Category: Porto Conte Park

  • The Caves of Neptune

    Caves of Neptune

    The Caves of Neptune are one of Sardinia's most striking natural wonders, located on the northwestern slope of the Capo Caccia promontory, about 24 km from Alghero. This karst formation extends for about 4 km, but the equipped tourist trail covers about 2 km, offering spectacular underground scenery.

    🕰️ Opening hours

    Neptune's Caves are open daily, with continuous hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission). Guided tours start every hour and last about 30 minutes. It is advisable to arrive 40 minutes before the start time to complete check-in and walk down the Escala del Cabirol steps. The tour may be suspended in case of adverse weather and sea conditions.

    🚶‍♂️ How to get there

    Overland:

    • By car or bus, driving along SS127bis and SP55 to Capo Caccia.
    • The visit involves descending 654 steps down the Escala del Cabirol staircase, a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the sea.

    Seaway:

    • Boat services depart from the port of Alghero.
    • Operating companies include Navisarda and Attilio Regolo.
    • The boat ticket does not include entrance to the cave, which must be purchased separately.

    💰 Tickets

    • Adults: €13
    • Children (3-12 years old): €7
    • Groups (min. 25 people): €9
    • School groups: €7 for middle schools, €9 for high schools.

    🧭 Visiting experience

    Inside the cave, you can admire spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, including the famous "Organ Room" and the underground salt lake "Lamarmora Lake." The tour is guided and offers an immersive experience in the heart of the earth.

    📌 Useful tips

    • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
    • Bring a bottle of water with you, especially if you choose to walk down the steps.
    • Always check the weather conditions before your visit, as safety is a priority.

    For more details and to book your visit, visit the official website: grottadinettuno.it.

  • The park of Porto Conte

    The Porto Conte Regional Nature Park is one of Sardinia's most fascinating protected areas, located in the northwest of the island, a few kilometers from Alghero. Established in 1999, the park covers about 5,000 hectares of land that includes sandy coastlines, sheer cliffs, forests and rich biodiversity.

    🌿 What to see in the Park

    The park is also an ecomuseum, integrating nature, history and culture into a unique experience. Among the main points of interest:

    • Casa Gioiosa: home of the park authority, it houses a multimedia museum on prison life, a theme park inspired by the "Little Prince," an immersive tunnel on marine environments, and educational exhibits on local wildlife.
    • M.A.S.E.: museum dedicated to writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, located in a striking Aragonese tower overlooking the bay of Porto Conte.
    • M.A.P.S.: an outdoor environmental and historical museum located on the promontory of Punta Giglio, which tells the story of the SR413 battery of the Royal Navy and offers breathtaking views of the coast.
    • "Le Prigionette" wildlife oasis: a protected area that is home to animal species such as fallow deer, Giara horses and white donkeys. You can explore the area on foot, by bicycle or by electric vehicles.
    • Roman villa of Sant'Imbenia: an archaeological site that testifies to the presence of Roman civilization in the area.

    🚶‍♂️ Activities and routes

    The park offers numerous nature trails of varying difficulty that are ideal for hiking, biking, or electric vehicles. Some trails, such as the Casa Gioiosa botanical garden, are also accessible to the blind thanks to information panels in braille . It is also possible to participate in guided or boat tours to explore the bay of Porto Conte and its sea caves.

    🗺️ How to get there

    The park is easily accessible from Alghero, which is just over 20 km away. From Alghero, drive along state road 127 bis in the direction of Fertilia and continue to Tramariglio, headquarters of the park's management body .

    📱 Useful information

    For a complete and personalized visit, it is advisable to download the official Porto Conte Park ecomuseum app, available for smartphones. The app offers interactive maps, information on trails, accommodations, and available activities.

    If you would like more details about specific itineraries, opening times, or information about tickets and reservations, please don't hesitate to ask!