Sardinians call it Ispuligidenie, "snow fleas": the white and pink pebbles that turn Cala Mariolu's water an unreal blue. Repeatedly voted among the world's most beautiful beaches.
Getting there
The easy way is by sea: dinghies, boats and taxi boats leave every morning from Santa Maria Navarrese and Arbatax. The first run (usually 9am) finds the cove almost empty. Strong hikers can descend from the Golgo via the Ispuligidenie trail: 3 steep hours, experienced walkers only.
What to expect
The beach is small and access is capped: polished pebbles, a seabed that plunges into blue within metres, sheer limestone walls. Snorkelling here is among the island's best — bream, saddled seabream and, with luck, Eleonora's falcons nesting on the cliffs.
Our tips
- Book your boat the day before in high season.
- Water shoes: the pebbles are beautiful but unforgiving.
- Pack out everything you bring.
- Combine it with Cala dei Gabbiani and the Piscine di Venere, often included in tours.
From I Mandorli the harbour is 10 minutes away — and in the evening you return to the olive trees, far from the coastal crowds.