The beaches around Chia and Pula are famous for pale sand, clear water and fragile coastal dunes. In summer, parking can be busy, and it may be tempting to pull onto a sandy shoulder or beside a path to get closer to the beach. Don’t: dunes and their vegetation are protected, and parking in an unauthorised spot can damage the environment and lead to a fine.

Where should you park at Chia?

Use a signed, authorised car park or a clearly marked legal parking bay. Follow the signs at the entrance and within the parking area, and check whether payment is required, which hours apply and how the ticket must be displayed or paid. The municipality of Domus de Maria, which includes the Chia coastline, announced municipal paid coastal parking for the 2026 summer season from 16 May. Availability and tariffs can vary by location and season, so check the signs on the day rather than relying on an old price quoted online.

Never drive or park on the dunes

Do not drive onto sand, park on a dune, block an access path or leave a vehicle on coastal vegetation. Dunes are not simply empty sand: their plants help stabilise the coastline, and the habitat supports local wildlife. Sardinia’s regional authorities explicitly prohibit vehicle access to beaches and dunes, as well as trampling on dunes and their vegetation.

How much is the fine?

The Sardinia Region’s public guidance, updated on 14 July 2026, lists administrative fines of €100 to €1,000 for prohibited vehicle access to beaches and dunes. The applicable amount depends on the specific violation and legal provision, so it would be misleading to promise that every offence carries a fixed €250 fine. Follow posted signs and local instructions to avoid a costly mistake.

Check the parking tariff before you leave the car

Do not assume every car park near Chia charges the same hourly rate. Some areas may have hourly charges, daily rates or seasonal operating hours. Read the tariff board and payment instructions carefully, keep your ticket or payment confirmation, and check that you have parked within the marked bays. If a sign is unclear, use another clearly authorised car park or ask the operator before leaving the vehicle.

Common parking mistakes to avoid

  • Parking on sand or vegetation: use marked bays only, even if another car has stopped on the shoulder.
  • Blocking an access road: leave space for emergency services and authorised vehicles.
  • Ignoring seasonal signs: restrictions and paid-parking periods can change during the year.
  • Assuming a map pin means parking is legal: navigation apps show locations, not necessarily current permissions.
  • Following unofficial shortcuts: do not drive across dunes or follow tyre tracks onto the beach.

A quick checklist before your beach day

Before setting off, check the municipality’s latest parking notice if you are visiting during the summer season. When you arrive, follow the official signs, pay the displayed tariff where required and take the marked pedestrian route to the beach. If the nearest car park is full, choose another authorised area rather than leaving the car on a dune or roadside verge where parking is prohibited.

The simple rule for Chia and Pula

Park only in signed, authorised spaces and never drive or stop on protected dunes, beach sand or coastal vegetation. The regional guidance lists fines from €100 to €1,000 for prohibited vehicle access to beaches and dunes, while parking prices depend on the specific area and season. Check the signs and official municipal information before leaving your car.

For current guidance, read the Sardinia Region’s beach-protection rules, the Comune di Domus de Maria’s 2026 coastal-parking notice, and the Sardinia Forest Service guidance on protecting beaches and dunes.