The Capo Caccia – Isola Piana Marine Protected Area can be found to the north-west of Sardinia, in the municipality of Alghero, in the province of Sassari.
The marine area is cordoned off to the north by the Punta delle Gessiere and to the south by Capo Galera. The area also includes the Golfo di Porto Conte (where the Nature Reserve of the same name can be found).
The protected area is split into three areas with different levels of protection: Zone A (full reserve) at the Punta Sant’Antonio-Cala Porto Agre and the western part of the Isola Piana; Zone B (general reserve) which includes the stretch of coast from Punta delle Gessiere as far as the Cala del Bollo and from the Punta del Cerchio to Capo Galera; Zone C (partial reserve) which completely covers the bay of Porto Conte. Scuba diving is only allowed in Zone B and C together with professional fishing. Any other kind of activity requires specific authorisation.
The zone features limestone promontories, dating to the Cretaceous period, overlooking the sea on a precipice with imposing cliff formations, which reach a height of more than 300 metres at Punta Cristallo.
These walls conceal different caves and cavities, both on the surface and underground. The most well-known is the Grotta di Nettuno. This well-equipped cave can be reached from land across a long stairway running along the cliff (Escala del Cabirol). The stairway has 650 steps and runs from the cliff summit (at a height of 110 m a.s.l.) as far down as the cave entrance at sea level. The cave can also be reached via sea on tourist boats which set sail from the port of Alghero.
Of the underwater cavities, the most famous is the Grotta di Nereo, currently considered the largest underground cave in the Mediterranean.
The marine flora is characterised by the geology and geomorphology of the seabeds. Indeed, different dark algae and green algae grow on the underground limestone rocks of the cliffs. Red algae can be found in the areas subject to less intense wave motion.
The sandy seabeds, on the other hand, are the ideal environment for Nepture grass, especially in the bay of Porto Conte. This grass is the ideal habitat for a number of species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans.
The coastal areas and the hinterland, protected by the establishment of the Porto Conte regional nature reserve, have a typical Mediterranean shrub vegetation, which alternates with forest formations and the presence of holm oak. A typical example can be seen at Punta Giglio.
In the marine protected area, regular environmental training is carried out, aimed at all those using the area, focusing on marine-coastal environmental awareness and environmental protection matters. Even during the summer season, information and awareness activities are organised in areas popular with tourists (e.g. beaches, seaside resorts, tourist complexes etc.).
The Special Conservation Zone (ZSC) “Capo Caccia (with the Foradada and Piana Islands) and Punta del Giglio” (ITB010042) is also part of the Marine Protected Area.
