Neptune's  Grotto​

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 21 October 2023
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, known as "Grotta di Nettuno" in Italian, is a spectacular sea cave located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Italy. Situated in the Capo Caccia promontory near the town of Alghero, this natural wonder is one of the most famous and visited caves in Sardinia. It is named after the Roman god Neptune, likely due to its majestic beauty that seems fitting for a deity.
History
Neptune's Grotto is believed to be millions of years old and was formed by the relentless action of the sea waves on the limestone cliffs of Capo Caccia. The cave has a rich history, and ancient artifacts found within it suggest that it was inhabited by prehistoric people, possibly even during the Nuragic period. Over time, the cave became a place of mystery and wonder, attracting explorers, artists, and travelers from different periods.
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Cave Structure: Neptune's Grotto stretches over 4 kilometers in length, but only about 1 kilometer 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
​
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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