Cala Mariolu is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, famous for its crystal-clear waters, turquoise colors, and the unique landscape of the Gulf of Orosei.
You can reach it by sea via dinghy or motorboat or through a panoramic trek , but there is a special way to make your day even more exciting: experience your first breath underwater with our Sea Baptism.
Whether you arrive by dinghy, motorboat, or on foot, we’ll be waiting for you right on the beach to accompany you on a simple, safe, and unforgettable experience.
How can I get to Cala Mariolu by car? You can’t.
If you’re looking for a road or parking spot to drive to Cala Mariolu, unfortunately, we have some important news for you: Cala Mariolu cannot be reached by car.
The beach is located in the wild heart of the Gulf of Orosei and is protected by high vertical cliffs. The only two ways to reach it are:
- By sea: Conveniently by motorboat, dinghy, or boat from the ports of Arbatax, Santa Maria Navarrese, or Cala Gonone.
- On foot: Through a challenging and long trek for expert hikers (EE) that starts from the Altopiano del Golfo (Baunei), with about 3 hours of walking and a significant difference in altitude.
If you don’t plan on tackling a challenging mountain hike, a boat trip is definitely the ideal solution for you!
Transform your stop at Cala Mariolu into a unique experience.
- An experience suitable even for those who have never dived before
- Simple and guided step-by-step activity
- Directly to Cala Mariolu
- Crystal clear water and lots of fish
- Photos and videos available
Experience suitable for beginners
How to reach Cala Mariolu
The most convenient and popular way to reach Cala Mariolu is by sea, with motorboats , day trips, or rented dinghies.
Every day hundreds of people come to the cove to spend a few hours relaxing in the crystal-clear sea.
Where do excursions to Cala Mariolu depart from by motorboat?
If you want to enjoy the wonders of
Cala Mariolu in complete relaxation, without the hassle of trekking or the hassle of renting a dinghy, a motorboat trip is the ideal solution. Boats depart daily from the main ports on the central-eastern coast, offering an experience suitable for everyone: families, couples, and groups of friends.
Ports of departure
You can embark comfortably from the ports of:
- Arbatax / Santa Maria Navarrese (ideal if you’re in Ogliastra)
- Cala Gonone / Orosei Beach (ideal if you’re staying in the Gulf of Orosei)
- La Caletta (for those who live further north)
Tickets and Landing Fee
You don’t have to worry about queues or bureaucracy: the environmental landing fee (regulated by the Municipality of Baunei) is managed and collected directly on board the motor vessels when you purchase your ticket. They take care of everything!
Duration and Stops
- The excursion: It usually lasts the whole day (departure in the morning around 8:30/9:00 and return in the late afternoon around 17:00/18:00).
- Weather in Cala Mariolu: The motorboats guarantee a long stop on the beach (generally 2 hours ), allowing you to enjoy the sun, the famous white pebbles and crystal-clear water.
- The tour also includes stops at other beautiful coves in the Gulf throughout the day.
Make your stay unforgettable: Dive with us!
Three hours on the beach fly by, but spending them underwater is something else entirely. Cala Mariolu boasts one of Sardinia’s richest marine biodiversity spots, with crystal-clear waters that resemble an open-air aquarium.
Are you already a certified diver or do you want to experience the thrill of your first breath underwater (Sea Baptism)?
Make the most of your stay on land! Coordinate with us: we’ll pick you up directly upon your arrival at the beach in our dinghy for a wonderful dive in the cove’s most beautiful spots, then bring you back to shore in time for your return by boat.
BOOK YOUR DIVE NOW and secure your spot on board! Contact us to schedule your disembarkation time with our trip.
Mare Ogliastra Lines: Our partner with departures from the ports of Arbatax and Santa Maria. Book with them and receive a discount coupon.
We recommend that you always check:
- departure times
- duration of the stop
- available time in Cala Mariolu
Do you want to better organize your dive?
Contact us before your departure: we can help you choose the best excursion to ensure you have the perfect amount of time to experience your sea baptism with complete peace of mind.cegliere l’escursione più adatta per avere il tempo perfetto per vivere il Battesimo del Mare in totale tranquillità.
Reach Cala Mariolu by dinghy
More and more people are choosing to visit Cala Mariolu independently by renting a dinghy.
It’s one of the best ways to experience the Gulf of Orosei in complete freedom and stop in Sardinia’s most beautiful coves. However, some experience and practicality are recommended, given the 40 km of coastline.
If you arrive by dinghy, you can make your day even more special by participating in our Sea Baptism directly during your beach stop, with the freedom to choose the best time. Remember to book your disembarkation through the official Sardinia portal
heartofsardinia.com . If you don’t have a ticket, you’ll have to swim off after anchoring the dinghy outside the swimming buoys.
While the others remain on the shore, you will be able to:
- breathing underwater for the first time
- swimming among the fish
- discover spectacular seabeds
- experience a unique memory of your holiday
A simple, exciting experience suitable for everyone
Even if you’ve never dived before, our instructors will guide you step by step in complete safety.za.
How to reach Cala Mariolu by land
For those who love adventure and trekking, Cala Mariolu can also be reached on foot via one of the most spectacular routes in the Gulf of Orosei.
The trail passes through wild landscapes, breathtaking views, and stretches immersed in Sardinia’s unspoiled nature.
Trekking requires good physical preparation and is recommended for people accustomed to walking on challenging trails.
Il trekking per Cala Mariolu (nota anche come Ispuligidenie) partendo dall’Altopiano del Golgo (Baunei) è uno dei percorsi costieri più spettacolari e selvaggi della Sardegna. Tuttavia, non è una semplice passeggiata: si tratta di un’escursione impegnativa che richiede preparazione.
The trek to Cala Mariolu (also known as Ispuligidenie) starting from the Golgo Plateau (Baunei) is one of the most spectacular and wild coastal routes in Sardinia. However, it’s not a simple stroll: it’s a challenging excursion that requires preparation.
Here are the technical data sheet, practical advice, and essential precautions.
Route characteristics
- Difficulty: EE (Expert Hikers). The trail winds through the Supramonte Marine, a rugged, fragmented limestone terrain.
- Length: Approximately 12 km (round trip from the Piredda square).
- Elevation gain: Approximately 660 – 730 meters both uphill and downhill.
- Duration: Between 2.5 and 3 hours one way (approximately 5-6 hours total walking, excluding breaks).
- Unique points of interest: Along the descent you pass ancient shepherds’ sheepfolds (Cuiles), a majestic natural rock arch and the “Scalones”, old ladders and rungs made of juniper trunks, originally used by shepherds and now reinforced to overcome the most vertical and exposed sections of the cliff.
Helpful tips
Plan your return by boat (Recommended): Walking back up the mountain under the sun after a day at the beach is the hardest part. Many hikers choose to hike only the outward journey (downhill) and pre-book a dinghy or boat for the return trip to Santa Maria Navarrese or Cala Gonone, often including a shuttle service to pick up the car on the Gulf.
Please note: Always check the weather and sea conditions the day before; if the sea is rough, the boats won’t dock and you’ll have to walk back up.
Water and food: There are no springs along the trail. Bring at least 2-3 liters of water per person and a packed lunch. In the summer, there is a small kiosk on the beach.
Best time: May, June, September, and October. In July and August, the heat makes hiking stifling, and the beach gets very crowded.
Limited capacity on the beach: Access to Cala Mariolu is regulated by the Municipality of Baunei to protect the environment (maximum 700 people at a time). Those arriving on foot are not required to make reservations as strictly as those arriving by tourist boats , but arriving early in the morning ensures you can fully enjoy the cove.
Basic precautions
Mandatory technical footwear: It is strictly forbidden (and dangerous) to hike the trail in smooth sneakers or, worse, flip-flops. Hiking boots with good grip are essential: the limestone is sharp, and there are unstable scree slopes where a slip could be costly. Bring water shoes in your backpack for when you hit the beach, as the famous white pebbles are uncomfortable for bare feet.
Exposed sections and vertigo: If you suffer from severe vertigo, consider this hike carefully. The juniper ladders and some sections of the cliff are protected by ropes or handrails, but they present a steep slope and exposed sections.
Orientation: The signage isn’t always clear, although there are red paint marks on the rocks. It’s highly recommended to download an offline GPS track (such as on Komoot or Wikiloc) before setting off, as cell phone coverage drops off in several sections of the canyon.
Not suitable for everyone: The route is not recommended for small children, the elderly or anyone who is not physically fit and used to walking in the mountains on uneven terrain.iani o a chiunque non abbia un buon allenamento fisico e abitudine a camminare in montagna su terreni sconnessi.
After the trek… really enter the sea
After reaching Cala Mariolu on foot, you can complete the experience by experiencing the sea even beneath the surface.
Our Sea Baptism is also perfect for those arriving via trekking and wishing to make the day even more memorable.
Accompanied by our instructors you will discover:
- clear water
- seabeds rich in life
- unique sensations
- the silence of the underwater world
Contact us first to dive with us at the best moment of your day at Cala Mariolu.
Not just the beach: truly experience Cala Mariolu
Many visit Cala Mariolu for its incredible waters.
Few truly experience the sea.
With our Sea Baptism you can discover the most exciting side of the cove easily and safely, even if it’s your first time.
The experience includes
- initial briefing
- dedicated instructor
- complete equipment
- guided dive
- constant support
- Underwater photos and videos
Perfect for:
- couples
- friends
- families
- travelers
- those who want to try something new during their holiday in Sardinia
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need experience to participate?
No, the Sea Baptism is designed specifically for those who have never dived.
How long does the experience last?
The entire activity lasts approximately 30/35 minutes, including initial preparation.
Can I participate if I arrive by dinghy?
Yes, many customers participate during the stop at Cala Mariolu.
Do you need to know how to swim well?
To obtain a certification, yes, but for your first experience with us, it’s not necessary at all; you’ll always be accompanied by our instructors.
Is it necessary to book?
Yes, we always recommend booking as daily spaces are limited.
Don’t just see Cala Mariolu. Experience it.
Among the turquoise waters of Sardinia’s most famous cove, you can enjoy an experience you’ll remember forever.
Your first breath underwater.
The silence of the sea.
The fish around you.
The incredible feeling of discovering a new world.
We are waiting for you at Cala Mariolu.
