Grotta di Nettuno


This is probably the most beautiful and best known cave in Sardinia and can be reached by boat or down a steep staircase of 656 steps in the side of the cliff, called "escala del cabirol".

The cave opening is about 1m. above sea level and is almost flat and covered in vegetation. This natural entrance, 8m. high and about 20m long, leads to a vast internal salt lake, which lies on the same level as the sea. The lake is about 120m. long and is characterised by its shallow bottom and rocks which emerge from the clear water.

The lake itself is inaccessible because the banks are made up of splendid formations of underground Karstification. Visitors can admire the enormous columns which rise up out of the water, picturesque concretions, giant chambers and mysterious caverns, all formed by the continual movement of the sea on the limestone rocks. Until recently this extraordinary cave also provided refuge for the rare Monk Seal, which is now extinct