If you have found a villa in Sardinia and are exploring the island, then there is one attraction that anyone will say not to miss: Neptune's Grotto. This magical natural gem is an incredible sight and a must-see. One of the largest and most famous marine caves in the country, it is located near the town of Alghero in the Porto Conte Park and can be reached via the 656 steps of the Escala del Cabirol (Steps of the Roe Deer) that cling to the western side of Capo Caccia or by boat from the Port of Alghero or the dock of Cala Dragunara in Porto Conte. Entrance by sea is easier but scaling the steps is, in its own right, an amazing experience that takes in extraordinary views over the water but not recommended for children or those who are less physical able.
The system of caves was accidentally stumbled upon in the 18th century and has since become a representative tourist attraction, boasting some of the most outstanding stalactite and stalagmite formations in the world and date back to around two million years ago. As a whole, the system is very complex but only four chambers are open to the general public; the Reggia Room, the Room of Ruins, the Smith Room or Organ Room, and the Room of Laces.
Once you enter the caves, you find over a kilometre of white sandy beach, the Lamarmora underground salt lake and the rooms. The journey begins with the Reggia Room, which boasts an 18-metre column that reaches up to the vault and forms two incredible arches. A line of smaller columns leads to the lake and beach and you can also view the beach and lake from the Music Podium above the room. From here you can follow a path to the Room of the Ruins and the Smith Room, which is also known as the Organ Room due to the geological features that resemble a church organ. Finally, there is the fourth room, the Room of Laces, with more unique stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, it is a truly extraordinary experience and a must for anyone exploring Sardinia.
Once you enter the caves, you find over a kilometre of white sandy beach, the Lamarmora underground salt lake and the rooms. The journey begins with the Reggia Room, which boasts an 18-metre column that reaches up to the vault and forms two incredible arches. A line of smaller columns leads to the lake and beach and you can also view the beach and lake from the Music Podium above the room. From here you can follow a path to the Room of the Ruins and the Smith Room, which is also known as the Organ Room due to the geological features that resemble a church organ. Finally, there is the fourth room, the Room of Laces, with more unique stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, it is a truly extraordinary experience and a must for anyone exploring Sardinia.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5;
Picture 2: Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5
Picture 1: Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5;
Picture 2: Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5