Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu is also known as is pùligi de nie (the snow fleas) for the round, white and pink pebbles, mixed with sand, that make it up. Cala Mariolu, in the territory of Baunei, owes its name to the monk seal that, it is said, ‘stole’ the catch from the nets of fishermen from Ponza, hence it was called the mariolo (thief).
Its panorama is striking for its infinite shades of blue, emerald green and azure, and for the pebbles that look like snowflakes. The cliff that surrounds it reaches a height of 500 metres and falls sheer to the water both to the north and south, making Cala Mariolu accessible from land only by a challenging trek (for experts) amidst dense Mediterranean scrub.
The shallow seabed is worth diving with a mask for those less familiar or with scuba equipment for those who want to explore it in depth: it is the habitat of various species. Even dolphins can be glimpsed offshore from time to time. Out of the water, on the other hand, you will observe peregrine and queen falcons, tufted cormorants and golden eagles.
The cove is most conveniently accessible by sea, with private boats or cove services departing from the ports of Arbatax, Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese. Nearby, there are many caves, one inside the cove: it begins with a small beach and descends ten metres in depth, the result of the incessant work of the sea over the centuries. Not far away is the suggestive Grotta del Fico (Fig Cave).
