Cala Martinella
A tiny, rocky cove in Sardinia with breathtaking turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and discovering a unique underwater sculpture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Cala Martinella
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tiny, rocky cove in Sardinia with breathtaking turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and discovering a unique underwater sculpture.
"Perfect! Very small but cosy beach. Water was pristine. You need to be lucky to find a parking lot an some space on the little beach."
🚗 Drive Carefully on Gravel Road
The last 2km are unpaved. Avoid if your car is low-profile. Park in Porto Rafael and walk if needed.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
The clear waters are teeming with fish and marine life. A must-do for snorkel enthusiasts!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Turquoise Waters
Cala Martinella Cove
Crystal-clear, shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and wading. A true slice of Sardinian paradise.
Underwater Sculpture
12 meters deep in Cala Martinella
A poignant WWII memorial sculpture dedicated to the fallen of the Regia Nave Trieste.
Abundant Marine Life
Cala Martinella waters
Excellent snorkeling opportunities with numerous fish, including sardines, and even starfish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Cala Martinella
What to Bring for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully on Gravel Road
The last 2km are unpaved. Avoid if your car is low-profile. Park in Porto Rafael and walk if needed.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
The clear waters are teeming with fish and marine life. A must-do for snorkel enthusiasts!
💧 Pack Essentials: No Facilities
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. There are no services at the cove.
📸 Capture the Stunning Scenery
The rocky cove and vibrant water offer incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully on Gravel Road
The last 2km are unpaved. Avoid if your car is low-profile. Park in Porto Rafael and walk if needed.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
The clear waters are teeming with fish and marine life. A must-do for snorkel enthusiasts!
💧 Pack Essentials: No Facilities
Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. There are no services at the cove.
📸 Capture the Stunning Scenery
The rocky cove and vibrant water offer incredible photo opportunities.
📍 Consider Parking Higher Up
Limited parking at the beach. Parking in the village and walking is a good alternative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cala Martinella is a small, stunning cove praised for its pristine turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities. While parking and beach space are limited, visitors find it a 'little piece of paradise' and a 'diamond' worth the effort to reach, especially for its natural beauty and unique underwater sculpture.
"A small rocky cove with a tiny beach. Stunning scenery and clear turquoise water. Parking is limited, I parked higher up the road in the village and walked the last 700m to the beach but there are a few spaces at the beach itself. The beach only needs about 6 or 7 people to fill it up but there are other areas on the rocks around the edges where you can sit and take in the scenery. Great for snorkelling with plenty of fish (and sea urchins). There are no facilities so take everything you’ll need with you. Well worth the effort as it is a little piece of paradise and the village itself is stunning."
Steven Mansfield
"Perfect! Very small but cosy beach. Water was pristine. You need to be lucky to find a parking lot an some space on the little beach. But then it‘s an absolut diamond 💎. Perfect also for snorkeling. Lot‘s of different fish."
Roman Schild
"Fantastic little beach! You get close by car, not too crowded. Pier where you can dive and beautiful water!"
Giacomo Sangiorgi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cala Martinella is accessible by car, but the final 2km of the road are unpaved and can be rough, especially for low-clearance vehicles. Many visitors opt to park in the nearby village of Porto Rafael and walk the remaining 700 meters to the cove.
Limited parking is available directly at the beach itself.
The road is gravel for the last 2 km and can be challenging. If you have a lowered car or are concerned about the terrain, it's best to park in Porto Rafael and walk.
Public transport options directly to Cala Martinella are limited. It's generally recommended to have a car or to arrange transport to the Porto Rafael area and then walk.
If parking at the cove is full, parking in Porto Rafael and enjoying a scenic walk to Cala Martinella is a popular and recommended alternative.
While not explicitly mentioned for direct drop-offs, boat tours in the Palau area often explore the stunning coastline, and Cala Martinella's beauty might be visible from the sea.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cala Martinella is a natural cove and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. Access is free for all visitors.
As a natural beach, Cala Martinella is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to access Cala Martinella. It's a public beach open to everyone.
Yes, Cala Martinella can be visited year-round. However, the winter months might offer a more secluded experience, as seen in some March visits.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's important to respect the natural environment and leave no trace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cala Martinella is a small, rocky cove with a tiny beach, often described as a 'diamond'. It's known for its stunning scenery, pristine turquoise waters, and is perfect for snorkeling.
The beach is very small and can fill up quickly with just a few people. It's best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds. +1
Cala Martinella is ideal for swimming, sunbathing on the rocks, and especially snorkeling. The clear waters offer great visibility to see various fish. +1
No, there are no facilities at Cala Martinella. Visitors need to bring their own water, food, and any other necessities.
While small, the shallow, clear waters can be enjoyable for children. However, the rocky terrain and limited space might be a consideration.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cove offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the vibrant turquoise water and rocky formations to the underwater sculpture. The late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots. 
Absolutely! The clarity of the water makes it perfect for underwater photography, especially for capturing the marine life and the submerged sculpture.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide a warm, golden glow. Both times are excellent for capturing the cove's beauty.
The unique underwater sculpture, visible at a depth of 12 meters, is a significant and unique subject for photographers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cove's expanse. If you plan on underwater shots, a waterproof camera or housing is essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cala Martinella's Underwater World
A unique feature of Cala Martinella is the underwater sculpture located at a depth of 12 meters. This artwork is dedicated to the fallen sailors of the Regia Nave Trieste, which sank during World War II in 1943.
Divers and snorkelers can seek out this poignant memorial, adding a layer of historical significance to the natural beauty of the cove. It's a reminder of the area's past, set against the vibrant backdrop of the present-day marine ecosystem.When planning your underwater adventure, remember to bring your own snorkeling gear. As there are no facilities at the cove, being prepared with your equipment ensures you can fully enjoy the aquatic wonders Cala Martinella has to offer. The combination of clear waters, abundant fish, and a unique submerged monument makes it a memorable destination for water enthusiasts.
Navigating to Cala Martinella: The Road Less Traveled
This approach not only bypasses the difficult road but also allows you to appreciate the scenic surroundings of Porto Rafael, a picturesque settlement known for its unique architecture and stunning coastal views.
+1 If you do choose to drive all the way, proceed with caution and be mindful of the terrain. Parking directly at Cala Martinella is very limited, often accommodating only a handful of cars. 
Social
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