Sightseeing and beaches around the legendary cave
Neptune’s Grotto can be a great half-day trip, as well as a full-day trip away from Alghero. Located about 25 km (15.5 miles) from Alghero, it offers more than just the cave. Extending across more than 50,000 hectares, the Porto Conte Regional Nature Reserve is a diverse environment, where you can find it all – coastlines, hillsides, caves, you name it. Because of this reason, it offers a lot of panoramic viewpoints.
Capo Caccia View Point
Located above Neptune’s Caves it’s the perfect spot for panoramic pictures, with only a little bit of waddling.
This is just a little waddle going uphill, to be precise it’s around 1.8 km (1.11 miles) from Neptune’s Cave parking lot.
It’s also possible to go by car up, but then you will miss all the beautiful views along the way.
Note that at the top is a fence and behind it is a Meteo Station where you can’t get in.
And prepare yourself for the wind of course. The higher you go the stronger the wind, but you will forget all about it once you see the views.
Capo Caccia offers a view to remember, and you can for example see the wave-buffeted rock known as the Isola Foradada rising out of the azure waters.
Read also: Neptune’s Grotto
Torre del Bollo
When in Alghero you learn there are never enough towers and a few are close by the Neptune’s caves. One of which is the Torre del Bollo, located 1.2 km (0.75 miles) away from Neptune’s Grotto parking lot. There is also a dedicated trail along the coast going straight to the tower. The waddle is short, but epic.
The trail starts about 400 meters from the parking lot in front of Neptune’s Grotto and is covered in bigger stones towards the tower and you have to watch your step if you don’t want to end up with a sprained ankle. Watch out where it starts as it’s not really marked and is quite hidden. If we didn’t know it is there, it would have slipped our attention.
It’s also called Bulu Tower, or Torre del Cala Genovese, the tower has a cylindrical shape and was used as a beacon.
“Bolo” or “Bulu” is probably from the Catalan language and means a particular technique of fishing.
The tower was built in 1591 inside the system of coastal towers to defend the territory against many invaders. It had the purpose of sighting the incoming enemy boats and alerting the fortress of the city of Alghero using a chain of luminous signals from tower to tower, which they used as a means of communication.
The towers they build each had a different size, meaning each could hold various numbers of guards.
As the tower stands on the edge of a cliff again it gives you a perfect opportunity for a panoramic view and to take beautiful pictures.
Cala Dragunara
Continuing our waddle from the tower we came across a beautiful small beach called Cala Dragunara. It is a place, created for unity with nature. The beach, remote from civilization, is created for a comfortable rest away from the bustle. If you are looking for a secluded small beach then this one we highly recommend.
There is even a small bar that was closed in April, but is opened later in the season, guessingg15th of May when the beach bus starts to operate.
It’s a lovely small beach where we took a break for about an hour before we went to catch our bus back to Alghero. As the season is not yet on, apart from us only one more family was there.
Those are our top three things to do when visiting Neptune’s Cave. We didn’t have a car so all of those are within waddling distance taking you to the next bus stop back to Alghero.
In case you rented a car here are a few more suggestions where to stop and anjoy the view of see amazing things.
Belvedere Foradada
A popular scenic viewpoint, situated nearby to Grotta della Dragunara, and close to Grotta del Sorell. Again, you can go and take great pictures or climb some stones (not dangerous at all).
There are parking spaces free of charge. We saw a lot of cars going up there to enjoy the view.
Cala del Fortino
Another small and cozy beach with surounded by clear azure waters and cliffs.
Will give you stupping pictures and also great for a quick break or even staying longer.
It is located in Pischina Salida, and is on the way back to Alghero. Apart from this beach there is also the Cala Calcina, Cala Vergine or Cala Dolce. Plenty to choose from.
Torre di Tramariglio
What would a cliff be if there wasn’t a tower. We have another one, located in Porto Conte Bay, it’s protecting the West coast.
Built in 1581 the tower had a defensive function and was also heavily armed.
This one you will enjoy as it is a very good shape.
Nuraghe Palmavera
It is one of many sites in Sardinia – a 3,500-year-old Nuragic village.
The Nuragic civilization had a huge impact on Sardinia and it is a wonder part of the village still stands as it was 3000+ years ago.
This is a must site to see, rich in history and is a spot we plan to see on our next visit.
There aremany more beaches along the way back to Alghero, or if you wish to waddle a little more you can visit the Porto Conte National Park which offers a lot to discover and to see.
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