Go beyond pasta, piazzas and prosecco on your next Italian escape and head underground to explore one of the country’s many mysterious caves, accessed either by land or water.
Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto), Amalfi
You’ve probably seen images of the spectacular Emerald Grotto, but exploring it in person takes its beauty to the next level. Located just outside Amalfi in the village of Conca dei Marini (make time for a scenic stroll here to soak up the fishing village vibes), it gets its glorious green colour from sunlight filtering through the water then reflecting up on to the cave’s walls.
The underwater nativity scene is a highlight. Visitors can access the grotto on foot via stairs or a lift, or on board a guided rowboat tour from the nearby pier.
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Grotte di Frasassi, (Frasassi Caves), Marche
Hidden inside the national park of Gola della Rossa in central Italy’s Marche region, the Grotte di Frasassi are among Italy’s most magnificent caves, featuring multiple ‘rooms’ filled with striking stalactite and stalagmite formations. One such ‘room’ could fit the massive gothic Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) inside.
Keep an eye out for the many animal species who call the caves home, including soaring bats.
Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto), Capri
If it’s brilliant blue water you’re looking for, then the famous Blue Grotto of the Island of Capri is a must. One of the island’s most sought-after sites, its spectacular sapphire shade has been admired by photographers and travellers for decades.
The moment when your eyes adjust from total darkness to the sparkling blue cavern is genuinely unforgettable. You can only visit during calm sea days (but it’s the Med, so there are more gorgeous days than not), and you’ll need to lay back in a little rowboat as you go through the opening – all part of the experience!
Grotta Gigante, near Trieste
A 20-minute drive from Trieste, the Grotta Gigante is home to the largest ‘natural hall’ inside a European cave at 114m tall, 280m long and 76m wide, which maintains its chilly 11°C temperature all year-round.
Visit to marvel at stalactites and stalagmites up to 12m tall, have a go at indoor rock-climbing (yes really), and to say you’ve visited a site which has earned its place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
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Grotta Zinzulusa, Salento, Apulia
Located on Salento coastline on the Ionian Sea, this captivating cave combines sea water with freshwater springs, the underground Trabochetto Lake, a towering cavern known as Il Duomo and Cocito, a petite picturesque lagoon.
Grotte di Nettuno (Neptune’s Caves), Sardinia
Tucked at the bottom of a cliff near Alghero on the idyllic island of Sardinia, you can visit Neptune’s Caves by boat during calm seas from Alghero, or via a steep 654-step staircase spectacularly cut into the side of the cliff.
Grotte di Petrosa-Auletta, Salerno
Situated 45 minutes from Salerno, these caves showcase column-like stalactites and stalagmites, which have been the breathtaking backdrop for many theatrical performances over the years, including Dante’s Inferno.
Some parts are accessible on foot, but for the full experience, a combined boat and pedestrian tour is the best bet.
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Grotte del Bue Marino (Bue Marino Caves), Sardinia
Sardinia has no shortage of fascinating caves to explore, and the Bue Marino Caves on the island’s west coast enjoy a dreamy location between the majestic mountains and the sea.
Inside you’ll find sea water, fresh water from underground rivers, sandy beaches, stalactites and stalagmites, and glittering rays of sun, which give the interior a truly magical ambience. Visit on a sunny day if you can.
Which grotto would you most like to explore? Let us know in the comments section below.
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