If you choose Alghero as your holiday destination, you must visit the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Grotto), one of the most fascinating gems of nature in the Mediterranean and famous throughout the world for its spectacular stalactite caves.
The Grotto, which attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year, is accessible by sea, with the 40-minute Grotto Line service departing from Alghero port, or by land via the "Escala del Cabirol" (Roe Deer staircase), the spectacular flight of 654 steps built into the limestone cliff.
This geological wonder was also visited by princes and princesses, such as Carlo Alberto, Prince of Carignano, who later became King of Sardinia. He visited the Grotto three times: the first time, accompanied by the great scholar of Sardinia, Alberto La Marmora, the second time with his eldest son Vittorio Emanuele, the future King of Italy, and the third time with the 19th-century English writer, John Warre Tyndale.
Neptune's Grotto is located beneath the north-western cliff of the Capo Caccia headland, within the Porto Conte park. It is about 24 km by car from Alghero.
A refreshment service is available in the square at the top of the Escala del Cabirol.
Comfortable shoes or open sandals (not flip-flops) are recommended for the visit.