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
-
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.
-
The 4 Most Beautiful Coastal Cities in the World
Phew, this was a hard list to create. We started with 15 cities. With much heated debate we got that down to six... then to 4. These then are the world's most beautiful coastal cities...
-
Beaches of Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation
Let's go explore the beaches of Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation and we'll throw in a delicious crocodile burger lunch?
-
The 8 Best Beaches in the World
The 8 best beaches in the world. Why is our list different to all others? Simple, we actually travel the world visiting hundred and hundreds of beaches. These are the results...
-
4 Bucket List Islands
Scattered across the oceans and seas are 4 bucket list islands. All of them are missing only one thing... you!
-
Raiatea Island - True Paradise
Raiatea Island – perhaps the most beautiful of all Society Islands. Could this be the Garden of Eden? It is that gorgeous -you need to see for yourself so please click through.
-
The 6 Most Beautiful Italian Coastal Destinations
You really don't want to look at this list of the 6 most beautiful Italian coastal destinations. The risk is you'll want to visit and then...
-
4 Exceptional Coastal Hotels in Italy
Coastal hotels in Italy are all the same... bla bla bla. Well most of them are but then there are these 4 hotels...
-
Tropea on Calabria's Coast of Gods
The Coast of the Gods is gorgeous. One of Italy's most spectacular coastlines and at the heart of it all is Tropea.
-
The Most Beautiful Island in Europe?
Hawaii, Maldives, Bora Bora...we've written about them all. But here in Europe exists an island with beaches and seas as beautiful. This is the most beautiful island in Europe. This is La Maddalena.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.