Nettuno's Cave is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Sardinia: a marine cavern carved into the limestone of Capo Caccia, about 20 km from Alghero, that opens onto an underground salt lake and houses stalactites that are up to 38 meters high. Every year it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world.
In brief
Duration: 3–3.5 total hours (boat) or 2 hours with the Escala del Cabriol staircase
Cave visit: about 1 hour of guided tour
Embarkation point: Alghero Harbor, Bastioni Marco Polo (Banchina Dogana)
Cave ticket price: ~€15 adults · ~€8 children (6–12 years) · free under 6 years
Round-trip boat: ~€15–18 per person (Navisarda operator)
Recommended months: May, June, and September (less crowded, favorable sea conditions)
Booking: recommended in July and August — during high season spots fill up
How to get to Nettuno's Cave
There are two ways to reach the cave: by boat from Alghero or on foot via the famous Escala del Cabriol.
By boat from Alghero (recommended)
The boat departs from the Alghero Harbor (Bastioni Marco Polo). The journey takes about 30 minutes of coastal navigation, with beautiful views of the cliffs of Capo Caccia. The main operator is Navisarda. The boat includes round-trip transfer; the cave ticket is purchased separately or as a combined package directly at the harbor.
On foot — Escala del Cabriol (654 steps)
The Escala del Cabriol is a staircase of 654 steps carved into the limestone of the Capo Caccia cliff. It can be reached by car from Alghero (about 25 km) or by summer buses on Line C. The descent takes 20–30 minutes, while the ascent takes 40–60 minutes. It is not suitable for people with limited mobility or for small unaccompanied children.
Departure times and ticket prices
Seasonality and marine weather significantly influence departures: boats do not go out and the cave is closed for safety when the sea is force 4 or greater. Always check the day before during high season.
| Period | Boat departures from Alghero | Cave adults | Cave children (6–12 years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April – May | 09:00 / 10:30 / 12:00 | ~€15 | ~€8 | Book on weekends |
| June | 09:00 / 10:30 / 12:00 / 14:30 | ~€15 | ~€8 | Great conditions |
| July – August | 09:00 / 10:00 / 10:30 / 12:00 / 14:30 / 16:00 | ~€15 | ~€8 | High season — always book |
| September | 09:00 / 10:30 / 12:00 / 14:30 | ~€15 | ~€8 | The best month |
| October | 09:00 / 10:30 (on request) | ~€15 | ~€8 | Check availability |
Indicative times and prices for the 2024 season. The boat round-trip cost (~€15–18 per person) is added to the cave entrance fee. Always check for updates on the Navisarda website or at the harbor ticket office.
What to see inside Nettuno's Cave
Discovered in 1720 by an Aragonese fisherman, Nettuno's Cave has been protected since 1980 as a natural reserve. The illuminated tourist path extends for about 200 meters, within a karst system that reaches a total of 4 km.
- Lago La Marmora — the underground salt lake 120 meters long, fed by the sea through submerged tunnels; it can be glimpsed in the first part of the path
- Main Hall — the main cavern with the columns of the most scenic stalactites and stalagmites, some up to 38 meters high
- Snow White Gallery — the corridor with the whitest and most translucent calcitic formations, shaped over millennia of dripping
- Constant temperature of 15–16 °C — refreshing in summer, but always bring a sweater
The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and is mandatory: it is not possible to visit the cave independently. The guides speak Italian, English, and Spanish. The first flat section is partially accessible by wheelchair.
Practical tips for the visit
- Bring a sweater or jacket: inside the cave the temperature remains 15–16 °C even in mid-August
- Arrive at the harbor 30 minutes early for ticket pick-up or purchase
- Closed shoes or non-slip sole if using the Escala del Cabriol — the steps are damp and slippery
- Avoid flash photography: use your smartphone's night mode or a medium-high ISO for better photos
- Do not touch stalactites and stalagmites: skin oil blocks the growth of the calcitic formations
- With rough sea (force 4+) the boat does not depart, and the cave closes — refund is guaranteed
- The combined package boat + cave is often more convenient and can be purchased directly at the ticket office in the harbor
When to go: seasonality month by month
The excursion is feasible from April to October. Outside this period, boats do not operate for weather reasons and the cave is closed to the public.
| Month | Sea conditions | Crowding | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| April – May | Variable | Low | Excellent — low prices, very few crowds, spring scenery |
| June | Generally good | Medium | Ideal — summer fullness without the chaos of August |
| July – August | Good | Very high | High season — always book in advance |
| September | Excellent | Medium-low | The best month — calm sea, fewer tourists |
| October | Variable | Low | Some closures due to wind — check availability |
Frequently asked questions about Nettuno's Cave in Alghero
Can I buy tickets on-site without booking?
Yes, it is possible to purchase tickets directly at the ticket office of Alghero harbor, but in July and August spots often fill up early in the morning. It is strongly recommended to book in advance on the Navisarda website or through local agencies, especially for groups and families with children.
What happens if the sea is rough and the boat does not depart?
If marine conditions prevent navigation (sea force 4 or greater), departures are canceled, and tickets are refunded or rescheduled without penalties. The cave is also closed to access via the staircase in case of strong winds. Before heading to the harbor, check the weather conditions or call Navisarda directly.
How long does the visit to Nettuno's Cave last?
The guided tour inside the cave lasts about 1 hour. Adding the boat transfer from Alghero (30 minutes each way), the whole excursion typically takes 3–3.5 hours from harbor to harbor. If accessing from the Escala del Cabriol staircase, the total time reduces to about 2 hours, excluding the transfer by car from Alghero to Capo Caccia.
Is Nettuno's Cave suitable for children?
Yes, the cave is suitable for children aged 3–4 and up. The guided path is mostly flat and safe, and the cool temperature of 15–16 °C is pleasant in summer, with children under 6 entering for free. The Escala del Cabriol staircase (654 steps) is not suitable for very young children: in that case, it's better to take the boat.
Is the cave accessible to people with mobility disabilities?
The first section of the cave (about 50 meters) is wheelchair accessible due to a flat and illuminated path. The rest of the guided path has elevation changes that make complete visits difficult. Access by boat is preferred over the staircase. It is advisable to contact the ticket office in advance to arrange assisted access.
Can I take photos inside the cave?
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged. Flash is discouraged as it tends to wash out details of the calcitic formations: use the night mode on your smartphone or a medium-high ISO. Touching stalactites and stalagmites is prohibited — contact with skin halts the growth of formations, which take decades to grow by just one centimeter.
Are there other caves to visit in Sardinia near Alghero?
Yes: about 40 km from Alghero are the Su Mannau Caves in Fluminimaggiore, accessible all year round. The Ispinigoli Caves (near Dorgali) and the Su Marmuri Caves (Ulassai) are other must-see stops for fans of tourist speleology. For those wishing to stay close to Alghero, the boat trips from Alghero to Capo Caccia offer an extraordinary natural spectacle even without entering the cave.