About Chia
South Sardinia is a marvelous place to spend a summer vacation in Italy. Known for its beautiful scenery, pristine beaches, and great weather up to October, this is a top destination for those who’d like to enjoy a relaxing holiday in an extraordinary place. Chia Beach is one of the best beaches in the province of Cagliari. The blue-turquoise sea and sometimes peach-colored sand you’ll often find at Aruba beaches are famous and a big reason to visit this pocket of Sardinia. There are dunes, too, dotted with juniper trees. Chia Beach is also famed for its wildlife spotting opportunities and is perfect for families with children. Behind the beach, you’ll find a picturesque lagoon where pink flamingos come to breed. Sometimes, dolphins head to Chia Beach and can be seen swimming out to sea. And there’s more! The Torre di Chia is an excellent viewpoint worth the walk and ideal for some souvenir photos. You can also walk to the island at Su Giudeu from this bay and enjoy the beach. Or why not spend time at the Baia Chia restaurant on this beach? Campana Dune is another famous beach famous for its 20 meters high dunes. You’ll discover Su Portu, popular with families and windsurfers just east of Chia Beach. Families with children will also enjoy Malfatano Beach near Cagliari. There are many sandy places to choose from all along this beautiful coastline. If you like the outdoors, then Chia is the perfect destination. You’ll find all kinds of water sports in this area, and the Chia Classic attracts visitors yearly for the kitesurfing competition. As well as kitesurfing, you’ll find kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing in and around Chia Beach. Other activities include windsurfing at Su Portu, paddle boating, and surfing. Su Giudeu is one of the best beaches for water sports, including surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You’ll also find horse riding in this area, and there are some fantastic rides close to the resorts and in the neighboring countryside. Walkers will discover some beautiful trails in and around Chia with spectacular views. Bike rental is available, too, and is an excellent way to get around the area. There are several golf courses around Chia, which are very popular with visitors to the area. Chia is far enough away from Cagliari to be a peaceful place for a vacation but near enough for a day visit. This historic city is famed for its ancient amphitheater and the Cittadella dei Musei. There are old piazzas and a beautiful Duomo too. Find a restaurant by the waterfront, or wander the narrow streets marveling at the architecture. It is easy to get to and is perfect for a day away from the beach. The airport is just outside Cagliari, making it an accessible destination when visiting Sardinia. In Chia, you’ll find art and craft shops and galleries, which are a delight to browse after a day on the beach.
Chia Map
- ✔ Use the Google and Booking map below to explore the area.
- ✔ Fill in your holiday dates to get an accurate view of available accommodations near Chia.
Where to Stay in Chia - Our Top Picks
Chia Laguna - Hotel Laguna
You will find many quality hotels in Chia, but the truth is, few offer the same hospitality and local touch as Hotel Laguna. Situated on the doorstep of a stunning lagoon and featuring breathtaking views, this four-star hotel is one of the most sought-after places to stay in south Sardinia and home to an impressive lineup of rooms. The immediate surroundings are equally impressive with scintillating gardens and a pristine pool. Furthermore, the Chia Natural Spa is always open to guests while La Terrazza restaurant is the perfect place to unwind in the evening. Guests receive a complimentary visit to the spa during their stay, and the above-mentioned restaurant has one of the most exceptional reputations in town. Featuring a beautiful interior and a wide range of traditional Sardinian dishes along with international cuisine, expectations are most often surpassed in La Terrazza. As for the rooms, there are many options from which to choose and some of these will suit group bookings. For example, both the family and garden rooms are spacious and very accessible given that they are on the ground floor. On the other hand, the classic and superior rooms will suit couples and include great balcony views. As you might expect, for a five-star hotel, Hotel Laguna goes above and beyond at every turn in these rooms, from the bed sheets and modern furnishings to the immaculate cleanliness and luxurious bathrooms. Indeed, the décor is elegant, and with attention to detail in every way, something the staff is quick to replicate to guests. Car hire is available and so too is a free shuttle service to Le Dune Di Campana Beach. However, there is rarely any need to leave this fantastic resorts such is the comfort and excellent array of facilities.
Hotel Village
Hotel Village is one of the most popular hotels for families in Chia and a large resort with everything you could want on vacation in Sardinia. Take the location, for example, Hotel Village is situated right on the doorstep of a stunning beach with nature all around. At the same time, you will also find this nature within the grounds of the hotel, for they are extremely leafy and a luscious place to unwind. In this sense, you really could consider this a village rather than a hotel as evidenced in the sense of community throughout. With this in mind, Hotel Village is a great place for families to meet and spend time while the kids club never fails to delight the little ones. Although Bouganville is often attributed as being a good restaurant, there are many to choose from nearby, and each offers a slightly different take on the local cuisine. There is a spectacular beach nearby and a shuttle train to transport guests at regular intervals. Regarding the sleeping quarters, the rooms at Hotel Village more than live up to the expectations of a four-star hotel and you should find they are extremely luxurious. Featuring large beds, tiled floors, television, air conditioning and bright colors, they are both relaxing and well equipped while the generously sized windows ensure there is always natural light. All considered Hotel Village is one of the finest hotels in Chia and an alternative to those wanting to take advantage of nearby amenities without having to cover the slightly higher price of other nearby hotels.
Hotel Aquadulci
A perfectly situated boutique hotel in Chia is Hotel Aquadulci which is widely regarded as one of the finest places to stay in the area. Featuring elegant rooms, friendly staff, and excellent amenities, there is more than enough here to write home about, but instead, guests often write this in their online reviews. In many ways, the overall character and décor of the hotel are a reflection of the surrounding area, for they are both natural and unobtrusive. You can see this in the rooms, for they consist of bright hues and wooden furnishings while the walls are covered in a stunning collection of art. Furthermore, you will find such caring for detail in the fabrics of the bed linen, the spacious bathroom and the gentle approach by the staff. Food at Hotel Aquadulci is another art which guests are quick to compliment. While some of the international dishes are sumptuous, the local cuisine is particularly wholesome which makes it a clear highlight and the atmosphere in the dining areas is both warm and inviting. Whether you decide to spend time lounging in the beautiful pool area or take a stroll on the beach, this is an ideal getaway for people yearning for a quiet stay in south Sardinia. That being said, you will also find a range of things to do in the area with many coves to explore and horse riding should you feel a little more active. With an intimate atmosphere, excellent food, impressive rooms, and a beachfront location; Hotel Aquadulci is a safe bet when it comes to choosing a hotel in Chia.
Forte Village Resort - Bouganville
The Forte Village Resort is arguably one of the most enticing beachfront resorts near Chia and for some very good reasons. After all, you will not find many hotel grounds as lush and tropical with endless arrangements of plants and flowers. This is a particularly favorable beach resort for families in Chia with a stunning private swimming pool and excellent sports facilities. In fact, when it comes to entertainment, Forte Village Resort also has a kids club and an academy to keep everyone entertained. Guests can also avail of the many restaurants in the Forte Village Resort, for there are more than twenty to choose from in high season and most of these receive nothing but five-star reviews. As for the rooms, each one is bright and clean with a large patio and all the modern conveniences you might expect in a resort of this standard. Indeed, every room is equipped with air conditioning, LCD television, and minibar, not to mention the spacious bathroom. Guests can venture out of the many other restaurants in the resort, but breakfast at the Forte Village Resort is served on a wonderful terrace, and this is included in many of the hotel packages. Although Forte Village Resort consists of many top hotels, Bougainville is a reliable choice where the children can find endless entertainment while the parents can relax and unwind.
Things to Do in Chia
Horseback Riding at Maneggio di Giancarlo Cabras
Something strange happens when you take to the saddle for the first time. Instead of yearning for a particular destination or an objective of any kind, you learn to appreciate your immediate surroundings. That is to say; horse riding is the perfect way to feel present and take in the natural environment in Chia. From the stunning beaches and iconic lighthouse to the enchanting trails and luscious trees; there is much to see in Chia and horseback is simply the best way to encounter these attractions. At the same time, horse riding is one of the most popular things to do in Chia for other reasons. After all, the owner is rather famous in the region and the horses are nothing short of immaculate. Giancarlo Cabras takes time and care of these beautiful beasts to ensure the guests are provided with healthy companions. Furthermore, the guides are highly professional and knowledgeable about the areas in which you will travel. For this reason, horseback excursions are an excellent way to gain insight into the local area while uncovering Chia in a very unobtrusive way. As for experience, you do not need any to participate in a horseback excursion, and this is also one of the most exciting things to do in Chia for children. Whether you wish to join as a beginning or to gallop along the beaches, Maneggio di Giancarlo Cabras is usually able to accommodate any such preference. When you consider the very primitive nature of horses, they offer a unique opportunity to witness the ancient landscapes of Chia in a way that you are unlikely to forget anytime soon.
Visit Torre di Chia
When it comes to the history of Southwest Sardinia, Torre di Chia is such an enchanting place to explore. Located on a hilltop with stunning views of the ocean, this popular attraction in Sardinia is, in fact, an iconic tower with a colorful past. Interestingly, even though the translation of Torre di Chia is “Spanish Tower”, many visitors arrive at this area to enjoy the spectacular views as opposed to the story behind the structure. With this in mind, the tower can be an enlightening encounter and far more memorable than the expectations that most people are likely to have for their visit. Located right next to the beach in Chia, the tower sits on a promontory which was once the Acropolis for an ancient town known as Bithia. Built in 1578, the tower was equipped with many canons and used as a defensive structure for the Chia River. Interestingly, the tower was called into action on many occasions as pirates sought access to the nearby river but the vantage point and firepower were usually enough to fend off any invaders. You can see the tower from any beach in Chia and once at the foot of the hill; it should take less than thirty minutes to walk to the top. Torre di Chia is now one of the most interesting things to do in Chia and a worthwhile way to spend a morning or afternoon.
ATV Tour of Hidden Beaches from Chia
How about exploring a few beaches on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)? An experienced guide will always accompany you as you wind your way along the dirt trails between some of the best beaches of south Sardinia. Every beach has its character, and the views are breathtaking. The beaches at Cala Cipolla and Su Coldorinu in particular are stunning, and the Capo Spartivento lighthouse strikes an awe-inspiring sight on the coastline. During this tour, you will also have time to dive in for a swim and experience the crystal blue waters up close. Colorful fish are often visible, and a short dip is a perfect way to cool down after a drive in the sunshine. This ATV tour is not just one of the most fun things to do in Chia but also a dream for any photographer. The natural light and surroundings are otherworldly throughout the tour, and you can stop whenever you want to take some snaps. Does anyone need to point out how fun it can be to drive an ATV? You will surely enjoy the rush on this tour while drinking in the scenery of Southern Sardinia!
Is Cannoneris Nature Reserve Walking and Jeep Private Tour
Foresta di Is Cannoneris is a stunning Nature Reserve in southern Sardinia, and one of the most exciting things to see near Chia. You will encounter green forests with immense oak trees and rolling landscapes with lots of colorful flora. This is a unique tour because it takes you far away from the towns and villages on the mainland. The air is fresh, and the sense of silence offers a different insight into Sardinian life. The extent of wildlife here is incredible, as you might see anything from sheep and donkeys to deer, wild boar, and eagles. Guests also have the opportunity to try some “sa picchettada,” which is a typical snack in Sardinia. Farms are plentiful on the island, so this tour is suitable for all ages, including children who might enjoy interacting with farm animals. There is also time to visit the ancient Nuraghe ruins, where the drystone buildings date back to 1500 BC. With two departures times (9 AM and 3 PM), this trip is easy to arrange, and the green havens of Foresta di Is Cannoneris are sure to impress.
More Places to Visit Near Chia
Porto Pino
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Chia Restaurants - Where to Eat
Ristorante Mirage (Traditional Sardinian Food, Pizza)
🏠 10, Viale Chia, Chia, Sardegna, 09010, Italy.📱 Telephone: +39 070 9230249
Ristorante Mirage is home to one of the most significant reputations and largest restaurants in Chia. Situated in the midst of luscious Mediterranean scenery, at a walking distance from the beach, this stunning restaurant is part of an equally beautiful resort. Surrounded by gardens, the setting can feel private and remote while the rather vibrant atmosphere is symbolic of the colorful culture on the island of Sardinia. In many ways, Ristorante Mirage is also one of the more authentic places to eat in Chia, for the food is carefully prepared with only the finest local ingredients. From mussels and risotto to pasta and pizza; the menu is vast and varied which makes the restaurant particularly suitable for families. Guests usually find that this is a restaurant for all occasions with attentive staff, inviting décor and a general standard which more than meets the expectations. As already mentioned, the staff is amicable at Ristorante Mirage and symbolic of the locals in the region. You will find knowledgeable waiters and advice if needed, but overall, it is this detailed approach which can make all the difference. Furthermore, it is often from these members of staff that guests can learn more about the origin of their meal, for the ingredients are homegrown and delivered by local farmers and fishermen. Regarding the layout, Ristorante Mirage is divided up into three separate areas with one on the street level and another facing onto a wonderful terrace. If you arrive early in the day, the shade of nearby fig trees is an inviting place to enjoy lunch but either way, the experience is typically Sardinian from start to finish.
Ristorante Whiteluna (Italian Food, Sushi)
🏠 Viale Mediterraneo, Chia, Sardegna, 09010, Italy.📱 Telephone: +39 070 92391
Although the cuisine in Ristorante Whiteluna can be quite traditional, this is arguably the most contemporary restaurant in Chia. In fact, there are few eateries on the entire island which feature such an abstract and distinctly cosmopolitan vibe which also seems to filter into the menu. Located in the basement, the lack of natural light inside is more than made up for with beautifully bright decorations and furnishings. In many ways, the lightness of this design seems to contribute to a warm atmosphere while the friendly staff has a similar impact. The menu is just as impressive with a wide range of both Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. From succulent steak and grilled potatoes to creamy pasta and delectable sushi; this menu is vast but also competent at every turn. That is to say, many restaurants in Chia can substitute quality for quantity on a menu whereas Ristorante Whiteluna ensures every dish is made to perfection. Aside from one of the most memorable restaurant settings on the island, the food is more than memorable, and with such friendly staff, you should understand as to why this is the most contemporary place to eat in Chia.
How To Get To Chia
Have you thought about arranging a rental car in Sardinia?
For some great deals, check out our Sardinia Car Hire page!
The nearest airport to Chia is Cagliari Elmas Airport. To get to Chia by car, just head south on the Strada Statale 195 Sulcitana, it's the fastest route. You'll reach Chia right after you've passed Santa Margherita di Pula. Total travel time shouldn't be more than about one hour.
Beaches Near Chia
Monte Cogoni Beach
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Spiaggia di Campana Dune
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Spiaggia di Malfatano
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Spiaggia di Chia sa Colonia
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Perda Longa
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Cala Ferraglione
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Cala Cipolla
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