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Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte
The nature and the territory
The territory of the Regional Park of Porto Conte, established in 1999,
covers more than 5,000 acres of high environmental diversity and is
home to many animal and plant species, some of which are endemic. In
particular there are communities linked to coastal systems and small
islands, areas with bushes, maquis, wooded areas and humid
environment.
The flora
The vegetation that insists in over five hectares was naturally affected by the lithological
composition and geomorphology of the area. Especially in Capo Caccia and Punta Giglio, the most
picturesque area of the park where the karst landscape is predominant, grow low shrubs, grasses
and other bushy plants typical for a hot, arid climate and typically red soil poor in nutrients. Both
centaurea (Centaurea horrida) and statice (Limonium Nymphaeus) are endemic in northern Sardinia. Other important species are astragalus (Astragalus terraccianoi), the
Sardinian broom (Genista sardoa) and Corsica broom (Genista corsica).
Very significant and fascinating the vegetation that penetrate the walls of the rocky cliffs of Capo
Caccia and Punta Giglio. Here we find the samphire (Crithmum maritimum), stinking groundpine (Camphorosma monspeliaca), groundsel (Senecio leucanthemifolius) and slenderleaf ice
plant (Mesembriantemum nodiflorum), sea kale (Brassica insularis), tree mallow (Lavatera
maritime), fringed rue (Ruta chalepensis), wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum) and wild wallflower
(Matthiola tricuspidata).
The geographical distribution of the different plants affected by the way of the environmental,
climatic and so the prevailing winds such as the Mistral and south-west.
The fauna
One of the flagship species of the peninsula of Capo Caccia is certainly represented by the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), a large vulture
of impressive wingspan which is threatened with extinction. Far more common are shearwaters, birds of storms, cormorants, the
Audouin's gulls, peregrine falcons, buzzards, barn owl and ravens. Then there are various species of swifts and sparrows. You can spot
the Barbary partridge, the Sardinian warbler, the bunting and wren and numerous other species.
Among the most common mammals
include the wild boar the weasel, fallow
deer, the fox and several species of
mice. Thirty years ago horses and
donkeys have been introduced to the park. Among the most common reptiles belong tortoises, but you can also encounter lizards and snakes.
The coast
Punta Giglio Walking Paths
Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte
Punta Giglio is the promontory that closes
the bay of Porto Conte to the east. It is an
unspoiled place within the Porto Conte
forest, rich in Mediterranean vegetation,
agaves and prickly pear bushes, natural
caves and a few coves with crystal clear sea.
There is one of the largest military
settlements from World War II in the area,
with stations for weapons, bunkers, tunnels
and even a barracks. Here, on the edge of
the sheer cliffs, you can admire the bay of
Porto Conte and Capo Caccia from an
unusual position.

How to get there:
Take the road in front of the hotel and follow it to your right (westwards) along the seacoast. After about 600m you will
reach a boat berth on your left and there you turn to the right and follow the branch which leads to a parking area. This
is the starting point for all 5 trails in the park. (Indicated times are one way only.)
Grey - Main path:
New Tower
Maristella
Porto Conte
the protected area from the entrance to
the military fortifications Punta Giglio
- 1hr 25min
Yellow trail:
Hotel El Faro
the Bramassa (10min) and to the
military fortifications Punta Giglio
- 1hr 10min
Bay of Porto
Green trail:
Monte Rudedu (40min) and Port Agre -
Conte
1hr 20min
Red trail:
Monte Pedrosu (15min) and the village
of Maristella - 40min
Blue trail:
Port Agre - 1hr 5min
Monte Rudedu
Punta Giglio
Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)
Neptune's Cave is without doubt one of the star tourist attractions on the whole of Island of Sardinia.
Discovered by fishermen in the eighteenth century, the history of the Caves of Neptune dates back to prehistoric times - about
2,000,000 years have passed by since their formation. It’s almost certain that the primitive men used the caves as well.
The Neptune’s Caves are not only the most famous ones but also the largest ones. They extend for about 4 km, but for safety
reasons, visitors can access only to a part of them. Apart from being an important tourist destination welcoming visitors from all
over the world, the Caves of Neptune are also a place of great attraction for speleologists, the only ones able to visit its most
secret recesses. They are easy to reach. With daily connections by boat, departing from the port of Alghero, you will be
escorted to the caves and during the trip you can take the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful panorama that the sea and
mountain views, on the coast of Alghero, will offer.
These marine caves are located to the west of the town and can be reached by two different methods each with it's own merits.
One of the most fascinating natural jewels in the entire Mediterranean basin, the grotto is a veritable
geological wonder that attracts over 150,000 visitors per year. It is accessible by sea with the “Linea Grotte'
boat lines leaving the tourist port every day, or on foot via "Escala del Cabirol" (“Billy Goat Stairs'), a set of
660 steps cut into the cliff side.
The tour begins at the great room holding the transparent waters of the Lago Lamarmora (Lake Lamarmora),
one of the largest saltwater lakes in all of Europe. It is there that Acquasantiera stands (“The Baptismal Font'),
a monumental stalagmite that is approximately 2 m high; at is peak
have formed vats, where rainwater collects, thereby forming a
precious drinking fountain for birds nesting in the Capo Caccia
area.
After a brief descent, you will reach the Sala delle Rovine (“Room
of Ruins') and after this the Majestic Reggia, which can be found
the most evocative area of the grotto. Impressive and
overwhelming columns arise in this room, almost holding up the
ceiling. Among the large flowstone and “scallop' formations stands
out the distinctive stalagmite formation known as the Albero di
Natale (“Christmas Tree'). The lake comes to end at a sandy beach known as the Spiaggia dei Ciottolini (“Pebble Beach') because at
one time it was made up of tiny stones. After the Reggia, there is Sala Smith (“Smith Room'), where the Grande Organo (“Great
Organ') can be found, the largest column in the entire grotto. This room is named after the English captain who in the early 1800's
had been one of the first to explore the grotto. After having taken in the small columns that adorn the Sala delle Trine e dei Merletti
(“The Lace Room'), the route comes to an end with a view of the Tribuna della Musica (“The Music Gallery'), an evocative balcony
from which you can enjoy the view from above of the Reggia area and the of the Lamarmora Lake.
•
•
Opening hours: from May to October: daily from 9:00 to 19:00
Ticket costs: Adult € 13, children (3-12 old years) € 7, groups (min. 25 persons) € 9
Boat to caves
1.
Linea Grotte “Navisarda” - Ticket office: c/o Port of Alghero // Tel. +39 079 950603
Departures from Cala Dragunara:
Departures from Port of Alghero:
Departure
Return
9:00
11:30
10:00
12:30
11:00
13:30
12:00
14:30
14:00
16:30
15:00
17:30
16:00
18:30
17:00
19:30
Departure
Return
9:30
11:30
10:30
12:30
11:30
13:30
Ticket costs (does not includes entrance to the Caves):
• adult € 15
• children 3/12 age € 8
• groups € 13
• schools from € 8 to € 10
2.
Linea Grotte "Attilio Regolo"
c/o Port of Alghero // cell. +39 368 3536824
- In the morning, departure is at 10.45 and return to port at 13.30
- In the afternoon, departure is at 14.45 and return to port at 17.30
The Motorships Freccia & Attilio Regolo are located in the Port of Alghero, at Garibaldi dock.
Ticket costs (does not includes entrance to the Caves):
• adult € 15
• children 3/12 years € 7
By car/bus
Just as rewarding as the sea trip is the forty five minute drive from Alghero. The road winds around to Capo Caccia and
ends short of the climb to the lighthouse at a small car park. This can get very busy in summer but it is possible to leave
vehicles at the side of the road near to the start of the stepped descent and within walking distance.
The 656 steps that lead down to the Grotto are an experience in themselves. Called the Escala del Cabirol or goat's
steps, these were cut into the sheer cliff wall in 1954 and zigzag down the cliff before running horizontally along to the
Grotto entrance. On days when the weather is less tranquil, the spectacle of t he sea crashing into the cliffs just below is
an awesome sight. Allow fifteen minutes to fully enjoy the descent.
12:30
14:30
13:30
15:30
14:30
16:30
15:30
17:30
16:30
18:30
17:30
19:30
Archaeology – Nuraghic settlements
The territory of the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte has a vast archaeological heritage sites. Nuraghes are among the most
important on the island. The nuraghe is the main type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia, developed during the Nuragic Age
between 1900-730 BC (Bronze Age). Today it has come to be the symbol of Sardinia and its distinctive culture, the Nuraghic civilization.
A typical nuraghe has the shape of a truncated conical tower (outside) or a beehive (inside). Its construction is very sturdy; each of the
stone may weigh up to several tons. Some nuraghes are about 20 metres (60 ft) in height. A spiral stone stair was built within the thick
walls, leading to upper floors (if present) and/or to a terrace. Today, there are less than 7,000 nuraghes in Sardinia. They are most
prevalent in the northwest and south-central parts of the island.
The Nuraghic Village of Sant'Imbenia (1500-800 B.C.)
The recent discovery of this Nuragic site, in the early eighties, unearthed some of the most amazing findings in Sardinia, such as Greek and Phoenicians vases and other
materials that are preserved at present in the National Museum in Sassari. The peculiarity of this archaeological site is certainly the fact that this Nuraghe has a unique square
base, of which only a few rows exist today.
The village, located in the Porto Conte Bay, is the oldest Phonecian maritime port, of all the Levant populations in general on Sardinia. Between 900-800 B.C. it become the
hub for traffic from the eastern world, as witnessed by rare imported Greek and Phonecian ceramics, as well as amphoras containing bronze ingots ready to be melted.
The Nuraghic site, nestled in the middle of the most important commercial routes of the time, visited by Phonecians, Etruscans and Greeks, remained a busy hub up until a
th
calamitous fall at the end of the 7 century B.C., when the Phonecians changed their relations with the Nuraghic population and at the same time established its own colonies
in the southwest of the island.
Archeological investigations, still being carried out, have revealed that S. Imbenia was a hub of
great importance in the western Mediterranean. Just a few meters from the Nuraghic
settlement S.Imbenia can be found the remains the Villa Romana (Roman Village) of Porto
Conte. It is a typical Villa built for “ozio' (leisure) of the owner and for exploitation of the rich
agricultural and marine resources. The entire complex is situated in a famous part of the
Porto Conto Bay called the by the Romans “Portus Nympharum'.
How to get there: from Alghero, you take the “Lungomare Barcellona' via “Lido' and “Viale
1°Maggio', continuing along the “strada statale 127 bis', which leads to Fertilia. After you pass
the town on the right, carry on toward Porto Conte-Capo Caccia. At the “Fontana di S. Igori'
fork, go right toward Capo Caccia, continuing along the coastal road. The archeological area
is about 50 m past Hotel Baia di Conte.
The Nuraghic Village Palmavera (1500-800 B.C.)
With over 7,000 all over Sardinia, the Nuraghes are among the most significant
monuments of ancient western Mediterranean megalithic cultures and the Palmavera
village is one of the most important that the Nuraghic civilization has built on the island
of Sardinia. It is divided into two towers made up of large blocks of limestone and
sandstone, surrounded by an wall and by a village made up of an estimated 150-200
huts (now about 50 remain). The various architectonic elements used, such as the
tholos vault, are p roof of the building skills of this fascinating, and in some ways
unexplored, civilization. Later building phases at the site are distinguished by the use of
limestone in place of the original sandstone and habitation finally ended around 800700 BC with a catastrophic fire being the most likely cause.
How to get there: It is located
at the foot of the hill of the
same name about 1.5 km from
the sea. From Alghero, along
the coastline, you take the
“Lungomare Barcellona' via
“Lido' and “Viale 1°Maggio,'
continuing along the “strada
statale 127 bis', which leads to
Fertilia. After you pass the town on the right, carry on towards Porto Conte-Capo Caccia. The archeological area
Palmavera, clearly indicated by a tourist sign, can be seen on the right after the straight stretch of road at Km 45,5300.
Entrance is in the region of two euros plus an additional charge for the use of a handheld guide. Visitors can also purchase
a ticket that allows access to nearby Anghelu Ruju. Sant'Imbenia and Santu Pedru may be visited upon reservation
(groups of at least 4 people).
Information and guided tours
Tours of Palmavera and Anghelu Ruju
COOP. SILT (www.coopsilt.it)
M +39 329 43 85 947 – 349 0871963
e-mail [email protected] | www.coopsilt.it
Times:
• From April to October: from 09:00 - 19:00
• April and October: from 9.00 - 18.00
• From November to March: from 10:00 - 14:00
Tickets:
•
•
•
•
Entrance for only 1 site: € 3.00
Entrance two sites: € 5.00
Entrance and guided tour for 1 site: € 5.00
Entrance and guided tour for 2 sites: € 9.00
The Coastal Towers
An ancient response to the fear that comes from the sea by "dark-skinned with the horns"
Crown of Spain devised a plan for coastal defense, a ring of towers dating back to the seventeenth century. This chain of coastal lookout towers protected the island against
pirates, plunderers and enemies. Strategically placed in view of each other it allowed a system of sighting and reporting. Today you can visit them in, either by car or on foot.
New Tower (Torre Nuova) just in front of the hotel El Faro has a truncated cone
shape, is of Gallardas type: tall, imposing, one of the largest on the island. Currently
not open. Back on the road already partly covered, the route heads towards Capo
Caccia, just on the other side of the Bay. Passing by Tramariglio, after 1 km turn left
and take the road leading to the hotel complex. On the hill, overlooking the bay is
the Tower of Tramariglio (reachable with a path). The tower, type Senzillas, was
equipped with the defense light; the entrance room of 2,5m is clearly visible.
Bringing your gaze towards the northwest, you can see at 270 meters, Tower of
Pegna, a Torrezillas. The small tower stands on the coast and was used only for
sighting. Currently not open. It is located within the State Forest.Taking in the
direction of Capo Caccia, after about 2 km we meet a left access to Cala Dragunara.
Here we leave the car and continue towards Torre del Bollo. A Torrezillas,
cylindrical in shape, is one of the smaller towers and stands on a hill, was used mostly as a watchtower. Returning to the car, follow the SP 55 road until you reach the junction,
here turn left in the direction of Marina, continue for about 200-300 meters left and a take a road leading to the resort of the same name. Once in a clearing you can see the
Tower of Marina, which currently cannot be visited.
Alghero
When you walk through ancient Catalan town of Alghero, on its centuries old walls, among its distinctive narrow cobble-stone alleyways, you notice the particular allure that
only a seaside city can have. A sea that is always there in the landscape and always at hand, a tourist port where next to large yachts can be seen the colours of the typical
fishing boats for local fish; and among the shapes and colours of history, there is an of the infinite variety of places where you can relax and have a break.
City Fortress
A sturdy and safe shelter in northern Sardinia, the fortress of Alghero
represented for the Catalan/Aragonese Crown the key to communication
between the Island of Sardinia and Catalonia. It could therefore not be given
up: its walls had to be defended, reinforced and carefully maintained. Even
today, in spite of partial demolitions, the walls continue to be a strong place,
which is emblematic of the of the identity of the Alghero populations. And it is
between the walls and the sea that you can read the soul of the city.
Strolls accross the town
You may begin your city tour from the historical land entrance of the city, The
Torre di Porta Terra, which plays host to a multimedia itinerary that tells the
history, habits and customs of the city from its origins to the present day.
From Porta Terra, we carry on to Torre di San Giovanni, now an exhibition
hall for modern works, up to Torre dello Sperone (Esperò Reyal), better
known as “Torre di Sulis', which with its 22 meters of height is the most
imposing of the city walls. The tower overlooks one of the main squares of
the city, Piazza Sulis. We continue our visit along the Bastioni Cristoforo
Colombo. Upon passing the Torre di San Giacomo, you enter into one of the
most distinctive areas of the city, the Bastioni Marco Polo, where a succession
of colourful architecture typical of seaside residences lends a Mediterranean
air to everything.
Frequented by Algheresi and tourists alike the bastions are one of the favoured places for relaxation, entertainment and taking a stroll: a long seaside promenade with
incredible views of the habour. Coffee shops and restaurants animate the way with open-air verandas for sipping on a drink or tasting local delicacies while warmed by the
sweet sea breeze. At the end of the Marco Polo bastions you will meet on the right the cylindrical Torre della Polveriera and on the opposite side the Garita Reial or Torre
della Lanterna, once a signalling lantern for vessels in the harbour.
After a few metres, you will reach Torre di Sant'Elmo, which is
known as “la Madonnina' because of the statue of the Virgin Mary
above it. Having completed the final stretch of the bastions, the
one facing the city overlooking the tourist port and which during
the summer is filled with street artists' stands, you will reach a
staircase that leads – through the Porta a Mare (Porto Salve) –
into the heart of Alghero: Piazza Civica. On this square are
located what were once the most representative governmental
institutions of Alguer; from the Gothic look of Palazzo de Ferrera,
often mansion to the city governor or to nobility during official
occasions, to the Casa de la Ciutat, city council's seat, to Palazzo della Dogana (Duana Reial, Customs and
Duties Palace), obligatory stopping point for skippers moored in the Alghero harbour.
A stroll along the town walls provides some wonderful views towards Capo Caccia and makes a refreshing
alternative to the narrow lanes of the old town (allow around 20 minutes). This is a favourite evening pursuit
as the west facing direction of Alghero means that stunning sunsets can often be enjoyed from one of the many bars or restaurants along the route.
Alghero Cathedral
Cattedrale di Santa Maria, founded in the 14th century, was restructured in the style of Catalan Gothic when Alghero gained city status almost two hundred years later. Today,
the five radiating chapels of the original building still represent the gothic period, the centre is largely renaissance whilst the neoclassic facade was added in the 20th century.
Piazza Civica
Entering the old town from Bastione La Maddalena leads to the Piazza Civica, one of
the larger open spaces containing a number of boutiques and restaurants.
Via Carlo Alberto
This lane is home to the church of San Francesco, thought to be the most important Catalan example in Sardinia. Summer
concerts are hosted here whilst exhibitions take place in the old refectory at other times of the year. Near the southern end of
the lane, set in Piazza Ginnasio, the 17th century church of San Michele is of Jesuit origin.
Shopping enthusiasts will not be bored. The centre of Alghero has some of the most exclusive ateliers, shops and workshops in
the entire city. We recommend visiting Cuìles shop (Via Catalogna 4) which sells typical Sardinian products such as wine,
cheese, salami, sweets and much more.
Useful links
http://www.alghero-turismo.it/en/
http://www.algherosardinia.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alghero
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/sardinia/alghero
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187880-Alghero_Province_of_Sassari_Sardinia-Vacations.html
http://www.360alghero.net/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Alghero
Transport
Local bus
Trottolo Alghero Panoramic Tour – Hop-on Bus
Alghero – Capo Caccia (arst - Linee 9321)
The service is provided by means of a 66 seater double-decker bus with 49
seats available on the open top deck. The bus is equipped with a ramp and
seating for the disabled. It operates on route Alghero – Capo Caccia –
Alghero every day except Sunday.
Details on other bus lines/trains can be found on the following website:
http://arst.sardegna.it/orari_e_autolinee.html
The bus is fitted out with a multi-language system with earphones included
(Italian, English, Spanish, French and German). A hostess is always on
board.
http://www.trottolo.it/index_en.asp
9321 ALGHERO-PORTO CONTE-CAPO CACCIA
km
2,0
2,7
9,0
12,0
13,0
15,0
16,0
18,0
20,0
24,0
27,0
30,0
ALGHERO VIA CATALOGNA
ALGHERO LA PETRAIA
ALGHERO MARIA PIA
FERTILIA
BIVIO BOMBARDE SS 127 BIS
HOTEL DEI PINI
MARISTELLA PENSILINA
PORTO CONTE HOTEL EL FARO
MUGONI
MONTE TIMIDONE
TRAMARIGLIO
DRAGUNARA
CAPO CACCIA
Km. per corsa
+
X
1
GIOR
6.55
7.00
7.02
7.10
7.13
7.16
7.20
7.25
-----------
3
GIOR
8.30
8.35
8.37
8.45
8.48
8.51
8.55
9.00
-----------
5
GIO*
9.00
9.05
9.07
9.15
9.18
9.21
9.25
9.30
-----------
16,0
16,0
16,0
+
7
GIO6
9.15
9.20
9.22
9.30
9.33
9.36
9.40
9.45
9.48
9.51
9.57
10.01
10.05
9
fer6
9.15
9.20
9.22
9.30
9.33
9.36
9.40
9.45
9.48
9.51
9.57
10.01
10.05
11
GIOR
11.15
11.20
11.22
11.30
11.33
11.36
11.40
11.45
-----------
13
GIO*
12.30
12.35
12.37
12.45
12.48
12.51
12.55
13.00
-----------
15
SCOL
14.00
14.05
14.07
14.15
14.18
14.21
14.25
-------------
17
GIO*
15.10
15.15
15.17
15.25
15.28
15.31
15.35
15.40
15.43
15.46
15.52
15.56
16.00
19
GIO8
15.10
15.15
15.17
15.25
15.28
15.31
15.35
15.40
-----------
21
GIO*
17.10
17.15
17.17
17.25
17.28
17.31
17.35
17.40
17.43
17.46
17.52
17.56
18.00
23
GIO6
19.15
19.20
19.22
19.30
19.33
19.36
19.40
19.45
-----------
25
fer6
19.15
19.20
19.22
19.30
19.33
19.36
19.40
19.45
-----------
27
STA4
23.30
23.35
23.37
23.45
23.48
23.51
23.55
0.00
-----------
30,0
30,0
16,0
16,0
15,0
30,0
16,0
30,0
16,0
16,0
16,0
X
= (GIO*) CORSA GIORNALIERA DAL 1/6 AL 30/9
= (GIO8) CORSA GIORNALIERA DAL 1/10 AL 31/5
9321 CAPO CACCIA-PORTO CONTE-ALGHERO
km
3,0
6,0
10,0
12,0
14,0
15,0
17,0
18,0
21,0
27,3
28,0
30,0
CAPO CACCIA
DRAGUNARA
TRAMARIGLIO
MONTE TIMIDONE
MUGONI
PORTO CONTE HOTEL EL FARO
MARISTELLA PENSILINA
HOTEL DEI PINI
BIVIO BOMBARDE SS 127 BIS
FERTILIA
ALGHERO MARIA PIA
ALGHERO LA PETRAIA
ALGHERO VIA CATALOGNA
Km. per corsa
x
+
2
STA4
----------0.05
0.10
0.14
0.17
0.20
0.28
0.30
0.35
x
16,0
= (STA4) CORSA GIORNALIERA DAL 1/7 AL 31/8
= (GIO*) CORSA GIORNALIERA DAL 1/6 AL 30/9
4
GIOR
----------7.30
7.35
7.39
7.42
7.45
7.53
7.55
8.00
6
GIOR
----------9.05
9.10
9.14
9.17
9.20
9.28
9.30
9.35
8
GIO*
----------9.35
9.40
9.44
9.47
9.50
9.58
10.00
10.05
16,0
16,0
16,0
+
10
GIOR
----------11.50
11.55
11.59
12.02
12.05
12.13
12.15
12.20
12
GIO6
12.00
12.04
12.08
12.14
12.17
12.20
12.25
12.29
12.32
12.35
12.43
12.45
12.50
14
fer6
12.00
12.04
12.08
12.14
12.17
12.20
12.25
12.29
12.32
12.35
12.43
12.45
12.50
16
GIO*
----------13.05
13.10
13.14
13.17
13.20
13.28
13.30
13.35
18
SCOL
------------14.30
14.34
14.37
14.40
14.48
14.50
14.55
20
GIOR
----------15.45
15.50
15.54
15.57
16.00
16.08
16.10
16.15
22
GIO*
16.05
16.09
16.13
16.19
16.22
16.25
16.30
16.34
16.37
16.40
16.48
16.50
16.55
24
GIO*
18.05
18.09
18.13
18.19
18.22
18.25
18.30
18.34
18.37
18.40
18.48
18.50
18.55
26
GIO6
----------19.50
19.55
19.59
20.02
20.05
20.13
20.15
20.20
28
fer6
----------19.50
19.55
19.59
20.02
20.05
20.13
20.15
20.20
30
GIO*
----------20.30
20.35
20.39
20.42
20.45
20.53
20.55
21.00
16,0
30,0
30,0
16,0
15,0
16,0
30,0
30,0
16,0
16,0
16,0