Grotta di Nettuno

Written by Anonymous (not verified)

Location

Alghero
Italy
See map: Google Maps
IT
General info: 

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.

Getting there: 

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)

Costs: 

Entrance to the grotta itself,12€. Boat excursion, 14€. Bus 1,5€.

You might be interested in

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market is perhaps the most famous, largest and busiest fish market in the world. This is the place where the world records for most expensive fish in the world are often made.

Read more »

Colosseum

The greatest landmark of Rome, Colosseum, stands in the center of the city, defying the earthquakes, fires and thieves that tried to desecrate its structure.

Read more »

Trastevere 

Trastevere is a picturesque neighbourhood in Rome, located on the west bank of the river Tiber. Before Rome was even founded, this area was inhabited by the Etruscans.

Read more »

Palatino 

Palatino is one of the 7 hills of Rome and is considered to be the part where the original Rome was founded.

Read more »

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree was finished in 2012 at 634 meters high making it the tallest structure in Japan, tallest tower in the world, and the second tallest structure in the world after Burj Khalifa. That is impressive.

Read more »

St. Peters Basilica

Contrary to popular belief, the St. Peter’s Basilica isn’t the mother church of the Catholic Church nor is it the residence of the bishop of Rome. However, this building is probably the most famous church in the world.

Read more »