Neptune’s Caves Alghero

How to visit the Grotto at Capo Caccia (Alghero)

Among the many natural wonders of Sardinia is this one of the most spectacular places: the Neptune’s Caves in Alghero. Visited every year by more than 150,000 visitors, it remains one of the TOP experiences in Sardinia

Alghero in 2 days: what to see

THE INTERIOR OF THE CAVE

The cave is preserved rather well despite the 2 million years it has behind! They are among the largest still existing and extend for about 4 km inside the promontory of Capo Caccia.

The entrance to the caves is located at the base of the promontory right at sea level

At the base of the promontory of Capo Caccia, in the inlet there is a small landing place for boats. Once disembarked the tourist itinerary begins after a short walk. The itinerary is almost 1 km long in a rich and luxurious environment of natural sculptures such as stalactites and stalagmites, in addition to the presence of the lake and even a beach!

It starts with a visit to the large room inside which is located the Lake Lamarmora one of the largest salt lakes in Europe.

At the center of the cave stands the imposing stalagmite of about 2 meters called the holy water font (acquasantiera). The name is probably due to the fact that this – thanks to its particular form of containment, collects rainwater becoming a sort of natural watering hole for the birds that nest here

Continuing the path, after passing the room –  Sala delle Rovine –  you reach the most beautiful and majestic part: the Royal Hall (sala reggia)

A central column of 18 meters that reaches up to the ceiling and divides to form two arches.
The lake ends with a sandy beach called Spiaggia dei Ciottolini.

After the Reggia, you see the Sala Smith, where the Great Organ stands, the largest column in the entire cave. Its castings recall those of the organ pipes. This room owes its name to the English captain who at the beginning of the 19th century was one of the first explorers of the cave.

The itinerary ends with a visit to the room – Tribuna della Musica – a suggestive balcony from which you can enjoy the view of the area of the Reggia and of the Lamarmora Lake from above.

Opening times

The Neptune’s Caves are open all year. The best time to visit the caves is from April to October

From 1 April to 17 September: every day from 9.00 to 19.00 (last admission)
From 18 September: every day from 9.00 to 18.00 (last admission)
From November to March: every day from 10.00am to 3.00pm (last admission)

Ticket price

Adults € 18
Children (6-17 years) € 10
Groups (minimum 25 people) € 10

*prices may subject to changes

How to get there

The caves of Neptune are located in the natural park of Porto Conte within the promontory of Capo Caccia under the spur with entrance to the sea level. You can reach Capo Caccia in two ways.

How to get to the Caves by boat?

With the boat service departing from the marina in the Alghero city centre

The companies that provide the service by boat are Navisarda and Frecce delle Grotte both departing from the tourist port in the center of Alghero. It is necessary to buy two separate tickets: one for the boat and the other for the entry to the caves.

Please mind: the cost of the boat ticket does not include the entry to the Caves

How to get by car to the caves?

For those who decide to arrive by car, it is necessary to reach the Capo Caccia promontory and from there descend to sea level via the staircase.

Going along the famous Escala del Cabirol (scale of the roe deer), a staircase with ramps of 654 steps “excavated” on the ridge of the promontory.

Where to park for visiting the caves?

You need to reach the La Stalla car park, located in the direction of Capo Caccia on the SP55, about 10 km from the promontory. The car park is free of charge.

From the car park, you must take the shuttle bus that will take you directly to the Capo Caccia promontory, where you will reach the entrance to the caves via the Cabirol staircase (654 steps).

If you don’t have a car, you can always rent one locally. Prices start from €30 per day.

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SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE CAVES FROM LA STALLA CAR PARK

The shuttle, which connects the La Stalla car park area (SP55) to the Capo Caccia square, is the most convenient way to reach the Neptune’s Grotto.

• Free parking for cars and motorbikes
• Shuttle fare: €5 round trip (children 0–3 years old free)
• Tickets can be purchased on board, no reservation required.
• Frequency: every hour
• Intermediate stops: La Stalla, Baia di Conte, Le Prigionette, Tramariglio/Casa Gioiosa, Cala Dragunara, Belvedere Foradada, Capo Caccia.

Shuttle Timetable from La Stalla Car Park

If you have booked your entrance: you must arrive at the Capo Caccia promontory at least 40 minutes before the start of the tour, taking into account the time needed for the staircase and check-in. Arriving late may result in the loss of your reservation.

How to get by bus to the caves?

If you don’t have a car or don’t want to go by boat, alternatively, the ARST 9321 bus service departs from the center of Alghero in via Catalogna and reaches the parking area at the top of Capo Caccia. It is not a direct bus but makes several stops before the Capo Caccia terminal. Travel time is approximately 45-50 minutes

Timetable and stops of the bus 9321 Alghero-Capo caccia

Another option is the BEACHBUS line by Cattogno Viaggi – Seasonal service from May to September
https://www.cattognobus.it/beach-bus/

La scala del Cabirol (Cabirol steps)

The staircase was built in 1954 to provide access to the caves that until then were only accessible by sea and consists of over 600 steps. The staircase built on the rocky walls of the promontory offers a splendid view of the bay and a spectacular access to the caves. To consider before tackling it: 654 steps down and 654 steps to climb, which in total are…..well, a lot of steps!

Boat excursions

The Linea Grotte boat service offers transport from Alghero to the Caves. Enjoy the trip on the way while you can admire the entire coastal around Alghero. If you want to do some other more active excursions, you can try these nice options too.

Scuba Diving

For diving enthusiasts, there are other underwater caves in the vicinity of Capo Caccia.

• The cave pizzi e ricami 

• The most famous is the gigantic Green Grotto. Its rocky walls can only be visited by expert cave divers. A small lake at the bottom reflects a greenish light. Its chambers, once dry, were a place of worship and a burial site from the 6th millennium BC to the Middle Ages.

• The Nereo Cave, the largest submerged cavity in Europe, is a stunning spot for unforgettable dives.
  
  Facing Capo Caccia stands the most photographed island on Instagram, Foradada Island (the pierced island), named after the tunnel that crosses it from side to side, inside which lies the Palombi Cave.