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Italy
Sardinia
Province of Ogliastra
Baunei
Things to Do in Baunei
Cala Mariolu
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Cala Mariolu

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Cala Mariolu
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,023 reviews
Excellent
1,807
Very good
151
Average
32
Poor
16
Terrible
17
Gianluca E
3 contributions
Wow…
Jul 2022 • Couples
Simply magical, this Cala… Definitely worth the boat trip! Never seen such a blue sea in my life.

My advice would be to go there as early as possible in July/August. We were there at 9.00 AM, within an hour a whole fleet of tourists arrived and the beach got really crowded.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stanislavs T
Riga, Latvia4 contributions
Only for ADVENTURE SEEKING !!!
Sep 2015
If you reading this, than you are looking for adventure.
Briefly: this review will be about how to get in 2.5 hour to Cala Mariolu on foots, stay for the night on the best beach of Sardinia with your GF, and get back in 3.5 hours.

Why I can say it is the #1 beach, in total 7 days I saw around 18 beaches.
You need a car.
You drive the road SS125 -->> get to city Baunei in the middle of city is road that goes to church (even if you are not willing to take this road I advise to get uphill for the great view (7 min) (pros = excellent view, donkeys)). As you drive soon you reach open field with the church in the end (it will take 20-25 min) there is road that goes right between bushes (included picture). You can drive that road (I rented Renault Twingo 1.0). After you make turn in 4-5 min there will be poster with the map. The map inform that you need appropriate shoes for walking to Cala Maroilu. (I got Nike running shoes with thick socks, GirlF got training shoes for 20 EUR, with thick sole, as i did climbing, it enough such track). There is two option to rent car, next to the poster. I would advise turn right before poster and drive 2 min and leave car next to forbidden house beside road, there are two great spots. It is safe. (We saw car left there for 2 days). (By the way we spend night in this bushes, even if it is forbidden, do not be afraid locals they won't do nothing, we were caught by locals in early morning when they came after water). There is no police.

You park your car and follow the road, after 20-30 min, you reach parking slot for a jeep cars. The road which goes right is correct one, and there is the sign to Cala Mariolu (there is written something else, but it is correct road).

After 2.5 hour average pace walk (22 kg bag pack, with 8 liter of water, tent). Walking there is easy and you cannot get lost. Road is visible and with sign every 0.5 km.

We spend their 1 night.

Pros
+you got whole beach only for you. However there are 2 employees who watch the beach bar, but they do not disturb you.
+ You can feed fished in the morning from arms, before people crowd comes
+ You are not in hurry and fully can enjoy beauty

Cons
- You need at least 1 layer of the tent, there are lot of gnats during night.

Next day is the hardest, due to walk back. For me it was hard because I was carrying my backpack and girlfriend's.
Took us 3.5 hours to get back.

I saw some people come by foot to the beach and after 1.5 hour left. I would not suggest to do that. Stay and enjoy, if you have appropriate equipment (tent, cooker(gas), food, water).

I really seek extreme/safe travelling that is unique and unforgivable.
Written November 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
victoriasale
140 contributions
Gorgeous sea
Jul 2014 • Couples
If you go to Sardinia and want to see an amazing sea, I always recommend to go the Golfo di Orosei where there are many beautiful beaches that you can reach by boat or on foot.
Cala Mariolu si definitely one of them! It's a paradise..

P.s. It gets very busy between July and August.
Written August 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zuzana B
2 contributions
Overcrowded
May 2021 • Family
We just returned. Our family of 6 did private cruise for €200 all inclusive and given the number of people on the beaches even this price was too much.
The beach may be nice but the experience is totally ruined by crowds being delivered by numerous boats from Cala Gonone.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ElCideVivar
Canet de Mar, Spain35 contributions
Beautiful Relaxed Beach
Jul 2014 • Solo
Having spent most of my youth in the Florida keys, where crystal clear waters on a desolate beach were the norm, Cala Mariolu was a treat nonetheless. While not exactly desolate, a universe away from the likes of the Jersey shore or eastern Long Island. Its best accessed by boat, the sheer cliffs and boulders on the beach add a beautiful backdrop. The few beachgoers hardly interfere with the majesty of this place.
I chose to stay in Cala Gonone, as it was the closest town to a series of beautiful beaches to its south. It is also a nice town with a variety of nice restaurants serving the bounties of the sea. If you visit Sardinia, you should make it to this portion of Sardinia's east coast. Enjoy this boat experience where you can visit Cala Luna, Grotta Bue Marino, Cala Coloritze as well as Cala Mariolu. It's an unforgettable experience.
Written July 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AntoSona
Sona8 contributions
Rare Beauty - in Orosei gulf
Aug 2014 • Couples
Dear if you'll go to Sardegna don't leave Cala Mariolu alone. Rent a boat in Orosei and in one day you can visit the Gulf. Ask to visit Cala Luna; Piscine di Venere, Cala Mariolu and Golorize. Take with you the mask for looking underwater and your camera. I do not know if is better Cala Mariolu or the water you can find under your feet in Piscine di Venere wanderfull.....its leaves you without words
Written January 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen H
lake Tekapo6 contributions
Sardinian Beachs
Jul 2014 • Family
Sardinia has overall beautiful beaches. The clear water over white sand reflects the light in a stunning way.. a great island to spend a holiday,, late June, to end of July is the best time. The water is warming, August being the hottest month, but the crowds are manageable.. August is hot and very crowded, because all the mainland Italians come for their holidays. Personally I found the East coast the best overall, but there are good spots all around the island.. the North being a little more windswept and rugged..Spend some time visiting the inner regions of Sardinia too. Its rich in beautiful landscapes, ancient history, shady grotto's and restaurants. The local cheeses and wines are a must..Its a fabulous island to eat , drink, swim and relax.
Written September 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
helle n
14 contributions
The perfect bech.
Jul 2014 • Family
This Beach you can reach by taking a boat from Orosei marina. It is just wunderfull - the Water is VERY clear and the colour is turqoise and blue. They are fish all over, so snorkeling is great as well. You can jump into the Water from a big Cliff - which is great fun. We have been on many different beaches all over the World - but this Beach is really something special.
Written August 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dwld26
Nyon District, Switzerland43 contributions
welcome to paradise
Jul 2014 • Family
I've been travelling all other the world for the past 25 years....and this beach is just one of the BEST ...I have ever seen.
I was fearing it would be overcrowded, since we were in high season, but it was not.
Would recommend to rent a Zodiac instead of going by foot (time consuming and not for beginners) or by tour boat (pack of tourists, one hour here, one hour there).
As long as you reach 4 adults group, it may become a better option renting the Zodiac.
And the big advantage is that you stop whenever you want, wherever you want, and the time you want !!! There's only a small snack on this beach, so bring your stuff !
If you come with the Zodiac, you need to park it roughly 50 meters away from the shore, and swim to the beach (depth is 5 to 10 meters). Same for some other beaches in the area, which are protected (what a great idea)
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stefano915
Oldbury, UK1,598 contributions
No need to go all the way to the Caribbean
Jun 2014 • Couples
Cala Luna, Mariolu and Goloritze are among the cleaniest and more stunning beaches i've ever seen. Goloritze' is something else. Go in June or September, avoid the mass tourism and you will enjoy this beautiful spots. Rent a boat for all day and stay out all day.
Written August 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Cala Mariolu (Baunei) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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