Cagliari: Day Trip to Cave of Neptune Alghero

Departing from Cagliari, drive for 2.5-hours in a minivan through the amazing Sardinian countryside towards the northwest of the island. 

Once we reach Capo Caccia, where is one of the 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, leaving the tourist port every day, or on foot via "Escala del Cabirol" ("Billy Goat Stairs'), a set of 660 steps cut into the cliffside. If you choose the private tour or the boat option, we will depart from the Alghero port for a fantastic boat tour; the trip takes around 40 minutes.

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'), an impressive stalagmite that is approximately 2 meters high, at is peak has formed vats, where rainwater collects, thereby creating 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 cave. 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 an 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 most massive column in the entire cave. This room is named after the English captain in the early 1800s, had been one of the first to explore the cave. 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.

Your local guide will be keen to make the tour as personal as possible. He will assist you with his expertise and recall amusing anecdotes for you before driving you back to your hotel.