The Neptune’s Grotto – Grotte di Nettuno is a stalactite cave near Alghero in the province of Sassari on the Italian island of Sardinia.
The cave, over 10 million years old, was discovered by a local fisherman in the 18th century, and has since proven to be a popular tourist attraction. The cave is named after the Greek mythology god of the sea, Neptune, and is managed by the Autonomous Board of Accommodation and Tourism of Alghero.
Neptune’s Grotto can be reached via a 654-step staircase in the almost vertical cliff, the Escala del Cabirol. Alternatively, you can join a less strenuous boat tour from Alghero or a nearby car park.
Access : Coordinates: 40.564849, 8.16014 / Neptune’s Grotto located in Bastioni Pigafetta, about 24 km from Alghero, on the northwest cliff of the promontory of Cape Caccia, in the protected area of the same name in the northwest of the island of Sardinia.
Highlights :
- Inside Neptune’s Grotto is the second largest inland lake in Europe and with a column 12 m high and 30 m wide.The total length of the cave system is estimated at about 4 kilometers, but only a few hundred meters are accessible to the public. Inside there are passages with stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as a 120-meter salt water lake, which is at sea level. The cave was once home to the Mediterranean monk seal, which is extinct in the area.
- During the summer of 1978, for about two months, the cave became the filming location for a science fiction film entitled “The Continent of the Fishmen” directed by Sergio Martino with Barbara Bach as the protagonist.
- The visits are guided and cost €13 per adult and €7 per child. The cave opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.
Go next : Two other caves: the Grotta dei Pizzi e Ricami and the gigantic Grotta dell’Altare better known as Grotta Verde open to people with a special permit.
