Many consider it the most beautiful of the seven ‘sisters’ that make Chia one of the most captivating and popular coastal destinations on the Island, perhaps because it is a small cove bordered by two rocky ridges or thanks to the pink granite rocks dotted across a carpet of fine, golden sand. Cala del Morto is the most intimate and sheltered of the beaches in the coastal district of Domus de Maria. The origin of the name ('dead man's cove') is linked to a cross, between the rocks, that has given rise to various stories and legends over the years. A short walk, lasting a few minutes, will take you to the beach, from the car park of the adjacent Porto Campana, along a scented path surrounded by myrtles, junipers and lentisks, before diving into the immense beauty.
The cove is ideal for those who want to be in close contact with nature: there are no services, just sand, cliffs that shelter you from the winds, pink-coloured rocks and a crystal clear sea, with shimmering colours of blue and emerald green. The waters are shallow, with a sandy seabed, populated by a variety of marine fauna, attracting numerous snorkelling enthusiasts. You can also reach it by sea, by canoe or by standup paddleboard from one of the adjacent beaches. In fact, there are two larger beaches equipped with numerous services on the sides of the bay: to the east, linked to Cala del Morto by another path, you will find the beach of Monte Cogoni. Although it gets its name from the green elevation behind it, it is actually the extension of the beach of sa Colonia. The latter is characterised by white sand and the presence - on the east side - of ashlars dating back to the Phoenician-Punic age and referring to the ancient city of Bithia, the acropolis of which was located on the promontory where the sixteenth-century tower of Chia stands. Monte Cogoni is more exposed to the winds, making it perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. To the west of Cala del Morto lies the Campana Dune shoreline, also known as Porto Campana. The name reveals the presence of sand dunes, on top of which rockrose bushes and sea daffodils emerge. Vegetation, rocks, golden sand and a turquoise sea will give you the impression of being on a beach in the tropics. Another cliff interrupts the expanse to the west, beyond which the most famous beach of Chia, often a setting for films and TV commercials, begins: su Giudeu. Crystal clear water, fine, light sand, the islet of the same name opposite and a pond inhabited by pink flamingos: it is a destination not to be missed. Its continuation is s’Acqua Durci, also dotted with dunes and with very shallow waters, making it ideal for children. After another promontory, you’ll find the seventh (splendid) sister, Cala Cipolla.