The beaches of Chia Sardinia could easily rival those found in the Caribbean.
Located in south Sardinia, Chia isn’t a town. It’s a scenic area known for some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.
Chia’s beaches offer breathtaking beauty and a tranquil beach holiday escape. Picture a scene of pristine white sands and crystal clear waters against juniper-clad dunes.
Here’s a closer look at four of the best beaches in Chia.
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IS CHIA SARDINIA WORTH VISITING?
Whether Chia Sardinia is worth visiting depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the ideal destination for you:
Pros:
- Stunning Beaches: Chia features Sardinia’s pristine beaches with clear turquoise waters, white or pink sand, and scenic dunes.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Chia is a great place to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun. It’s not a party destination, so if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway, Chia is a perfect choice.
- Family-Friendly: Chia offers family-friendly resorts and hotels with kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and amenities.
- Beautiful Surroundings: The area around Chia is stunning, with rolling hills, vineyards, and traditional Sardinian villages. There are also a number of archaeological sites in the area, such as the ancient city of Nora.
- Good Food: Chia has a number of good restaurants serving fresh seafood, pasta, and other regional specialties.
Cons:
- Limited Activities: While Chia offers beach relaxation, hiking, biking, and windsurfing, it has limited other activities or attractions.
- Can Be Pricey: Chia, a popular tourist spot, has higher accommodation and dining prices, especially in peak season.
- Windy Days: The Mistral Wind, a strong northwesterly wind from southern France, affects Sardinia, especially in spring. Strong winds benefit windsurfing and kitesurfing but may affect beach holiday preferences. It can still be felt in the summer months but with less intensity.
GETTING TO THE CHIA BEACHES
The closest airport to Chia is Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), which is located about 42 kilometers/26 miles away.
The best way to explore Chia’s beaches is by car. Rent a vehicle in Cagliari for the most flexible itinerary.
Alternatively, during the summer months, there are bus services available from Cagliari to Chia.
Most beaches offer parking lots, though they can fill up quickly in peak season. Consider using public transport or shuttles offered by local hotels to avoid parking hassles.
SA COLONIA BEACH
📍Location: 09010 Domus de Maria, Province of South Sardinia, Italy
Unique Features:
- Scenic Views: Locally known as Spiaggia di Sa Colonia, this Chia beach embodies Sardinia’s pristine beauty and serene shoreline. It’s set against a backdrop of ancient juniper trees and Mediterranean vegetation, leading down to soft, golden sands.
- Exploration: The beach is famed for its views of the Torre di Chia, an old Spanish watchtower on a nearby hill. A short hike to the tower offers panoramic views of the coastline and is highly recommended, especially at sunset.
- Crystal Clear Waters: The clear, turquoise waters provide perfect conditions for swimming and snorkeling, especially near the rock formations at the beach’s ends.
Activities:
- Water Sports: Sa Colonia is the perfect spot for paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling. It’s the ideal place to enjoy the calm, clear waters at a leisurely pace.
Accessibility and Facilities:
- Family-friendly: Sa Colonia’s shallow waters near the shore make it an ideal spot for families with children.
- Getting There: Sa Colonia is easily accessible by car, with parking available close to the beach. Its proximity to the main road makes it one of the more convenient beaches in Chia for visitors to reach.
- Amenities: The beach offers sun loungers and umbrella rentals, plus kiosks and bars for refreshments and light meals, making it ideal for a day-long visit.
SU GIUDEU BEACH
📍 Location: 09010 Domus de Maria, Metropolitan City of Cagliari, Italy
Spiaggia di Su Giudeu, an iconic Sardinian beach, is famous for its natural beauty, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters. Situated on Sardinia’s southern coast near charming Chia, Su Giudeu is a paradise for beachgoers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Unique Features:
- Scenic Beauty: Su Giudeu’s picturesque landscape features rolling dunes, Mediterranean scrub, and juniper trees, enhancing its pristine, natural charm.
- Island of Su Giudeu: Accessible by swimming or wading, this small island lies just off the coast of Su Giudeu. It’s a popular spot for snorkeling and marine exploration.
- Flamingos: Su Giudeu is surrounded by rich birdlife, including flamingos in nearby lagoons, offering unique birdwatching.
Activities:
- Water Sports: The beach, famous for ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding, attracts water sports enthusiasts from around the world.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Clear waters and the nearby island offer perfect conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving, with many underwater sites to explore.
- Relaxation: The beach’s vast expanse is ideal for sunbathing and relaxation, offering ample space for finding a quiet spot away from crowds.
Accessibility and Facilities
- Amenities: Spiaggia di Su Giudeu offers essentials like sunbed and umbrella rentals, beach bars, and local cuisine restaurants. There are also lifeguard services during the peak season for added safety.
- Accessibility: The beach is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. In summer, it’s busy, so early arrival is recommended for a good spot on the beach and parking.
CHIA BEACH
📍 Location: 09010, Domus de Maria SU, Italy
Unique Features:
- Pristine Waters: The beach boasts crystal-clear turquoise water that is shallow and calm, ideal for swimming and water activities.
- Soft, Golden Sand: Spiaggia di Chia boasts a long, fine, soft golden sand stretch beautifully contrasting with the blue sea.
- Natural Dunes: The beach features high dunes with fragrant Mediterranean vegetation, enhancing its beauty and supporting local wildlife.
- Flamingos: Nearby lagoons like Stagno di Chia host pink flamingos and birds, offering unique bird-watching chances.
Activities:
- Water Sports: Spiaggia di Chia’s favorable winds make it ideal for water sports like windsurfing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Clear waters and marine life make snorkeling and scuba diving popular.
- Hiking: Visitors can explore via hiking trails for stunning coastal views and discovering local flora and fauna.
Accessibility and Facilities:
- Accessibility: Spiaggia di Chia is easily accessible by car, with a parking lot available near the beach. Some areas might require a short walk through the dunes.
- Facilities: The beach offers facilities like sun beds, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants serving Sardinian cuisine.
- Family-Friendly: The gentle sea slope and amenities make it a family-friendly beach for all ages.
CALA CIPOLLA BEACH
📍 Location: Viale Spartivento, 09010 Chia SU, Italy
Unique Features:
- Secluded Paradise: This secluded cove features fine white sand and clear turquoise waters, nestled between rocky headlands for privacy.
- Natural Scenery: The beach, backed by a lush pine forest, offers shade and a scenic contrast to the blue color of the sea.
- Lighthouse of Capo Spartivento: A short hike leads to Capo Spartivento lighthouse, offering panoramic coastline views and a perfect sunset spot.
Activities:
- Swimming and Snorkeling: The calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, perfect for exploring marine life.
Accessibility and Facilities:
- Accessibility: Cala Cipolla is a short walk from the nearby parking area. Parking is limited so arrive early. The path leading to the beach winds through picturesque landscapes, enhancing the anticipation of reaching the beach itself.
- Facilities: Being a more secluded beach, facilities at Cala Cipolla are minimal. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies, such as water, snacks, and sun protection. This lack of development helps preserve the beach’s natural beauty but means that planning ahead is crucial.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHIA BEACHES
- July or August: For the warmest weather and the most vibrant atmosphere. This is the high season so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
- May, June, September, or October: Fewer crowds, and more affordable prices. Good weather for the most part, but chance of some rain showers, especially in May and October.
WHERE TO STAY
Chia Laguna Resort:
Chia Laguna is a sprawling resort located on the southern tip of Sardinia, Italy. It’s the perfect place to enjoy beautiful beaches, luxurious accommodations, and family-friendly amenities.
Chia Laguna Resort consists of three hotels:
- Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, which is a 5-star hotel
- Hotel Village, a 4-star hotel made up of a cluster of cottages
- Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia Curio Collection, a Hilton 5-star hotel
The resort boasts a variety of facilities, including:
- Six swimming pools, including a dedicated children’s pool
- Five bars and seven restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, from Sardinian specialties to international fare
- Sports facilities include a football pitch, tennis courts, a pitch and putt course, a gym, and a beauty center.
- A kids’ club with supervised activities
- A spa offering a variety of treatments and massages
- A central square with shops, boutiques, and a pharmacy
Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, and horseback ride in the surrounding area.
Final thoughts…
Overall, Chia is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday. It’s an unforgettable experience with miles of unspoiled beaches. However, if you’re looking for a place with many activities and attractions, you might want to consider another destination.
FURTHER READING:
• Planning a Trip To Italy: The Ultimate Guide
• 39 Things To Know Before Traveling to Italy (So You’ll Feel Like A Local)
• Dreaming Of A Blissful Summer in Italy? Tips To Know Before You Go
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