Home arrow The Neptune Caves
ImageOne of the most unforgettable geological marvels, definitely amazing for all those who have the chance to visit it, is represented by the Neptune Caves, deep inside the limestone promontory of Capo Caccia. Extending for a total of 2,500 metres, with a complex array of caverns, wide passages, clear lakes, deep wells and narrow tunnels. From Alghero the Neptune Caves can be reached in two different ways, both spectacular. By sea, leaving from the town port, visitors can admire the scenery of the Coral Riviera, as the boat passes close to Capo Galera and Punta Giglio cliffs and then rounds the tip of Capo Caccia, to arrive right at the entrance of the caves.
Overland by car, the caves are 24km from Alghero. Leaving the Capo Caccia car park, where one can enjoy the enchanting sight of the Porto Conte bay, visitors follow the path on the western side of the Cape, taking the Escala del Cabirol steps, which were built into the rock face in 1954 and which descend 110 metres to the cave’s entrance (656 steps). From the entrance, visitors can see the salt water La Marmora Lake which occupies a large part of the first cavern. At the centre of the vestibule, facing the shores of the lake, stands the Holy Water Font, a massive two-metre-high stalagmite several times described by the countless poets, writers and geographers who visited the caves in the last century. It’ s amazing how, taking the steps inside the caves, the fading light creates spectacular colours reflecting on the lake and on the cave walls.

After a brief descent the path comes to the Cavern of Ruins with its great stalactites, where a faint light from the outside is still visible, lending the walls a bluish colour. From the Cavern of Ruins the path slopes down to the La Marmora Lake, known for its still and clear water always calm, even when outside the caves the sea is rough. The path then comes to the Palace, where Nature has created the most breath-taking scene in the caves. On the right, in the centre of the lake stand a great calcites columns, nine metres high. From the Palace, the path climbs away from the lake, taking visitors to a higher level which offers views over the route just followed. Then the path comes to the Smith Cavern, named after an Englishman who was one of the first explorers of the cave in the early nineteenth century.

At the centre of the Smith Cavern stands the Great Organ, a massive column with rock flows similar to organ pipes. Standing 11 metres high, 12 metres wide and 4 metres deep, it is the largest formation in the whole of the Neptune Caves. Immediately after this, the path takes visitors to the Dome, a curios stalagmite formation whose perfectly smooth walls, joined to the roof by a column, call to mind the dome of a cathedral. Moving on, the path turns to the left and begins to rise again, along the wall opposite to the Smith Cavern where the roof becomes lower and it is possible to get closer to a myriad of stalactites. Numerous small columns adorn this cavern, called Cavern of Lace forming natural niches and arcades.

Finally the path comes to the Music Platform , a natural balcony overlooking the Palace and the Lake. The name comes from the old tradition of setting up a small orchestra here for important circumstances,  when visitors would hold dances on the lake shore below.Visitors then go back along the way they came to the entrance of the caves where they either board the boat or climb the Escala del Cabirol steps, back to their cars.

Hints: algherotown.com staff suggest You to walk through the Escala del Cabirol even if you reach the promontory by ferry. It’s a unique experience that will allow you to enjoy beautiful breathtaking views and even take a picture of them. Remember, always carry a bottle of fresh water with you because in summer temperatures can reach 40°C.