Cala Mariolu or Ispuligidenie
An earthly paradise in the unspoilt coast of Baunei and the Gulf of Orosei
Cala Mariolu or “Ispuligidenie” (snow fleas in Sardinian dialect), will impress you with its water colors, which touch different shades between blue, emerald green and tourquese, and its infinite pebbles, white and small like snowflakes. Cala Mariolu is located about a mile north of the Natural Monument of Cala Goloritzé, and is one of the most picturesque beaches of the coast of Baunei and of the whole Mediterranean.
The name of Mariolu derives from “mariolo” (thief) a nickname the overseas fishermen gave to the Monk Seal. The latter, in fact, used to plunder the fish from the nets of fishermen. Just one mile to the north from Cala Mariolu, there is the Fico Cave, one of the last shelters of the Monk Seal, a cave among the most suggestive of the island.
The view will take your breath away. The cliff, covered by the typical Mediterranean vegetation, reaches about 500 meters of height. It falls to the sea both in the north and in the south side, and surrounds the small cove to the west, making Cala Mariolu almost inaccessible from land. Punta Ispuligi is today the only point of access by land, despite the dense Mediterranean scrub. In the past it served as a natural jetty for the loading of coal by the coalmen, called “furisteris” by the locals. Several of them settled in the town of Baunei. A huge rock divides the northern part of the beach, called in Sardinian “sa perda‘ e su saltatori “, which acts as a springboard for adults and children as well as a pier for boats. In the north side of the cave, partially visible from the central rock, there is a small cave that can be reached with a couple of strokes. The cave is made of a small beach with very white pebbles, and goes backwards in the mountain, leaving the slow work made by the waves of the sea, over the centuries, visible, for over 10 meters of depth.
The seabed deserves a careful exploration, with the mask for those with less confidence, with diving equipment for anyone wishing to explore it deeply. Fishes are visible to the naked eye from the shore and already a few meters from the beach they are countless. You can meet some Aguglia, lots of glances, some lobster, groupers and other fishes. Dolphins also populate the coast and can be seen occasionally. Outside the water, instead, it is possible to see the Queen’s Hawk, the Cormorant of the Tuft, the Peregrine Falcon or the Golden Eagle, all rare species.
“By definition, it is one of the last paradise of nature, where faunal species such as the gull Corso, the falcon of the Queen and the Marangone dal Ciuffo, nest and live in symbiosis with a natural environment, rich of endemism. Jealously guarded by the guardians of the territory: the shepherds who even today grazes herds of goats.”
How to reach it
♦ Orange line: a stop to Cala Mariolu is planned;
♦ Red line: a stop to Cala Mariolu is planned;
♦ Green line: a stop to Cala Mariolu is planned;
Photo Gallery
Some pictures of Cala Mariolu.
♦ Pedra Longa;
♦ Cala Mariolu;
♦ Fico Cave;
♦ Cala Biriala;
♦ Cala Sisine;
♦ Cala Luna;
Book online
With the fleet of MareOgliastra Lines we will take you with our motor ships to explore 40 km of the wild coast of Baunei, leaving from the port of Arbatax or from the touristic port of Santa Maria Navarrese.
Get your ticket online and save 5% off! You don’t need to print it and you can skip the line!
The environmental contribution
An environmental contribution of € 1.00 is asked by the Association "Costa di Baunei"; its destination is to improve quality of services the association intend to offer, such as assistance on the beaches, more and more safe moorings for tourists, the cleaning of sandy shores and their protection and conservation over time.
Travel with MareOgliastra Lines
Why choose us to discover the incredible cost of Baunei
There are many ways to visit the coast of Baunei by sea. Here the reasons why choosing to travel with the MareOgliastra Lines represents a guarantee for your day trip in the Gulf of Orosei.
♦ Comfort
Our motor ships, as well as safe, are comfortable. On board there are seats in the shade and in the sun, in semi-enclosed and outdoor areas. Also tables where you can consume a snack or your packed lunch. The boats are equipped with toilets. It’s our habit to try to make you feel more comfortable while traveling around the Gulf.
♦ Serenity
It is our job to offer transport service to passengers. We comply with the standards required by current regulations, our motor ships are well equipped to carry passengers. Furthermore, we provide customer assistance from before purchasing the ticket until the end of the day spent with us (and even after). We are always on time with arrival and departure from the coves.
♦ Safety
We comply with the required safety standards and we only operates with approved motor ships for passenger transportation. Our crews are well trained and have experience in navigation. Our boats are large enough to guarantee more stability and safety than other types of boats, even in case of windy days.
♦ For everyone
Everyone can take a trip to the coves with us. We work with schools and kindergartens, with groups of seniors and high schools in occasion of sports initiatives and educational trips.
Our boats are suitable for families with small children, who are welcome on board along with their inseparable strollers. We are able to transport people with motor disability. There’s the possibility, under request, to carry passengers in a wheelchair.
♦ Experience
We have been traveling along the coast of Baunei since the 1980s. We have behind a wide knowledge that allow us to get the best out of the Gulf every day and face every situation in the best way. We know the coast of Baunei and its history: we try to share with you as much as possible on our website and during navigation.
♦ Warranty
The MareOgliastra Lines offers a stable service. Every summer, from May 1st to October 15th, our boats take you to the discovery of an incomparable Mediterranean stretch. For over 40 years!
Our Fleet
Our confortable and safe motor ships will carry you through the discovery of one of the most suggestive slice of heaven in the whole Mediterranean. Boats capacity from 90 to 300 seats.
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How to buy on-line
It is possible to buy tickets from this site, either via computer or smartphone. Our system is a simple and safe way for you to purchase your ticket.
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How does the trip work?
Leaving in the morning, return in the evening. During the day an alternation of visit at the beach and boating until the next one, as planned by the line you choose. You should get your ticket at least the day before!
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