Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
Anacapri, Campania
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is a top attraction on the island of Capri, located in Italy’s Bay of Naples. To enter this sea cave—named after the bright blue light filtering through the water via an opening below sea level—you board a small rowboat and duck through a low opening. Once inside, you’ll see the glowing turquoise light.
The Blue Grotto is a must when on a day trip from the Amalfi Coast, Naples, or Sorrento. You can reach the cave by water or land, but to enter, you must board an official rowboat. Wait times can last hours, though passengers of private boat tours often get preference. Prebook your Blue Grotto boat transfer to avoid long lines, or reserve a private boat tour around Capri and the Faraglioni rock formations.
At the cave entrance, you must purchase a ticket from the floating ticket office and board a rowboat to enter. This is included in most boat tours.
Due to the low cave entrance, the Blue Grotto is only open when weather conditions permit.
You’ll have to wait to enter the cave aboard small, open-air rowboats, so bring a hat and sunblock.
The journey to the Blue Grotto is not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness.
Once inside the cave, many rowboat skippers will treat you to a serenade for a small tip.
You can reach the Blue Grotto by sea from the Marina Grande port or by land from the town of Anacapri.
The cave is most crowded in summer and in the midday hours. Visit first thing in the morning to avoid a long wait to enter. Note that the Blue Grotto is open only when sea conditions permit. When the waters are rough or there are high winds, the cave may close with no advance warning.
The Blue Grotto can only be visited by sea, but the island of Capri has a number of attractions on land, as well. Take an island tour of Villa San Michele, with its sweeping views over the Mediterranean, the lush Gardens of Augustus, and the 14th-century Charterhouse of San Giacomo.
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