A Guide To Su Giudeu, Chia: 11 Best Things To Know

Su Giudeu is one of the most famous beaches in the area of Chia, in the southwestern tip of Sardinia. Locally known as Spiaggia di Su Giudeu (which translates to “the Jew” in English), this gorgeous sandy beach is the continuation of S’Acqua Durci (fresh water, in Sardinian) beach, from which it is separated by a small rocky reef.

Both locals and tourists love this beach. Many people visit in the summer months, including day-trippers from Cagliari.

It is one of my favorite places to visit on day trips from Cagliari throughout the year. I go to Chia Su Giudeu Beach at least once every summer, as it’s easy to reach, gorgeous and nicely equipped.

The beach is so breathtakingly beautiful that it’s been the set of many movies and commercials – with typical scenes of castaways ending up in a tropical island and unable to get out.

Well I have good news for you. Su Giudeu is even more beautiful in real life than it is on screen. And better news even: contrary to what TV commercials suggest, the beach is actually very easily accessible.

Curious to find out more? Continue reading as I tell you everything you need to know about Su Giudeu beach Sardinia.

Table of Contents

What To Know About Su Giudeu Beach

Su Giudeu is a gorgeous 1.2 km (0.7 miles) long sandy beach in the municipality of Domus de Maria, in Southern Sardinia.

The Spiaggia di Su Giudeu beach has by the most beautiful, golden fine sand and pristine, clear waters, nicely shallow. For this reason, it’s a perfect place for families with children who have the perfect environment to play endless games!

Another great thing you can appreciate about Chia Su Giudeu beach is that it’s completely accessible to wheelchair users and disabled travelers. They can make use of disabled parking and wooden platforms and trails to access the beach.

At the back of the beach there is a lagoon where – depending on the season – you can see pink flamingos. The lagoon usually dries out with the heat of the summer months. This means the summer is not a good time to visit Su Giudeu Beach if you are into birdwatching.

Surrounding the beach you’ll see beautiful Mediterranean bush and sand dunes, which – much like other dunes in Sardinia – are protected and not accessible.

Facing the beach there is a small island. You can get there on foot via the water, but that depends on the tide. You can easily go up to admire the views and explore, but you will need rock shoes to wander around!

The beach has several kiosks serving food and drinks. There also are beach clubs where you can rent umbrellas and sun-beds. Some of them also rent out pedal boats, and plan beach activities like fun tubing.

Located in the nearby Chia Laguna Resort there’s a diving center and a place to sign up for horse riding experiences.

Toilets are located near the parking lot, right before getting to the beach, and require a small fee for maintenance.

As it is very exposed to the wind, Su Giudeu is a favorite surfing spot for locals in the winter months. On the other hand, when the wind (especially the mistral from the north) blows during the summer it’s almost impossible to stay, as sand flies literally everywhere.

Best beaches in Chia — Another beach in Chia

How To Get To Chia Su Giudeu Beach

By car

The best way to reach Su Giudeu beach from Cagliari is by car. It takes about 50 minutes.

From Cagliari, take SS 195 towards Pula. Continue driving past Pula towards Domus de Maria until you get to an intersection. You will see a clear sign pointing you to Chia on your left.

Turn left on Viale Chia and continue driving for about 10 more minutes. Then turn left on Viale Spartivento until you reach Hotel Aquadulci. Here you will be able to spot the lagoon.

There are various parking lots close to the beach. The closest ones are more expensive and get filled up more quickly. However, they are the best ones if you want easy access to the beach, if you have children or lots of equipment to carry around.

You can expect to pay a minimum of €5 for the entire day to park your car.

By bus

This is the most budget friendly way of getting to Chia Su Giudeu Beach from Cagliari, and there are regular departures. Expect to pay around €4 for a one way ticket.

Bus 129 departs from Cagliari ARST bus station in Piazza Matteotti. It gets you all the way to Baia Chia in about one hour and 20 minutes. Keep in mind that once you get off at Baia Chia, you’ll have to walk for 1.8 km (1.1 miles) to reach the beach. I honestly don’t recommend it on hot summer days.

On a guided tour

If you don’t want to rent a car, and prefer not to take public transportation, you can join a guided day trip from Cagliari.

I recommend this guided tour that goes to Chia Su Giudeu Beach. The tour lasts 8 hours and also stops at Tuerredda, one of the most beautiful beaches in South Sardinia which actually caps the number of daily visitors, so it is perfect if you want to see two gorgeous beaches on the same day. You will get a parasol and a live guide and travel by air-conditioned bus.

There’s also the option of this shorter day trip to Su Giudeu – it does not stop at Tuerredda and doesn’t include a parasol.

Other Useful Information

Here is some more information that will help you make the most of your day at Su Giudeu Beach.

Avoid on windy days

Honestly, unless you are a fan of the wind and being covered in sand from head to toe and even in your mouth, this is not the place to go on a windy day.

Don’t take sand

It is forbidden to take sand, shells, pebbles and stones from Sardinian beaches. If you are caught with it, you’ll get a fine.

Don’t walk on the dunes

I know what you are thinking: it’s just sand. But is it, really? Beach dunes are actually barriers against wind, storms and the natural living environment of many more species of vegetation and wildlife you may imagine.

Dunes are protected in Sardinia, and usually fenced – they are at Su Giudeu beach, and there are signs that say walking on them is prohibited.

I regularly see people who jump the fence to take a photo or – worse – to take their child to pee (that’s when there are toilets nearby). Just don’t be that person, and don’t walk on the sand dunes!

Only leave footprints

Garbage bins are scattered along the beach, separating organic waste from plastic, cans, glass etc. Use it for smaller items and bring any larger items home with you.

Don’t smoke on the beach

Smoking is forbidden at all beaches in Sardinia. There are designated areas for smokers. By all means, don’t leave cigarette butts on the sand.

What to wear in Sardinia — Further west from Chia, you can get to Perda Longa beach

Other Nearby Beaches

Sa Colonia, Porto Campana and Chia are the natural continuation of Su Giudeu beach. If you walk all the way to the northern side of the beach, you will get to the Aragonese watchtower too!

On the other hand, if you walk across the promontory to the south, you will get to Cala Cipolla, a small cove nicely sheltered from the wind (a much better spot to hang out on windy days).

Further away from Cala Cipolla, you can walk all the way to Capo Spartivento where you can see a lighthouse now turned into a luxury hotel and, from there, go all the way to Perda Longa, a lesser visited beach.

My post The Best Beaches In Chia highlights more beaches in the area that you should consider visiting.

Cordolinu — Lovely small cove south of Chia

Where To Stay In Chia

While you can visit Chia Su Giudeu beach on day trips from Cagliari, you can also opt to spend a few days in the area to make the most of the many beaches or – if you are visiting in the spring or fall months – the many hiking trails.

Most people in Chia stay in one of the many resorts, but there also are a few good villas you can easily rent. The following are just a couple of options:

VILLA SA ROCCA MANNA – A gorgeous villa by the sea perfect for a family or group of friends; it’s equipped with anything you may need for a perfect stay.

FARO CAPO SPARTIVENTO – If you can splurge, this is the best hotel in the area.

AFFITTACAMERE LE RONDINI – A nice guest house in nearby Domus de Maria for a more budget friendly option.

If you want to stay in the area, my post The Best Hotels In Chia will provide even more guidance.