3 Caves to Visit: a journey into the heart of Sardinia
Sardinia is renowned for its breathtaking coasts and ancient history, but it also hides an underground world of extraordinary beauty: its caves. These spectacular karst formations, shaped over millennia, offer unique experiences, perfect for nature and adventure lovers.
Grotta di Nettuno (Alghero)
The Grotta di Nettuno is probably the most famous and visited in all of Sardinia. Located near Alghero, on the island's northwest coast, these caves lie at the base of the Capo Caccia cliffs and can be accessed by sea or via a panoramic staircase of 654 steps called the Escala del Cabirol. Inside, visitors can admire impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a saltwater lake, Lago Lamarmora, one of the largest in Europe. The caves extend for about 4 kilometers, though only part of them is open to the public.
Named after the Roman god Neptune, these caves are a must-see for those visiting the north coast of Sardinia, offering a unique combination of adventure and stunning landscapes.
Grotta di Santa Barbara (Iglesias)
The Grotta di Santa Barbara, discovered accidentally during mining work in the San Giovanni mine in Iglesias, is one of the most beautiful caves in Sardinia. Formed by unique limestone concretions, including giant aragonite crystals, the cave is located about 200 meters underground. Dating back around 500 million years, this natural wonder is one of the island's most important geological discoveries. Access to the cave is only possible via an elevator, adding an element of adventure to the visit. The Grotta di Santa Barbara is a hidden gem not to be missed and can be visited during our Multisport Week.
Grotta di Santa Barbara. Source: Sardinia Adventures
Grotta del Bue Marino (Cala Gonone)
The Grotta del Bue Marino, named after the Sardinian term for the monk seal, which inhabited this cave until the 1970s, is located near Cala Gonone. The cave is divided into three distinct branches: the northern branch, reserved for speleological visits, the middle branch, accessible only to professional divers, and the southern branch, which is open to tourists and can be visited by boat. The cave is famous for its vast chambers and prehistoric cave paintings dating back to the Nuragic era, but it also offers visitors an impressive display of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear underground lakes, making it one of the main natural attractions of the Gulf of Orosei.
Conclusion
The caves of Sardinia are a natural heritage of extraordinary beauty, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the island's hidden heart. Whether it’s the famous Neptune Caves or the mysterious Su Mannau and Santa Barbara caves, each visit is an opportunity to immerse yourself in an underground world of natural and historical wonders.