Location
One of the best day trips in Alghero is to see the Grotta di Nettuno stalactite caves west of the town.
The combined length of the cave system is estimated to be around 4 kilometers, but only a few hundred meters are accessible to the public. Inside are passages of lit stalactite and stalagmite formations, and a 120-meter-long saltwater lake, which is at sea level.
The cave was discovered by local fishermen in the 18th century and has since developed into a popular tourist attraction. The grotto gets its name from the Roman god of the sea, Neptune.
Under water all around there are many big under water marine caves, paradise for the scuba-diving fans, the bigger and the most famous is the Nereo Cave, visited each year by thousand of scuba divers.
The entrance to the grotto lies only around a meter above the sea level at the foot of the 110-meter-high Capo Caccia cliffs and the cave can therefore only be visited when the waters below are calm. There are 656 steps you will have to climb to reach the cave but this hike is an experience in itself and the caves are worth it.
You can reach the stairs either by road or by sea:
By road: The drive to the caves from Alghero takes around 45 minutes. The winding road to Capo Caccia has a beautiful scenery and ends short of the climb to the lighthouse at a small car park.
By boat: The boat 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 Porto 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. These trips are arranged hourly during the summer, but less frequently during spring and autumn.
Visiting hours: the entrance includes the guided tour and happens every hour. April - September: 9.00 – 19.00 (last entrance) October: 9.00 - 18.00 (last entrance) November - March: 10.00 - 15.00 (last entrance)
Entrance to the grotta itself,12€. Boat excursion, 14€. Bus 1,5€.
