Escala del Cabirol
Descend 654 steps carved into cliffs to reach the stunning Neptune's Grotto, offering breathtaking sea views along the way.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Escala del Cabirol
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend 654 steps carved into cliffs to reach the stunning Neptune's Grotto, offering breathtaking sea views along the way.
"The walk down and up the stairs is not that bad. A must visit in Sardinia!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 654 steps require good footwear. Avoid sandals or heels!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Escala del Cabirol Staircase
Capo Caccia cliff face
A spectacular 654-step staircase carved into the rock, offering breathtaking sea views.
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Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Grotto)
Sea level at the base of the Escala del Cabirol
An awe-inspiring sea cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, accessible via the staircase.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Along the Escala del Cabirol
Enjoy dramatic cliffside vistas and the vibrant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Fitness and Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 654 steps require good footwear. Avoid sandals or heels!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb up.
⏰ Arrive Early
To secure good parking and avoid long waits, even with pre-booked tickets.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Recommended to avoid potential chaos and ensure entry.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 654 steps require good footwear. Avoid sandals or heels!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb up.
⏰ Arrive Early
To secure good parking and avoid long waits, even with pre-booked tickets.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Recommended to avoid potential chaos and ensure entry.
🧥 Consider a Jacket
The cave can be cooler inside, even on warm days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of the Escala del Cabirol and Grotta di Nettuno, with many calling it a must-visit in Sardinia. The stunning coastal views and impressive cave formations are consistently praised. However, some travelers express frustration with the ticketing system, parking situation, and the physical demands of the 654 steps, particularly if unprepared.
"Luckily we researched and booked the spot and the ticket in advance because the system is somewhat chaotic if you come unprepared. Go early so you can park close to the entrance, otherwise youll have to park very far down the road. They advise you to come 40 min earlier but the steps take only around 10 min so there is a lot of waiting around in a crowd of people. If the groups were smaller, the whole experience would be more enjoyable, but otherwise the cave is absolutely amazing, the path is well mantained and not slippery at all and the sound system and the guided tour itself are also very clear. The walk down and up the stairs is not that bad. A must visit in Sardinia!"
Spela Kaluza
"We really wanted to love this place, but it turned into a complete disaster. The only way in is through their designated parking lot where you have to pay €5 per person (including kids) for a roundtrip shuttle, plus you need to show up a full hour early.
The free parking lot is the problem as there is no one attending it. There was broken glass and clear evidence of smashed car windows. We had our beach stuff, towels, and personal items in the trunk since we were planning to hit the beach afterward, and there was no way we were leaving our car there looking like a target.
We asked if we could switch our tickets to a later time slot (they had plenty available!) so we could quickly run our stuff back to the hotel first. They refused and we would have to purchase another ticket for €18 per person.
We ended up leaving without seeing anything, feeling completely ripped off and honestly pretty upset about the whole experience.
If you've got a voucher, just buy your tickets when you get there. Don't make the same mistake we did by booking online - you'll have zero flexibility if things go sideways like they did for us."
Vickie S
"Amazing journey down hundreds of steps, around the side of incredible cliffs, on the way towards the caves at the bottom. Definitely worth the trip to walk the long stairs and see the views (for free), even if you don't fancy paying €13 per person to get into the caves at the end, which we didn't. Maybe pick a cloudy day, as it's quite a workout!"
Richard Farley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by car to the designated parking area near Capo Caccia. From there, you'll likely need to take a shuttle bus (which requires a separate ticket) or walk to the start of the staircase. Some visitors mention free parking is available but can be risky due to potential break-ins. +1
Yes, there is a designated parking lot, but it often requires a fee for a shuttle service to the staircase. Free parking might be available further away, but be cautious about security.
Public transport options are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car or consider a guided tour that includes transportation.
The most scenic and popular way to reach Neptune's Grotto is by descending the Escala del Cabirol staircase. Alternatively, you can arrive by boat tour.
Due to the 654 steps, it is not accessible for individuals with mobility issues or very young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Accessing the Escala del Cabirol staircase itself is often free, offering stunning views. However, to enter Grotta di Nettuno at the bottom, there is an entrance fee, typically around €13-€18 per person. +1
It is highly recommended to book tickets for Neptune's Grotto online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and potential disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local information sources for the most up-to-date times, as they often align with boat tour schedules and shuttle services.
While on-site ticket purchase might be possible, booking in advance is strongly advised due to high demand and potential for sold-out slots.
If you have a voucher, it's suggested to buy your tickets upon arrival rather than booking online beforehand, as this offers more flexibility if plans change.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The descent down the 654 steps typically takes around 10-15 minutes, but allow extra time for photos and enjoying the views.
The ascent is a good workout due to the 654 steps. Pace yourself, take breaks on the wider resting points, and stay hydrated. +1
At the bottom, you'll find the entrance to the magnificent Grotta di Nettuno, with its impressive rock formations. The coastal scenery is also spectacular.
There are usually restrooms and ticket booths for Neptune's Grotto at the base of the staircase.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for photography, with the sun casting a warm glow on the cliffs and sea.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn on the staircase offers a new perspective. Capture the winding steps against the sea, the dramatic cliffs, and the vibrant blue water.
Photography is usually allowed inside Neptune's Grotto, but check for any specific restrictions. The dramatic formations are very photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the staircase and the expansive sea views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural parks and near tourist attractions for safety and environmental reasons. Always check local regulations.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset provides soft, warm light that enhances the colors of the landscape. Mornings can also be good before the sun gets too harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do decide to go, consider bringing a sturdy carrier for very young children. The Grotta di Nettuno itself is fascinating, but the journey there via the stairs might be too demanding for toddlers or those with mobility issues. 🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers
📸 Photographers
+1 The golden hour before sunset provides particularly magical light, enhancing the colors and textures of the landscape. Inside Neptune's Grotto, the unique formations also make for striking shots, though be mindful of any photography restrictions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Escala del Cabirol: A Stairway to Wonder
+1 Its construction in 1954 provided a more accessible, albeit strenuous, alternative to reaching the grotto, which was previously only accessible by sea. The sheer scale and dramatic setting make the descent and ascent an adventure in itself, offering unparalleled views of the rugged coastline and the azure Mediterranean Sea. Many visitors find the journey down the Escala del Cabirol to be as rewarding, if not more so, than the grotto itself.
It's a journey that requires a moderate level of fitness, so comfortable footwear and adequate hydration are essential. While the staircase is free to access, the Grotta di Nettuno at its base requires a separate entrance fee.
It’s a testament to the natural beauty and human ingenuity that defines the Alghero coastline.Grotta di Nettuno: A Subterranean Marvel
The cave's name is inspired by Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and its discovery is attributed to local fishermen in the 18th century.
While the journey down the Escala del Cabirol is an adventure, the reward of exploring the Grotta di Nettuno is significant. The combination of the dramatic staircase and the stunning subterranean world makes for an unforgettable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit