done well prepared - and with caution. Getting to Cala Mariolu involves walking a total distance of 6 kilometers while going 100 meters uphill, and approximately 600 meters downhill. Hiking to Cala Mariolu should take you at least 6 hours. One can imagine the hike is not something to do for everybody, especially during the hot summer days of July and August! Should you decide to reach Cala Mariolu on foot, it's advised to make the return trip to your accommodation by boat. Boat excursions are available from the village of Cala Gonone up north, or Santa Maria Navarrese down south. Alternatively, you can book an 8-hour Hiking Tour to Cala Mariolu from Baunei for about 50 Euros. Please note: The hike to Cala Mariolu is physically demanding and is best suited for individuals in excellent physical condition. But if you are accustomed to challenging mountain trails with significant elevation changes and rocky paths, it's the hike of a lifetime!
Map
- Use the Google and Booking map below to explore the area.
- Fill in your holiday dates to get an accurate view of available accommodations near Cala Mariolu.
Beaches Near Cala Mariolu
Piscine di Venere
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Cala di Pedra Longa
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Cala dei Gabbiani
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Cala Goloritze
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Cala Biriala
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Cala Sisine
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