Chia is a beach resort in southern Sardinia located in the municipality of Domus de Maria, around 50 km from Cagliari. Famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Chia is one of the most beautiful destinations on the southern Sardinian coast.
Everything You Need to Know about Chia in Sardinia
Distances from Chia
Airports
- Cagliari-Elmas: 55 km (50 minutes)
- Olbia Costa Smeralda: 308 km (3 hours 30 minutes)
- Alghero-Fertilia: 289 km (3 hours 15 minutes)
Main cities
- Cagliari: 55 km (58 minutes)
- Pula: 18 km (20 minutes)
- Villasimius: 117 km (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Oristano: 146 km (1 hour 50 minutes)
- Sassari: 260 km (3 hours)
- Olbia: 310 km (3 hours 30 minutes)
- Alghero: 297 km (3 hours 23 minutes)
Nearby locations
- Domus de Maria: 7.5 km (10 minutes)
- Teulada: 21 km (30 minutes)
- Nora (archaeological site): 19 km (24 minutes)
- Capo Spartivento: 8 km (15 minutes)
How to Get There
By car from Cagliari: Take the SS195 towards Pula/Teulada. Travel time: approximately 1 hour drive.
By bus: ARST line 129 from Cagliari to Teulada, Chia stop. Limited services, check schedules in advance.
Nearest airport: Cagliari-Elmas (55 km). Car rental recommended for easy mobility.
Chia’s Beaches: Which One to Choose
Su Giudeu Beach
- Length: aprox 1 km
- Seabed: sandy, gradually sloping
- Services: parking (€8-10/day), bar, umbrella rental (€40-50/day)
- Ideal for: families, swimmers
- Note: small island reachable by swimming
Cala Cipolla
- Length: aprox 400 meters
- Seabed: shallow for the first meters, perfect for children
- Services: free parking (limited), no bar
- Ideal for: those seeking tranquility
- Note: less crowded than Su Giudeu
Sa Colonia
- Length: aprox 700 meters
- Seabed: mixed sand and rocks
- Services: parking (€5/day), kiosk, equipment rental
- Ideal for: windsurfing and kitesurfing, snorkeling
- Note: at the foot of the Spanish Tower, Bithia ruins visible
Cala del Morto
- Length: aprox 100 meters
- Access: 5-minute trail from parking
- Services: none
- Ideal for: snorkeling, those seeking privacy
- Note: bring everything you need
Parking and Costs
High season (July-August): €5-10/day depending on the beach Low season: often free Recommended time: arrive by 9:00 AM to find a spot
Main parking lots fill up quickly in August. Alternatively, park along the road and walk 10-15 minutes.
When to Go
July-August
- Sea: temperature 24-26°C
- Crowds: high
- Wind: frequent mistral (ideal for windsurfing)
June and September
- Sea: temperature 21-23°C
- Crowds: medium-low
- Best quality/price period
May and October
- Sea: temperature 18-20°C
- Crowds: low
- Suitable for: trekking, excursions, low prices
Where to Eat
On the beach:
- Kiosks with sandwiches and salads: €8-12
- Bars with cold dishes: €10-15
In the area:
- Seafront restaurants: €25-40 per person
- Pizzerias: €15-25 per person
Tip: bring packed lunch if you want to save money. Supermarkets in Domus de Maria (5 km).
Activities
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
- Schools at Sa Colonia
- Basic course: €150-200 (3 days)
- Rental: €40-60/day
Snorkeling
- Best spots: Cala del Morto, Sa Colonia (near the rocks)
- Equipment rental: €10-15/day
Boat Excursions
- South coast tour: €50-70 per person (half day)
- Departure from Teulada or Pula port
Trekking
- Chia-Capo Spartivento coastal trail: 8 km, 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: medium
- Bring: closed shoes, water, hat
Recommended tour 👇🏻
What to See
Spanish Tower
- Free entrance
- Climb to tower: 10 minutes
- Panoramic view of the entire coast
Bithia Ruins
- Phoenician-Punic archaeological site (8th century BC)
- Partially submerged, visible from the beach
- Free entrance
Chia Lagoon
- Wetland area with pink flamingos (visible in spring and autumn)
- Free access, nature trail
Where to Stay
Hotels and resorts: from €100 to €400/night (high season) Apartments: from €70 to €200/night B&Bs: from €60 to €150/night Campsites: from €30 to €60/night per pitch
Book at least 3-4 months in advance for August. In June and September prices drop by 30-40%.
Choose something spectacular for your holiday in Chia 👇🏻
🌟 Case sul Mare Residenze di Bes
Useful Information
ATMs: available in Domus de Maria – Pharmacy: Domus de Maria – Emergency room: during summer ambulances are available on the main spots – Mobile signal: good coverage on main beaches – Wind: mistral often blows in the afternoon, bring windbreak
What to bring:
- High protection sunscreen
- Sunglasses and hat
- Rock shoes for some beaches
- Snorkeling mask
- Water (1.5-2 liters per person)
Final Tips
- Rent a car: public transport is limited
- Bring cash: not everyone accepts cards
- Respect the dunes: don’t walk on them, they’re protected
- Take your trash: bins often full in high season
- Check the weather: with strong mistral the sea can be rough
Chia is a dream destination in Sardinia, offers clean sea, beautiful beaches, and tranquility. With this guide you have all the practical information to organize your vacation without surprises.
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
Frequently Asked Questions About Chia (FAQ)
Q: Is Chia suitable for families with young children?
A: Yes, absolutely. Cala Cipolla and Su Giudeu have shallow, gradually sloping seabeds, ideal for children. Su Giudeu also offers complete services with bar and umbrella rental.
Q: Do I need to book parking in advance?
A: No, but in August it’s best to arrive by 9:00 AM. Parking lots fill up quickly. Cost: €5-10/day in high season.
Q: Can Chia be reached by public transport?
A: There are ARST buses from Cagliari but with limited services. Car rental is highly recommended to move freely between beaches.
Q: Which beach is the least crowded?
A: Cala del Morto and Cala Cipolla are generally less crowded than Su Giudeu, especially on weekdays.
Q: Can you snorkel in Chia?
A: Yes, the best spots are Cala del Morto and Sa Colonia near the rocks. Equipment rental available at €10-15/day.
Q: Are there restaurants on the beach?
A: Some beaches have kiosks and bars. For proper restaurants you need to go to Domus de Maria or Pula. Budget: €25-40 per person.
Q: When to visit Chia to save money?
A: May, June, September and October have lower prices (30-40% less). The sea is still pleasant in June and September.
Q: Can I visit Chia as a day trip from Cagliari?
A: Yes, it’s about 60 minutes by car. Perfect for a day trip, but it’s worth staying at least 2-3 days to explore all the beaches.
Q: Is Chia good for windsurfing?
A: Yes, Sa Colonia is excellent for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Schools offer courses (€150-200 for 3 days) and equipment rental (€40-60/day).
Q: What should I bring to the beach?
A: High protection sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, rock shoes for some beaches, snorkeling mask, and plenty of water (1.5-2 liters per person).