Only about one-third of the cave system is open to visitors, but this short stretch includes multiple large chambers, impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and the remains of an extinct rodent species that was only found in Sardinia and nearby Corsica. You can only visit the Caves of Is Zuddas with a guide; some guided tours from Cagliari, Chia, and Domus de Maria also include stops at the nearby Cave of Campanaccio and Cave of Capra or a visit to the mines of the Porto Flavia seaport, an impressive feat of modern engineering.
The Caves of Is Zuddas are located southwest of Cagliari near the town of Santadi. There is no public transportation to the caves, so you'll need to drive or join a guided tour that includes transportation.
The opening hours of the caves change almost monthly, but from April to October there are a number of guided visits offered each day from late morning to late afternoon.
The Caves of Is Zuddas are famous for their striking stalactites and stalagmites, most notably the helictites that coat the main cavern of the cave system. Helictites are a unique stick-like form of stalactite, and those in Is Zuddas are thought to have been formed by wind in the cave blowing drops of water off the stalactites.