Nereo Cave (Italian: Grotta di Nereo; Catalan: Cova de Nereu) is a huge underwater sea-cave situated on the north-west of Sardinia in the Coral riviera of Alghero, Italy. The name was given by the discoverers in honour of the mythological figure Nereus, who is often billed as the Old Man of the Sea, father of the Nereids.[1] The site is under the high limestone cliffs of Capo Caccia, 100 metres north of the famous Neptune's Grotto.

Grotta di Nereo
Nereo Cave
The "Belvedere" watching terrace,
south upside entrance
Map showing the location of Grotta di Nereo Nereo Cave
Map showing the location of Grotta di Nereo Nereo Cave
Location of the caves in Italy
LocationCapo Caccia, Alghero
(SS, Sardinia, Italy)
Coordinates40°33′42.65″N 8°09′40″E / 40.5618472°N 8.16111°E / 40.5618472; 8.16111
Depth33 m
Length4,000 m
Elevation0 m
GeologySea cave
Entrances1
AccessPublic
WebsiteGrotta di Nereo

Overview

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The cave is considered the biggest marine cave in the Mediterranean Sea. With around 10 entrances, arches and tunnels, it is possible to make dives from 0 to 35 m, through long and large tunnels, air chambers and different ways. The walls are covered with red coral and yellow leptosamnia.[2]

With the other cape of Punta Giglio and the Porto Conte Bay, the cave is part of a Marine reserve set up in 2003. Its flora and fauna are typically Mediterranean including groupers, lobsters, congers and moray eels, and thriving crustacean life.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Grotta di Nereo (Nereo's Cave)". www.adventurediving.it. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  2. ^ "World Aquatic! The world's coolest underwater destinations". au.totaltravel.yahoo.com. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
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