Cala Mariolu, Bay in Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia, Italy
Cala Mariolu is a bay in the Gulf of Orosei featuring a beach of white and pink pebbles set against soaring limestone cliffs. The water appears in shades of turquoise, creating a striking contrast with the rocky surroundings.
Fishermen of the region gave this cove its name after Mediterranean monk seals that regularly raided their nets in earlier times. The place became defined by this marine interaction in local memory.
Local residents call this beach "is puligi de nie," a name reflecting the small white pebbles that resemble snowflakes scattered on the shore. This traditional naming shows how the community connected with the landscape's most striking feature.
The beach is most easily reached by boat from nearby coastal towns like Cala Gonone or Arbatax, though hiking is also an option. Visitors should prepare for rocky terrain and bring water and sun protection.
A rock formation called Sa Perda e su Saltatori extends into the water and serves as a natural gateway to the cove. This distinctive landmark makes the bay recognizable from a distance.
Location: Sardinia
GPS coordinates: 40.12333,9.67639
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Sardinia preserves evidence of over 3,000 years of human settlement. Nuragic towers from the Bronze Age rise across plains and hills, while rock-cut tombs recall prehistoric communities. Roman temples stand beside Byzantine churches, and medieval basilicas mark coastal towns. The landscape forms through limestone caves with stalactite formations, deep gorges that cut through mountain ranges, and springs that emerge from the ground. The coast alternates between long sandy bays and steep cliffs, where lighthouses rise above the sea. Inland, mountain passes lead through wilderness to hidden settlements and archaeological sites. Visitors can walk through burial grounds, descend into cave systems, swim at remote beaches or explore Roman ruins. The island connects history with nature in a way that invites exploration.
Sardinia preserves traces of human settlement across thousands of years. The island presents prehistoric cult sites including sacred wells and burial mounds that show ancient rituals. Nuraghe towers from the Bronze Age still rise above the landscape, while Roman theaters and Punic temples mark later civilizations. Underground tombs carved directly into rock lie hidden in the hills. Mountain villages carry modern wall murals that tell political and social history. The coastline offers small coves with turquoise water and white pebble beaches between limestone cliffs. Caves along the coast display stalactites and underground lakes. Inland, canyons with tall rock walls cut through remote areas. Natural springs emerge from bedrock, lighthouses stand on headlands overlooking the sea. Abandoned mining complexes document industrial history, while protected islands and coastal reserves provide habitat for marine life and seabirds.
Italy's coastline features beaches with clear Mediterranean waters, from small coves to long sandy shores. Each location offers specific characteristics: sand or pebbles, natural rock formations, marine caves, and different water depths. These beaches span multiple regions, from Liguria to Sicily, representing Mediterranean coastal landscapes. Some require boat access or hiking trails, while others provide complete beach services.
Cala Goloritzé
2.1 km
Cala Luna
12.1 km
Grotta del Bue Marino
14.5 km
Il Golgo (Su Sterru)
4.6 km
Cala Sisine
7.2 km
Perda Longa di Baunei
11 km
Passo Ghenna Silana
14.9 km
Grotta del Fico
2.3 km
Cala Fuili
15.4 km
Tomba dei giganti di Osono
11.1 km
Nuraghe Mannu
15.9 km
Punta Goloritzè
2.2 km
Su Sterru
4.5 km
San Pietro di Golgo
3.7 km
Chiesa del Beato Giovanni Paolo II
15.1 km
Spiaggia delle Sorgenti
1.7 km
Spiaggia di Ziu Martine
15.8 km
San Nicola
10.2 km
Spiaggia di Cala Luna
12.1 km
Spiaggia di Santa Maria Navarrese
15.2 km
Spiaggia di Cala dei Gabbiani
615 m
Cala Biriola
3.4 km
Spiaggia di Cala Mariolu
47 m
Spiaggia di San Giovanni
14.9 km
Olivastro
3.7 km
Torre di Santa Maria Navarrese
15.1 km
Porto di Santa Maria Navarrese
14.7 km
Casa cantoniera di Bidiculai
14.1 kmReviews
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