More a collection of hotels, holiday homes and campgrounds than a traditional village, Chia is surrounded by rusty-red hills tufted with tough macchia. Its beaches are hugely popular, drawing an annual influx of sunseekers, windsurfers and water-sports enthusiasts. To see what all the fuss is about, head up to the Spanish watchtower and look to the west to Spiaggia Sa Colonia, the area's largest and busiest beach, and to the east to the smaller Spiaggia Su Portu.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Laguna di Nora

8.82 MILES

On the western side of the Nora promontory, you can often spy pink flamingos stalking around the Laguna di Nora. To learn more about the lagoon and its…

2. Nora

8.92 MILES

About 4km from Pula, Nora's ruins are all that remain of what was once one of Sardinia's most powerful cities. Founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century…

3. Chiesa di Sant'Efisio

8.94 MILES

Before heading up to the archaeological site at Nora, take a moment to stop at this pint-sized Romanesque church. Dating to the 12th century, it marks the…

4. Museo Archeologico

9.41 MILES

Pula's small archaeology museum provides a useful introduction to what lies down the road at Nora. Alongside ceramics found in Punic and Roman tombs, some…

5. Le Grotte Is Zuddas

12.75 MILES

Five kilometres south of Santadi, the Grotte Is Zuddas is a fascinating cave system. Of particular note are the helictites in the main hall. No one really…

6. Spiaggia Porto Pino

15.25 MILES

The best and busiest of the beaches in this neck of the woods, Spiaggia Porto Pino is at the eponymous resort near Sant'Anna Arresi. A favourite with…

7. Museo Etnografico 'Sa Domu Antiga'

15.45 MILES

To give an idea of how villagers lived in the early 20th century, this small museum recreates the home of a relatively well-off rural worker. Admission…

8. Cantina Santadi

17 MILES

On the road between Santadi and Villaperuccio, this award-winning winery is the place to stock up on local wines. Particularly good are the highly rated…