Neptune's  Grotto​

Latest page update: 12 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
Located just a short distance across the water from the seaside town of Alghero, Neptune's Grotto is a popular excursion where you can spend the day exploring the cave's fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. Tour guides are available in both English and Italian to show you around the cave and reveal its secrets. 

If you have a car it's possible to reach the site in around 35 minutes from Alghero, but by far the most popular way to get there is by boat. It takes around 45 minutes to make the short journey of 13 kilometres west of Alghero, with prices in the region of €15. If you want a little taster of what Neptune's Grotto is like, then watch the 1979 film Island of the Fishmen which was partially filmed there. 
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Neptune's Grotto, Sardinia
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Neptune's Grotto • Sardinia • Caves close to Alghero
Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno) is a stunning sea cave located on the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near the town of Alghero. Situated at the foot of the Capo Caccia cliff, the grotto is accessible either by boat from the nearby port or via a dramatic staircase that descends the cliffs. The cave is renowned for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed over thousands of years, creating a unique underground landscape.

Inside Neptune’s Grotto, visitors are treated to a spectacular array of natural formations, including massive columns, intricate rock formations, and an underground lake that adds to the cave's allure. The acoustics inside the cave are remarkable, and the still waters of the lake create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. The grotto is one of the most popular natural attractions in Sardinia, drawing visitors for its beauty and the chance to explore a fascinating subterranean world.
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The surrounding area offers stunning coastal views, and the nearby Capo Caccia provides panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. Alghero, a charming town with Catalan influences, is just a short drive away, offering a range of services and accommodations. Neptune’s Grotto is a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in exploring Sardinia’s unique geological formations.
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Cave Structure: Neptune's Grotto stretches over 4 kilometres in length, but only about 1 kilometre is accessible to visitors. The cave is filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other extraordinary rock formations created by the action of dripping water over millennia.
  • Boat Tour: The most popular way to reach Neptune's Grotto is by taking a boat tour from Alghero. The tour offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery and enter the cave through a natural opening.
  • 654 Steps: If you prefer not to take a boat tour, there is an alternative way to reach the cave. From the top of the Capo Caccia promontory, visitors can descend 654 steps that have been carved into the cliff face, providing a scenic hike with stunning views along the way.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are available inside the cave, led by knowledgeable guides who provide interesting information about the geology, history, and legends surrounding Neptune's Grotto.
  • Lighting and Music: The cave's interior is illuminated with artificial lighting, highlighting the beauty of the rock formations. During guided tours, classical music is often played, enhancing the mystical ambiance of the cave.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed inside the cave, allowing visitors to capture the enchanting beauty of Neptune's Grotto.
Grotta di Nettuno
Comune: Alghero
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Province: Sassari

​Region: Sardinia

Access: by road or by private boat/tour from Alghero

​Close by: Sassari, Bosa, La Pelosa Beach, Argentiera, Asinara

Fly to: Alghero Fertilia Airport - 27 minutes by car (26 km)

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Angedras (Alghero)

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