Overlooking crystal-clear blue waters and Mediterranean landscapes, this luxurious stretch lies on Sardinia’s south coast. It is about an hour from the glitzy port of the capital, Cagliari, where the ultra-wealthy flock to in their superyachts.
The small coastal town of Chia is home to just a handful of accommodations and no flashy beach clubs. Instead, it is characterised by peace, nature and daily sea swims.
It has a unique combination of unspoilt nature and archaeology, from the pine forests of Santa Margherita to the ancient site of Nora. Chia is home to very little compared with the bigger tourist spots of Sardinia, just a number of small shops, restaurants and a typical Sardinian cheese dairy.
Torre di Chia – a defensive Saracen tower from the 16th-century – was built by the Spanish crown to defend against incursions by Barbary pirates.
Unlike the noise of boat engines and music in Cagliari, here you can only hear the sound of cicadas until you reach the sea, when the waves then take over. This area is particularly known for the colour of the water, with white powder sand.
Speaking of beaches, Sardinian coastlines in this region have often been compared to those in the Caribbean, with the most popular being Monte Cogoni, Spiaggia di Su Portu, Campana Dune and Spiaggia Su Giudeu. Of particular note is Turredda, described as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, if not “one of the most beautiful beaches in the world”, according to one visitor on Tripadvisor.
Most of the beaches combine both organised and undeveloped and natural areas. They are all classified as child friendly, and many with ideal wind conditions for surfers, kitesurfers and sailors.
Just 11 miles, or a 20 minute drive away is the equally beautiful low-rise beach town of Pula, with its small church, colourful bunting and fairy lights. In the evenings, one can sit and enjoy a bowl of pasta or freshly-cooked pizza while listening to evening entertainment at the town square.
One can then stroll through the pretty streets, often adorned with colourful umbrellas, before stopping in one of the gelato shops, including Sottozero.
Near Pula is the archaeological site of Nora, one of the most important cities in ancient times, keeping a central role in the Mediterranean. Situated right by the sea and partially submerged, it was first discovered when a storm surge uncovered some of its ancient cemetery. Several Roman streets and public buildings can be found, including the Forum, an amphitheatre, aqueduct complex and extensive mosaic floors.
On Tripadvisor, one visitor described Chia’s beaches as “paradise”, while another said “it would be hard to find a beach more beautiful than this”. Another described Pula as “the prettiest town in southern Sardinia”.
