Cala Mariolu Beach
Cala Mariolu means Seal Beach, I'm not sure where the name comes from as I've never seen a seal here or anywhere else in Sardinia.
Locals tell me that there really are seals ... really ... somewhere!
Still, every summer, once we've settled
into the Bue Marino in Cala Gonone (the perfect base to explore the
coastline), this is one of the first beaches we'll head to.
Even without the seals it is simply gorgeous.
Photo by Vasile 23 - shared under Flickr's Creative Commons License.
The Beach
Cala Mariolu beach isn't soft sand - it's made of millions of finely crushed pink shells, mixed with tiny white pebbles.
It reminds me of white and pink confetti and it gives the beach a mauve hue at sunset.
Locals call it Snowflake Beach: because the sand is like millions of tiny snowflakes.
Whatever it reminds you of the good news is that it is soft on the feet.
The color of the sea here is out of this world, some say that you'll not find more beautiful water hues and shades anywhere else on earth.
I'd agree with that.
It's turquoise, it's tanzanite, it's mauve and it even seems a little pink at times. The luminescence of the sea is unique, watch it for a while and it shimmers through a thousands shades - a color show without equal.
Shallow waters make it ideal for young children.
Best time to visit? June or September, that's when you'll find it far less crowded than the peak months of July and August.
Getting Here
You can get here by foot I believe, but it'll take you half the day to get to the beach and back.
Who wants to waste good beach time, right?
So, if it's a day at the beach you want then get an early morning boat here from Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax.
There are a number of companies running
trips to Cala Mariolu and the other beaches like Goloritze and Cala
Luna.
Another good idea is to hire your own little motorboat, you don't need a license for this and there are a number of boat companies in Cala Gonone who can assist. If you stay at the Bue Marino they'll be happy to advise you.
Rates vary but it'll probably cost around 100 Euros for the day including fuel. The great thing with doing it like this is the freedom it gives you, anchoring in little coves and diving into cocktail blue seas is unforgettable.
Where is Cala Mariolu Beach?
Search for hotels
Our Free Newsletter
FTC DISCLOSURE: This site includes some affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase or booking I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please helps us to keep bringing you the most beautiful coasts on earth by booking through the links on our website.
Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recent Articles
-
Snorkeling on Oahu - Your Chance to See a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
Ever dreamed of gliding through crystal clear turquoise waters while schools of tiger fish or yellow tangs glide by? Or of throwing a shaka next to a turtle who smiles right back at you? Our guide to…
-
Eastern Cape Beaches - Our Selection
We love the Eastern Cape beaches. Completely different to those in the Cape Town area, they are wildly beautiful, often embraced by tropical forests and usually empty. There are some great little town…
-
East London, South Africa. Should I Visit?
East London,South Africa's forgotten city. Should it stay forgotten or is there something that makes this a gem worth discovering. We investigate.
-
Dive into the Oahu Beach Guide
Whether you want to be in the thick of it all on the classic Waikiki beach, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, watching the pros battle it out for big waves on the north shore or just relax somewhere remote w…
-
The Essential Santorini Travel Guide
The thing people always say when they first set foot upon Santorini is: "it's just how I've always dreamed Greece would be!" Now make your dreams come true with our Santorini Travel Guide...
-
Penguins Invade City!
Where is this? Click continue reading below...
-
Bora Bora
-
Love Island!
Where is Love Island? If you have been tell us more! Here is where you can do that.
-
Amalfi Coast Walks - From the Terrace of the Gods to Neptune's Sea
From the moment you start this Amalfi Coast walk you realize just what an enchanting little world you've entered: birds sing, butterflies dance from flower to flower, the air is filled with the fragra…
-
Along the Amalfi Coast
Along the Amalfi Coast - join us in exploring one of the world's most beautiful coastlines
-
The Cinque Terre Town to Avoid the Crowds
Corniglia-the Cinque Terre town with the least tourists and that's despite being one of the loveliest. Why less tourists? Because people think you need to walk up 370 steps to get there.
-
When is the Best Time to Visit the Seychelles
When is the Best Time to Visit the Seychelles? Here is the answer...
-
Find your Paradise Beach Quiz
Out there exists a beach of unbelievable beauty, designed in heaven with you in mind. Which one is it? Our beach quiz has the answer.
-
The 5 Most Spectacular Coastal Drives in the World
Each one of these 5 spectacular coastal drives should be on your bucket list. Add at least one to your plans for the next year... you'll be so glad you did.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.