Low dunes of fine and clear sand, bathed by the clear sea and the light blue reflections, surmounted by a 17th century tower and surrounded by a pool inhabited by pink flamingos. The beach of Monte Cogoni embellishes the coast of Chia, one of the most beautiful and famous tourist resorts of the island, in the territory of Domus de Maria. It is the natural continuation of sa Colonia, from which it leads on without interruption, except during the intense rainy season, when a stream divides them. The inlet is closed to the east by a promontory topped by Chia tower, reached along an uphill road. At the base of the cliff you will see the ruins of the ancient Phoenician-Punic (and later Roman) city of Bithia (8^th century BC). After the rocks you will arrive at the coast of su Portu and from here to the small island of Cardolinu, attached to the mainland by an isthmus. On the opposite promontory, which protects the two beaches to the south-west, another dirt path will lead you to the small and spectacular Cala del Morto.

The low and clear seabed of Monte Cogoni is ideal for children playing near the shoreline, while being a paradise for snorkelers and scuba fishing enthusiasts further offshore. The beach, which is often swept by the wind, is an all-year-round destination for wind and kite-surfers. The equipped area, which is accessible to the disabled, offers dining options and you can rent bathing equipment, canoes and pedal boats. Any other services you may require are available nearby. You will enter the beach from a parking lot a few hundred meters from the dunes, walking along a dirt road that flanks the lagoon of Chia, whose waters, besides the flamingos, host many other settled and migratory birds, like herons, coots and little egrets. The magnificent scenery is a great attraction for birdwatchers.

The coast of Chia stretches for seven kilometres long. To the west, beyond sa Colonia and Monte Cogoni, you will meet the beaches of sa Tuerra, Porto Campana, de su Sali up to su Giudeu, often chosen as the setting for TV commercials, behind which there is another pond, Spartivento, also a habitat of rare species. In front of the beach, you will see a small island reachable thanks to the shallow waters. At the far western end, in a sheltered inlet, there is Cala Cipolla, from which you will reach the Capo Spartivento lighthouse. The whole coastline offers every comfort. The coastal wonders of Domus de Maria are combined with the beauty of the inland: forests of holm oaks, conifers and Mediterranean scrub at is Cannoneris, a hikers' paradise among ancient trees, plunging cliffs and streams, and a wildlife reserve with specimens of Sardinian deer, fallow deer, golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The forest is embellished with prehistoric remains and industrial archaeology.