
In the heart of the cliffside of Capo Caccia is situated a scene of the fairytale underworld of the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Grotto).
A fantasy world of spectacular cave formations, a system of rooms with saltwater lakes extending to approximately 2,500 meters in length.
One of the most fascinating natural jewels in the entire Mediterranean basin, the grotto is a veritable geological wonder that attracts over 150,000 visitors per year. It is accessible by sea with the “Linea Grotte’ boat lines leaving the tourist port every day, or on foot via “Escala del Cabirol’ (“Billy Goat Stairs’), a set of 660 steps cut into the cliff side.
The enchanting sculptures of nature
Undoubtedly it is the limestone formations, the cave formations that nature has patiently created over the course of the centuries that amaze and inspire the eye of the visitor. Majestic and delicate scenery modeled by the creation of stalagmites and stalactites, by the many-shaped crystals and the wonderfully eccentric formations made up of extremely thin strands of calcite.
The tour begins at the great room holding the transparent waters of the Lago Lamarmora (Lake Lamarmora), one of the largest saltwater lakes in all of Europe. It is there that Acquasantiera stands (“The Baptismal Font’), a monumental stalagmite that is approximately 2 m high; at is peak have formed vats, where rainwater collects, thereby forming a precious drinking fountain for birds nesting in the Capo Caccia area.
After a brief descent, you will reach the Sala delle Rovine (“Room of Ruins’) and after this the Majestic Reggia, which can be found the most evocative area of the grotto. Impressive and overwhelming columns arise in this room, almost holding up the ceiling. Among the large flowstone and “scallop’ formations stands out the distinctive stalagmite formation known as the Albero di Natale (“Christmas Tree’). The lake comes to end at a sandy beach known as the Spiaggia dei Ciottolini (“Pebble Beach’) because at one time it was made up of tiny stones. After the Reggia, there is Sala Smith (“Smith Room’), where the Grande Organo (“Great Organ’) can be found, the largest column in the entire grotto. This room is named after the English captain who in the early 1800’s had been one of the first to explore the grotto. After having taken in the small columns that adorn the Sala delle Trine e dei Merletti (“The Lace Room’), the route comes to an end with a view of the Tribuna della Musica (“The Music Gallery’), an evocative balcony from which you can enjoy the view from above of the Reggia area and the of the Lamarmora Lake.
Visit the website dedicated to Neptuno’s Grotto
GREEN PASS
From 6 August 2021, in accordance with the recent Law Decree n.105 of 23 July 2021, in order to get access to the Grotto you must present your EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE (Green Pass).
The provisions do not apply to children under 12 years of age or to persons with specific medical certifications.
For more information on how to obtain certification kinldy consult your national health authority or visit https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_en
Opening times
Every day from 9.00 to 19.00 (last entrance)
Reservations are required from website www.algheroexperience.it
Book your entrance only if you choose to reach the Cave by land, taking the Escala del Cabirol.
We inform you that the reservation does not include the purchase of the entrance ticket to the Neptune’s Cave.
If, on the other hand, you wish to access the Cave by sea, please note that booking is not required
Passengers on scheduled boats are automatically reserved a place to visit the Grotto. The cost of the ticket for the boat trip does not include admission to the Grotto of Neptune.
*If you are a tour operator, a travel agent, part of a group of more than 25 people or a school group, contact us at grottadinettuno@fondazionealghero.it to book the visit and to find out the advantages and offers available to you!
We would like to remind you that for safety reasons, in the event of adverse weather and sea conditions, the Cave may be closed. In the event of bad weather or particularly windy conditions, we advise you to check that the site is open before your arrival, either by land or sea, by calling the Cave on +39 345 7418361, the tourist information office on +39 079 979054 (key sequence 1-1-1) or by following the updates available on the Cave’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Whenever feasible, depending on operating times of the ticket office, we will contact you via the email provided when signing up to inform you of any forced closure and invite you to proceed with a new booking.
TICKET COST
Full> € 14.00
Reduced> € 10.00 (OVER 65 | residents of Alghero | children from 7 to 14 years | groups booked min. 25 people)
School groups> € 8.00 (min. 15 pupils in kindergarten, primary, middle and high schools)
Free> disabled people + 1 companion, children under the age of 7, teachers accompanying school groups, tour guides accompanying groups, academics university and university researchers
PROTOCOL
• the cave will be open every day from 9.00 to 19.00 (last entrance)
• It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and it is recommended to pay particular attention during the descent and ascent.
• the ticket can be purchased directly at the entrance of the caveYou can buy Alghero Ticket or book your visit to the Neptune’s Cave on Alghero Experience and show the voucher that you will receive by email at the ticket office.
• the use of the mask is mandatory
• sanitizes the hands at the entrance using the appropriate dispensers
• in order to guarantee an adequate safety distance during the internal route, the visit of the cave will be possible for a significantly reduced number of people per group, therefore before reaching the site it is advisable to contact the operators (+39 345 7418361) to receive detailed information.
• keep a safe distance during the visit
Follow the Official Page Facebook & Instagram
Boat excursion
Linea Grotte Navisarda – Ticket office (service summer)
c/o Port of Alghero // Tel. +39 079 950603
Ticket costs (*)
● adult € 16
● children 3/12 age € 8
● groups € 13
● schools from € 8 to € 10
Frecce delle Grotte di A. Piccinnu
Active races at 10 am | 3 pm reservations are recommended
c/o porto di Alghero // cell. +39 368 3536824 – +39 331 7229999
Ticket costs (*)
● adult € 15
● children 3/12 years € 7
(*) the cost of the ticket not includes entrance to the Caves.
Telefono: '+39 079 979 054Email: infotourist@algheroturismo.it
Sito Web: www.algheroturismo.it
Indirizzo: Cova de Neptú/Grotta di Nettuno, Escala del Cabirol, L'Alguer/Alghero, Sassari, Sardigna/Sardegna, Italia