Discover Chia with its stunning beaches, dramatic coastline and unspoilt landscape

Sardinia is famous for its beaches and Chia’s coastline is amongst the most spectacular. Unlike the busier northern regions, Chia boasts wider, less crowded beaches with peach-colored sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters evoking Caribbean comparisons.

Sa Colonia, Campana and Su Giudeu merge into a straight stretch of coast approximately three kilometers long. As some of the most beautiful Sardinian beaches in Italy, they are framed with sand dunes up to 30 meters high and dotted with juniper trees. Due to the perfect wind conditions, the Chia Classic is held here every year and attracts numerous visitors to the kitesurfing competition.

At Su Giudeu, the long and wide beach faces  a small island, which can be reached on foot through the shallow water, depending on the tide. Then there’s Cala Cipolla with its breathtaking reefs which inspires divers and snorkelers alike. 

Families and those who enjoy a relaxing beach break can embrace the turquoise waters of Su Portu and the Caribbean scenes of Tuerredda, a protected beach where no more than 440 visitors are allowed every day. The soft-white sands of Torre Chia, Porticciolo are perfect for sandcastle building and fun in the water or alternatively there’s Cala Antoniareddu which is a bit harder to reach so offers a more secluded setting.

Chia isn’t just about beaches - it’s surrounded by dunes, lagoons, and wild landscapes so is a paradise for nature lovers. You can spot pink flamingos in the Chia lagoons, hike through Mediterranean scrub or explore hidden trails along the coast.

Whilst Costa Smeralda may attract celebrities, world leaders and the glitterati, Chia offers a more natural, untouched beauty without the heavy commercialization. It’s a haven for families, couples and active holidaymakers.

Chia is the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure. You’ll find all kinds of water sports at Chia Beach with sailing, kayaking and snorkeling, windsurfing at Su Portu and surfing and scuba diving at Su Giudeu. 

Walkers will discover beautiful trails including the Roman Road coastal hike with spectacular views. Bike rental is available, and you can enjoy horse riding with some fantastic rides on the dunes at sunset. There are several golf courses, too.

If you’re after something a bit more adventurous then Golfo di Orosei on Sardinia’s east coast is the ideal spot. The dramatic coastline can be best explored by boat with many caves and coves providing perfect opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in Sardinia. For hiking enthusiasts, don’t miss the Gorrupu Gorge and the stunning coastal trail networks, extending south of Orosei. Then for those with mountaineering experience and fancying a serious challenge, there’s Selvaggio Blu. This multi-day route takes you through deep gorges, unspoiled terrain and up cliff faces to magnificent views of the Mediterranean that only a few will have seen.

Whether on the water or land, Sardinia’s coastline is a treasure trove of opportunities to get active and embrace nature at its finest.

If you’re more into culture and history, then you’ll find plenty of things to do in Chia.

The capital Cagliari is just an hour’s drive away, offering nightlife, shopping, and an opportunity to experience authentic Sardinian culture. Visit the historic four quarters with their domes, palaces and narrow streets and explore the two 14th Century watchtowers, Torre di San Pancrazio and Torre dell’Elefante. Then relax in La Marina with its maze of bars, restaurants, cafes and palm-fringed waterfront.

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is another top spot to visit with its collection of bronze figurines. Then there’s the Pinacoteca Nazionale art gallery with pieces dating back to the 15th and the 17th century. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend city break, there’s much to experience in Cagliari.

You can’t visit Sardinia without experiencing the Roman Amphitheater built in 2AD! The ancient ruins of Nora are one of Sardinia’s most important Phoenician and Roman archaeological sites and offer a glimpse into the storied past of the island. See beautiful mosaics, thermal baths, the Temple of Tanit, The Forum and a house with a tetrastyle atrium dating back to the 3rd century AD.

Then end your excursion with a visit to Pula Town known for its charming alleys, perfect for shopping and dining.

While other tourist hubs have more international and high-end dining, Chia offers a traditional and authentic Sardinian food experience. Costa Smeralda may exude fine dining but that comes with a premium price tag. When it comes to food in Sardinia, Italy, you’ll find Chia’s restaurants more affordable but equally as delicious.

Local dishes such as Malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) with saffron and sausage, fresh seafood and bottarga are all popular choices. Cannonau and Vermentino wines, produced locally, are the ideal accompaniment to your dining experience.

Less developed than other tourist spots, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts with spectacular beaches and dramatic landscapes, Chia stands out as one of the best destinations in Sardinia. Experience its wild beauty at Radisson Hotels, and let its authenticity captivate your soul and bring you back time and time again.