The Grotta di Nettuno ( Neptune's Grotto ) is without doubt one of the post popular excursions for visitors to the town of Alghero and a tour of the Grotto counts as one of the star attractions in the whole of Sardinia.

Tour this marine cave that is carved in a spectacular sheer cliff, with long winding passages that delve far into the rock passing many fantastical stalagmites and stalactites.

These marine caves are located to the west of the town and can be reached by two different methods each with their own merits.

Boat

Boat trips from Alghero's port depart to the Grotto at regular intervals ( every hour in summer, less frequently in spring and autumn ). These cost 10 euros, which doesn't include entry to the Grotto itself and the entire trip lasts around two and a half hours of which thirty minutes is spent at sea. The scenery on offer is well worth the effort and includes the tranquil blue bay of Porte Conte and the spectacular vertical cliffs at Capo Caccia. It's worth noting that tours will not run in bad weather as disembarkation into the Grotto's entrance becomes too hazardous.
Road

Just as rewarding as the sea trip is the forty five minute drive from Alghero. The road winds around to Capo Caccia and ends short of the climb to the lighthouse at a small car park. This can get very busy in summer and it is possible to leave your vehicle at the side of the road and make the short walk to the start of the steps.
The 656 steps that lead down to the Grotto are an experience in themselves. Called the Escala del Cabirol or goat's steps these were cut into the sheer cliff wall in 1954 and zigzag down the cliff before running horizontally along to the Grotto entrance. On days when the weather is less tranquil the spectacle of the sea crashing into the cliffs just below is an awesome sight. Allow fifteen minutes to fully enjoy the descent.

Inside

It's important to time the arrival at the Grotto entrance to ensure that you don't just miss the start of the hourly tour. These last around forty five minutes and the cost is 10 euros for adults. Visitors are led single file through the cave system by a tour guide who provides commentaries in Italian, English and occasionally in French and German.

Discovered by fishermen in the eighteenth century, this sea-level cave complex uses dramatic lighting to enhance a multitude of stunning stalactites and stalagmites. These can be seen formed into impressive shapes such as organ pipes and cathedral columns which account for the names of individual caves. Although flash photography and touching the rock is supposedly prohibited these rules are almost universally ignored.

Attraction type

Cavern/cave