This archaeological area is located along the road which leads to Capo Caccia, just after the junction on the county road 55 Bis, which goes to Sassari. This area is located in the heart of the roadstead of Porto Conte, in the so-called “Bay of Nymphs” or “Nymphaeus Portus” of Tolomeo. The complex is located right next to the sea, and archaeologists have discovered 49 rooms divided up between an estimated 140 metres in length. Some mosaics are still clearly visible, but many of them have been removed and are now safely exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum “Sanna” in Sassari (at 64, via Roma; Phone nr. 0039.079.272203 – www.museosannasassari.it).
According to archaeologists, the villa was the retreat of a wealthy figure of that period, who dedicated himself to the so-called “otium”, which means the care of the spirit and the pleasures of the body. The extent of the complex and the structures found, however, leads to the presumption that this was a place dedicated also to crop production; benefitting from a privileged position in terms of boarding and maritime trades.
Over the centuries, the villa has undergone various renovations; the different building techniques used are still clearly visible, like the opus caementicium (Roman concrete) and the opus africanum (a sort of African masonry), including masonry in dry stones dating back to the Medieval period.
The part of the villa located furthest to the north, was probably on two floors and in the lowest part a wellness and bathing room, decorated with marbles and sumptuous polychrome decorations, was created. Among these decorations, a stucco representing a Nereid riding a sea animal is of special archaeological and artistic interest. One of the legendary figures is Nereus’ daughter, the marine divinity of Greek mythology, who lived in a cave in the depths of the sea. It is right in the area of Capo Caccia that we find the “Grotta di Nereo” (Cave of Nereus), one of the most important and stunning underwater ravines of the Mediterranean sea, and one of the routes proposed by the tourist centre ArchiMete.

Along the coastal road 127 Bis which connects Alghero to Capo Caccia, three and a half kilometres after Fertilia (at kilometre 32), we find the magnificent Nuragic complex of Palmavera. The main keep dates back to the Fifteenth-Fourteenth century B.C., and can be still visited in all its parts; including the large central room with a tholos cupola. Considered the structure of the complex, which was built at the foot of the Doglia Mountain, archaeologists presume that it was surrounded by cabins and refuges. The second cycle of life of the Nuraghe, started after the first half of the Ninth century B.C., when a second keep was added and the first one was covered with blocks of sandstone, a very common material in this area.
The visit is organized between the two towers, and it is also possible to visit the meeting cabin, where there are still a stone bench, a bath and the throne of the tribal chief. During the excavations, archaeologists found several artifacts, which today are mainly exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum “Sanna” in Sassari (at 64, via Roma; Phone nr.  0038.079.272203 – www.museosannasassari.it).

Prenuragic area of extraordinary importance and the largest in Sardinia. It is located nearby I Piani, along the county road 42, not far from the airport of Alghero-Fertilia. It was discovered by chance in 1903, during the excavations for the building of a farmhouse. The finding of some human bones encouraged further excavations, until crockery, jewels and several hypogean graves were discovered. Over the years, a total of 38 Domus de Janas (Home of the Fairies) were discovered, along with underground graves dating back to three different historic periods: the civilization of Ozieri (3500 B.C.), of the bell-shaped vase (2000-1900 B.C.), and of Bonnanaro (1800 B.C.).

It is the second most important cave after Neptune, and is located on the eastern side of Capo Caccia. The scenic and huge entrance is at an altitude of around 80 metres; the entire cave is very interesting from a geological, naturalistic and archaeological standpoint, since in the prehistoric age —it is estimated at least 7000 years ago—the cave was already populated by hominids looking for a shelter. On the walls, graffiti and undisputed signs of a human presence are still recognizable; drawings that many still consider shrouded in mystery, and which remain without explication. The natural light which penetrates into the wide entrance hall, allows for the growth of green mosses and lichens on the rocks. This is the feature that gave name to this place.

Imposing stalagmites, which are at least twenty metres high, are clearly visible, and continuing along towards the end of the cave, you reach the underwater part of it, where cave-divers discovered human remains, traces of ancient graves and even Neolithic vases.

The Grotta Verde (the Green Cave) was renamed as “cave of the altar”, because sailors built a small altar inside it dedicated to Saint Erasmo, their patron, back in the Fifteenth century.

This is another path of great naturalistic interest, tucked away into the maquis which overlook the blue sea of Capo Caccia. The tourist centre ArchiMete is a perfect departure point because, from here, and by bike or by car, it is possible to reach the junction of Cala Dragunara-Belvedere Foradada. Following the latter direction, you arrive at the viewpoint clearings, which look towards the western side of Capo Caccia. From here, the path classified as “advanced excursion” starts; a quite difficult route, which runs along a path facing the sea and the sheer drop which dominates Cala Inferno. This stretch of coast also presents two stunning snorkeling routes to discover the heritage of the Marine Protected Area of Capo Caccia-Isola Piana.

A path of great naturalistic and historical interest, since it is nestled among the Mediterranean maquis, in front of the blue sea of Capo Caccia, allowing one to admire historical artifacts, like the Torre del Bollo (the Bollo Tower), dating back to the  Seventeenth century; belonging to a long chain of coastal lookout towers against pirates, plunderers and enemies. The tourist centre ArchiMete is a perfect departure point, because from here, and by foot, by bike or by car, it is possible to reach the small pier of Cala Dragunara. From there, you start going up in a South-East direction towards Capo Caccia, passing along paths which are tucked away among the maquis, including Cistus, junipers, wild rosemary, mastic trees and flourishing euphorbias. With just a turn of your head, you will be enchanted by the blue-green waters of Cala Dragunara and Porto Conte, including the little cape of Punta Giglio. There are so many beautiful things to see that the 400-500 metres length of the path pass quickly. In a few minutes time, you will reach a little hill, overlooked by the Torre del Bollo (the Bollo Tower), a fortified building of the Seventeenth century which was used, up until a few centuries ago, as a privileged outlook place. From here, a downhill path starts, taking you to the sea in just a few minutes, and close to Cala Dragunara. But the surprises aren’t finished yet: one of the most beautiful snorkeling routes of the Marine Protected Area of Capo Caccia-Isola Piana winds its way through this stretch of coast.

It is the most classic tour, but also the one that makes you enjoy one the most suggestive and natural landscapes of the area. The excursion lasts around 4 and a half hours, and winds its way through the heart of the Capo, with a drop of around 400 metres. The tourist centre ArchiMete is a perfect departure point; after just a few hundred metres walk among the flourishing maquis, you will reach the nice village of Tramariglio and, from here, the Tower of the Tramariglio port, and Cala Calcina. Then, moving towards the western side of the cape, it is possible to enjoy the suggestive landscape of Cala Inferno, which rises up from the sea and overlooks the Isola Foradada (Foradada Island). The rocks of granite are also nice convenient rest areas, where it is possible to refresh oneself, and get ready to continue towards the Capo, to eventually reach the Scala del Cabirol (Stair of the Roedeer), the departure point for visiting the Grotta di Nettuno (the Cave of Neptune). Once back on the main road, you will continue on a path along the cliff which goes up to the Torre del Pegna (the Tower of Pegna), located at 271 metres; then, from here, you will return to the enchanting Tramariglio bay for a refreshing bath or a moment of relaxation surrounded by nature.

Not too far from the Grotta della Madonnina (the Cave of the Madonna), on a seabed of 43 metres, a wide underwater cliff begins; completely covered by large red and yellow fans, which are moved by the current.  They are the gorgons, colonial organisms consisting of octopuses which are, in some aspects, very similar to corals. The dive, even if difficult, is particularly scenic, because the plateau presents several cracks and burrows ,which provide shelter to moray eels, rockfishes, breams, groupers and octopuses. But looking deeper into the ravines, it is also possible to spot clawed lobsters and spin lobsters.

Departure: the dive point is 5 minutes away from the ArchiMete tourist centre by rubber boat.

Route: it is a classic dive, recommended only to expert divers.

Depth: maximum 34 metres.

To see: wide stretches of gorgons, swaying in the light underwater current of Capo Caccia. In the ravines, which begin among the surrounding rocks, octopuses, moray heels, but also spin lobsters and clawed lobsters find shelter. With just a turn of your head towards the blue of the open sea, it is possible to admire the passage of pelagic fishes, like barracudas, amberjacks, sea breams and breams.

Length of the exploration: 50 minutes without decompression.

Price includes: scuba tank and ballast, transfer by rubber boat, diving and naturalistic guide inside the cave, washing and storage of the equipment.

Further information: the tourist centre ArchiMete offers the possibility to buy cheap diving packages, which allow one to experience the wonders of the Protected Marine Area of Capo Caccia-Isola Piana. The offer can be combined with trekking and snorkeling routes, in addition to naturalistic activities proposed by ArchiMete. See also the section “Discover our offers” in the homepage of the website.

It  is one of the most classic dives for those who visit the Riviera del Corallo (Coral Riviera). An easy excursion, which is also rich in many points of interest. The cave is located in the last ramification of Capo Caccia, and extends towards the eastern side. At 15 metres depth, begins the spectacular Grotta della Madonnina (Cave of the Madonna), taking its name from a small aedicule with the image of the Blessed Virgin, which is located right outside the water, and anchored onto a nearby cliff. Once you have visited the underwater cave, the dive continues along fallen rocks; big rocks turn into natural balconies from which it is possible to admire, undisturbed, the passage of big pelagic fishes, like amberjacks, sea breams, barracudas and, sometimes, even dolphins.

Departure: the cave is 5 minutes away from the ArchiMete tourist centre by rubber boat.

Route: the cave is on one level and the exploration is easy and enjoyable.

Depth: maximum 21 metres, the cave entrance is located at 12 metres depth.

To see: the walls of the underwater cave are covered by colorful sponges and sea daisies, and it is easy to come across congers, spin lobsters, weasels and even some shy octopuses, which safely hide inside their unmistakable nests made up by small piles of rocks. Photographers and underwater video operators really appreciate the cave, because of the lighting conditions and the varieties of rooms it offers.

Length of the exploration: 1 hour

Price includes: scuba tank and ballast, transfer by rubber boat, diving and naturalistic guide inside the cave, washing and storage of the equipment.

Further information: the tourist centre ArchiMete offers the possibility to buy cheap diving packages, which allow one to experience the wonders of the Protected Marine Area of Capo Caccia-Isola Piana. The offer can be combined with trekking and snorkeling routes, in addition to naturalistic activities proposed by ArchiMete. See also the section “Discover our offers” on the homepage of the website.

It is one of the most spectacular dives, because it takes place in the heart of the Isola Foradada (Island of Foradada), just after Capo Caccia. It is a sort of surface tunnel, very similar to a small Norwegian fjord, which crosses the Island from side to side. The entrance is a wide and scenic cave, which is divided into two other rooms and corridors.

Departure: the cave is 15 minutes away from the ArchiMete tourist centre by rubber boat.

Route: the cave is on one level and the exploration is easy and enjoyable.

Depth: maximum 20 metres, the cave entrance is located at 8 metres depth.

To see: the cave is one of the spots most appreciated by photographers and underwater video operators. In addition to the natural context, which offers wide cavities, along the walls of the tunnel, there are also crevices which provide shelter to spin lobsters, moray heels, clawed lobsters and cicadas. It is not unusual to spot also croakers, nudibranches and, just outside the cave, some curious groupers.

Length of the exploration: 1 hour

Price includes: scuba tank and ballast, transfer by rubber boat, diving and naturalistic guide inside the cave, washing and storage of the equipment.

Further information: the tourist centre ArchiMete offers the possibility to buy cheap diving packages, which allow one to experience the wonders of the Protected Marine Area of Capo Caccia-Isola Piana. The offer can be combined with trekking and snorkeling routes, in addition to naturalistic activities proposed by ArchiMete. See also the section “Discover our offers” on the homepage of the website.