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Cave · Alghero, Sardenha
Grotta di Nettuno
Sea cave at the base of Capo Caccia, with stalactites, an underground saltwater lake and columned chambers; access via the Escala del Cabirol stairway or by boat, depending on the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grotta di Nettuno
The Grotta di Nettuno is a karst cave on the northwest face of the Capo Caccia promontory, about 24 km from Alghero. It was discovered by a fisherman in the 18th century and is named after the Roman god of the sea. The entrance is a few meters above the water, so visits depend on sea conditions.
There are two routes. By land you descend the Escala del Cabirol, a staircase of 654 steps carved into the cliff, opened in the late 1950s; the name, in Catalan, means the goat’s staircase. By sea, boats depart from Alghero’s port and from the Dragunara quay in Porto Conte, with more departures in spring and summer and fewer in autumn and winter.
Inside, the visit is guided and covers part of the cave. The highlight is the Lago Lamarmora, a saltwater lake about 100 meters long. There is also the Sala della Reggia, with calcite columns, and the Tribuna della Musica, a balcony above the lake.
King Carlo Alberto di Savoia visited the cave three times in the 19th century, and marble plaques inside record those visits.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 45 minutes of guided visit, plus time for the staircase or the boat; allow half a day from Alghero.
Best time
Early morning via the staircase is best to avoid strong sun on the climb. The boat season usually runs from April to October, with more departures; if the sea is rough or winds are strong, the cave is closed.
How to get there
By car, about 24 km and 30 minutes from Alghero to the car park atop Capo Caccia, then the Escala del Cabirol. There are buses from Alghero in season. By boat, from Alghero’s port.
Tip
Check on the day whether the cave is open: visits are suspended in rough seas. Bring water and sturdy footwear for the staircase, which is exposed to full sun and the return is all uphill.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grotta di Nettuno
How many steps does the Escala del Cabirol have?
654 steps, carved into the cliff face of Capo Caccia. The descent is easy; the return is all uphill.
Do the boats operate year-round?
Boat season usually runs from April to October, with more departures. In winter the service is much reduced, and everything depends on the sea.
Can the cave be closed?
Yes. The entrance is at sea level, and with strong waves visits are suspended. Confirm on the day.
Is the visit guided?
Yes. Groups enter at fixed times, with a guide.