Capo Caccia is the most spectacular rocky promontory in northwestern Sardinia, a symbol of the wild landscape surrounding Alghero. Its limestone cliffs, plunging into the sea and reaching up to 170 meters high, host the famous Neptune's Grotto and an extraordinary biodiversity that makes it a must-see destination for those visiting northern Sardinia.
Where is Capo Caccia?
Capo Caccia is located about 24 km west of Alghero, accessible by car via the scenic road SP55 that crosses the Porto Conte Regional Natural Park. The road can be busy in summer but offers exceptional views of the coastal lagoons and Mediterranean scrub. Upon arrival, the panoramic square at 170 m above sea level is the starting point of the Escala del Cabirol, the 654-step staircase leading down to the grotto.
What to see at Capo Caccia
The promontory is much more than a gateway to Neptune's Grotto. Here are the main attractions:
- Panoramic viewpoint: from the square, your gaze sweeps over the Gulf of Alghero, Piana Island, and, on clear days, all the way to the Strait of Bonifacio.
- Peregrine falcons and griffons: the rocky walls are a habitat for protected raptors; bring binoculars to watch them glide on the updrafts.
- Protected marine area: the waters around the promontory are part of the Capo Caccia–Isola Piana protected marine area, among the richest in posidonia and corvine in the western Mediterranean.
- Green Grotto: a short distance from Neptune's Grotto, accessible only by kayak or boat, it preserves Neolithic rock paintings of extraordinary value.
The Porto Conte Regional Natural Park
The entire area is included in the Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, which protects over 5,000 hectares of Mediterranean scrub, lagoons, and cliffs. Within the park, there are marked trekking routes, picnic areas, and the Tramariglio visitor center where you can rent bikes and kayaks. It is also the ideal place to observe the Giara horse, an endemic Sardinian horse breed sometimes spotted in the flat areas of the park.
How to get there and what to bring
By car from Alghero, follow the signs for Porto Conte and then Capo Caccia. In summer, a shuttle bus service ("Capo Caccia Express" line) operates from the center of Alghero. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes if you plan to descend the staircase. In the summer season, parking is charged (about 3–5 euros/day).