The Caves of Nettuno are a karstic formation located around 24 km from Alghero, on the north-western slope of the Capo Caccia promontory, inside the protected marine area of Capocaccia–Isola Piana. Different traces, dating to the Neolithic times, lead us to believe that around 2,000,000 years have passed since their formation. Among the largest marine caverns in Italy, the caves stretch for around 4 km from their entrance at sea level. Nonetheless, the tourist sector, equipped with walkways and bridges, extends for about 2 kilometres. Technical speleology equipment, however, is required for a more in-depth visit.
A visit to the caves reveals incredible naturally formed panoramas like the lago de’ Lamarmora: a small underwater salt lake with stalagmite formations, including the majestic “Acquasantiera“; the famous Sala dell’Organo (also known as “sala Smith”, the name of one of the people who discovered it) referred to as this because of the concretions which bring to mind wind pipes (where concerts are held thanks to its natural acoustics) and the Sala della reggia, with pillars reaching up to 18 m.
As well as being an important tourist attraction and welcoming visitors from all over the world, the Caves of Nettuno are also a popular destination for speleologists, the only ones who can visit the most hidden ravines.
The caves can be accessed either overland, along the famous “Escala del Cabirol”: The Capriolo Stairway (with 654 steps), or via sea, on the daily boat links which leave from the port of Alghero.
