The Escala del Cabirol, 654 steps hung from the cliff of Capo Caccia.

Capo Caccia is the limestone headland that closes the bay of Porto Conte on the west, about 24 km from Alghero. Its wall drops sheer to the sea, and at the base the Grotta di Nettuno opens. To reach it by land there is a staircase carved into the cliff, the Escala del Cabirol, the roe deer's staircase in the Catalan of Alghero: 654 steps that go down from the viewpoint to the mouth of the cave, with the open sea on one side and the island of Foradada in front.

How to reach the viewpoint

It depends on the time of year:

• From June to October you cannot drive up to the cape. You park at Casa Gioiosa, the headquarters of the Porto Conte Park, at Tramariglio, and go up on the shuttle. You must be there an hour before your visit time. The shuttle is paid separately.
• From November to May you drive up to the viewpoint esplanade. Arrive at least 40 minutes before your time: if you are late, you lose the booking.
• By bus, line ARST 9321 leaves Alghero all year, and from May to September there is also a private Beach Bus.

Going down and coming up

Going down is easy and, in good light, very beautiful: the staircase runs hard against the wall, with a handrail, and below the water is dark blue. The hard part is climbing back up after the visit, especially in summer and at midday, with the sun full on the wall. Bring water and sun protection. The cave is not recommended for people with heart problems or respiratory insufficiency. If someone in the group cannot manage the stairs, go by boat from Alghero.

The cave: time, price and booking

If you walk down, entry to the cave always needs a booked time slot, even if you buy at the ticket office. It costs €18, €10 for ages 6 to 17, free for under-6s. The visit is guided, on the hour, and lasts half an hour: Lake La Marmora, the Reggia hall with its columns, the Grande Organo. It is now open from 10:00 to 15:00 and, from 12 November to 18 March, closed on Thursdays. With a rough sea it does not open; check its website or call before setting out.

Even if you do not go down, the viewpoint at the top, next to the road up to the lighthouse, is worth the trip: you see the Foradada, the line of the staircase and the coast towards Porto Conte.