Let’s get lost in the mysterious Capo Caccia – a few kilometers north of Alghero with underground caves discovered in the 1700’s by local fisherman. The most famous cave being the Grotta di Nettuno or ‘Neptune’s Grotto’ which is only reachable by boat or by the treacherous 645 Escala del Cabirol {goat’s steps} staircase carved into the rocks in the 1950’s.

On our recent getaway to Sardinia this was pretty much top on our list of must-sees along with Stintino and La Pelosa beach about an hour to an hour and a half away from Alghero. Though taking the boat seemed enticing, we hopped in our rented Fiat 500 and drove up to the cliffs to see what Neptune had to offer. The drive up is incredibly beautiful, we parked on the side of the road and soaked in the amazing view of the sea and surrounding cove.

Entrance to the cave is about 13 euros per adult. I am not sure how much the boat ride to the Capo Caccia is but I know that it does not include the price of entering the cave. That would be way too good a deal after all.

I highly recommend taking a few bottles of water with you on your climb towards the grotto. Obviously we were there in mid-August so it was extra hot but water will be needed. Plus you can douse yourself with some of it if you want some sexy faux beach hair as you descend the staircase of heaven ;-).

Ready to enter Neptune’s palace? This is the first image we saw upon entering {besides the not-so-friendly ticket seller}. And yes you must pay in cash, as you do, always in places like this in Italy. I look forward to modern times when cards are accepted everywhere (a girl can dream).  

The tour lasted about 20 minutes and was in both Italian & English. Nothing too crazy and shorter than I imagined, but I was really fascinated by this beautiful underwater sea lake and the carved stone. I also know that the nearby Grotto di Nereo is the biggest marine cave in the Mediterranean Sea where many scuba divers explore the beautiful red coral and flora. I have a feeling this may be my next must-see upon returning to Alghero, someone just has to teach me how to scuba dive first ;-).

What should you do after hiking all of those steps on a hot summer day? Find a nearby beach for a pizza and glass of Sardinian Vermentino wine. Because of course, you earned it! 

Next post about my Sardinian adventures? Stintino and La Pelosa beach and… a mysterious prison island inhabited with albino donkeys. You won’t want to miss it! Stay tuned.. 

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• Why you should visit Alghero, Sardinia (girlinflorence.com)
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