Neptune's Grotto

Stalactites and stalagmites in a beautifully lit cave

Category Geological Oddities, Curious Caves, Subterranean Sites

In the 18th century, a local fisherman from Sardinia spotted an opening in a cliff side while fishing off the coast. The opening, which is generally a meter above sea level unless waters are rough, turned out to be a beautiful grotto featuring an abundance of giant stalactites and stalagmites. Named after the Roman god of the sea, the local legend has since become a tourist attraction.

Within the grotto tourists can visit a 120-meter long saltwater lake. The shallow salt lake boasts the same calcic salt structures as the rest of the cave.

The entrance to the cave is accessible by boat when waters are calm, or by car. Those driving to the site park atop the cliff and then climb down steps that were made in 1954 known as "escala del cabirol," or goat steps. The passageways within the cliffs are approximately two and a half miles long, although only the first few hundred meters are open to the public.

See an error? Know more? Edit this place.

  • Address Alghero, Italy
  • Cost Adults: 10 Euros
Sources
Map/Directions

Go to Google Maps

Post a Comment

to comment. Use your Facebook account to login instantly. Anonymous comments will be held in moderation.

Enter the Captcha code below to confirm you're human:
Captcha Image

Contributors for Neptune's Grotto

Nearby Places

Obscura Day is coming!

Join us March 20th, 2010 in celebrating wondrous and curious places all over the world. RSVP for expeditions and tours at obscuraday.com.

We are SXSW Web Awards Finalists

Atlas Obscura is a 2010 SXSW Web Awards finalist in the Amusement category. Help us win the People's Choice Award. Vote here.

Recent Activity

Facebook

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Email updates

Stay up to date on Atlas Obscura events, tours, and new features.

Elsewhere on the Web