Blue Grotto Grotta Azzurra
A natural sea cave on Capri, Italy, famous for its intensely blue, luminous water created by sunlight refraction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Brightest blue light
Blue Grotto Grotta Azzurra
Best Time
Brightest blue light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural sea cave on Capri, Italy, famous for its intensely blue, luminous water created by sunlight refraction.
"The moment you glide into the cave, the sunlight reflecting off the water creates a glowing, almost otherworldly blue that takes your breath away."
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Queues
Queues can be 2+ hours. Aim for opening time (9 AM) or earlier to minimize wait.
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
You'll need cash for the rowboat tour fee and potentially for the initial boat transfer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ethereal Blue Glow
Inside the Blue Grotto
Sunlight refracts through underwater caves, creating a magical, otherworldly blue luminescence.
The Thrilling Rowboat Entry
Cave Entrance
Transferring to a small rowboat and ducking low to enter the cave is an unforgettable, albeit intense, experience.
Serenading Skippers
Inside the Blue Grotto
The boatmen often sing traditional Italian songs, adding a charming and emotional layer to the visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Blue Grotto
Prepare for the Entry Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Queues
Queues can be 2+ hours. Aim for opening time (9 AM) or earlier to minimize wait.
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
You'll need cash for the rowboat tour fee and potentially for the initial boat transfer.
💧 Stay Hydrated in Line
If you do queue, buy water and fans from shops nearby to cope with the heat.
⚠️ Not for the Claustrophobic
The low entrance and confined space in the rowboat can be challenging for some. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Queues
Queues can be 2+ hours. Aim for opening time (9 AM) or earlier to minimize wait.
💰 Bring Cash for Fees
You'll need cash for the rowboat tour fee and potentially for the initial boat transfer.
💧 Stay Hydrated in Line
If you do queue, buy water and fans from shops nearby to cope with the heat.
⚠️ Not for the Claustrophobic
The low entrance and confined space in the rowboat can be challenging for some. +1
📸 Photos Don't Do It Justice
While you'll want to capture the magic, the true glow is best experienced in person.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Blue Grotto offers a truly magical and unique experience with its otherworldly blue glow and charming boatmen who sing. While the entry can be intense and queues long, most visitors find the breathtaking beauty inside the cave well worth the wait and the adventure. Be prepared for potential closures due to weather.
"It’s an awesome experience. We got the bus down from Ana Capri (which was an experience in itself…). The queue was about 2hrs long and it was in the heat down the steps but we bought water and fans from the shop you pass through. The boat tour is absolute chaos but brilliant fun and once inside the grotto it’s lovely and you get serenaded by the skippers. Worth the wait. They were all done by 2:30pm as the waters were high so best get there early"
Danny Wood
"It is an experience that is a "must do" if you are visiting Capri. We were there early at 8:15am, and were literally the 2nd group in line. They start the tours at 9am. They started a little early, and we were actually out of the cave and on shore at 9am. We had thought it was going to take almost 2 hours (which is definitely possible because by the time we were out, there were 50 people in the line on shore, and a couple dozen boats of people waiting for the small boats to pick them up 4 at a time to go into the cave)."
keith esbin
"Clear blue waters. Mysterious coves. Light breeze.
That's all you need for a perfect getaway in this paradise situated in Capri. The natives taking you inside the Grotto are friendly and welcoming, singing beautiful Italian parodies that touch your heart. The cave inside the Grotto dates back to the time when a Romanian king came to this Grotto by digging a tunnel for 90m.
There a huge line for this but the experience itself is out of this world. Highly recommend!"
Yamini Kandpal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Blue Grotto by taking a bus from Anacapri, which is an experience in itself! Alternatively, you can hire a private boat or taxi to take you to the entrance.
Yes, private boat tours are a popular option, offering more flexibility. However, they still require you to transfer to smaller rowboats for entry into the grotto itself.
Many visitors take a boat tour around Capri that includes a stop at the Blue Grotto. This allows you to see other sights while also visiting the cave.
No, swimming is not permitted inside the Blue Grotto due to safety regulations and the confined space.
Travel time varies depending on your starting point in Capri and the mode of transport. Boat tours typically take several hours to circumnavigate the island and include stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's a fee for the rowboat tour into the grotto, typically paid in cash. You may also need to pay for a separate boat transfer to the grotto entrance.
The Blue Grotto's opening hours are not fixed and depend entirely on sea conditions. It can open for as little as an hour a day or close unexpectedly.
No, the Blue Grotto can close at any time due to rough seas or high waves, making it essential to check conditions or go early.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site. Due to the unpredictable nature of its opening, advance booking isn't usually possible or recommended.
If the Blue Grotto is closed due to weather, you'll need to adjust your plans. Many boat tours around Capri will still proceed, offering views of other coastal attractions.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can take photos inside the Blue Grotto, but be mindful of the confined space and the rowboat's movement.
Due to the low light and glowing water, a wider aperture and higher ISO might be necessary. However, the movement of the boat can make sharp shots challenging.
Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive natural areas and around tourist attractions. It's best to avoid flying drones near the Blue Grotto.
Try to capture the transition from the outside light to the cave's interior glow. Photos struggle to convey the true luminescence, so focus on the experience.
It can be challenging due to the small boat, low seating position, and the need to duck. Patience and quick reflexes are key. +1
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You'll transfer to a small rowboat, lie back as the skipper guides you through a narrow opening, and then marvel at the intensely blue, glowing water inside the cave.
The actual time spent inside the grotto is quite short, often only a few minutes, but it's described as emotional and beautiful.
The boatmen are generally friendly and welcoming, often adding to the experience by singing Italian songs.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to move in, as you'll need to transfer boats and potentially lie back. Avoid high heels.
Due to the need to transfer to small boats and lie back to enter, the Blue Grotto is generally not accessible for individuals with significant mobility issues. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is up for the challenge, the sight of the glowing blue water is truly captivating and can be a memorable part of a family trip to Capri. Many skippers are accustomed to families and can make the experience fun and engaging.
💰 Budget Travelers
Arriving very early can sometimes mean shorter queues, potentially saving you time and the need to purchase extra amenities while waiting. While the experience itself is relatively short, the overall cost can add up. Weigh the expense against the unique nature of the attraction. If budget is a major concern, exploring other beautiful, free-access sea caves or enjoying Capri's stunning coastline might be alternatives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Blue Grotto Entry
This process makes the Blue Grotto an experience that is not suitable for everyone. Those who are claustrophobic or have significant mobility challenges may find it difficult or uncomfortable. The tight squeeze and the need to lie down require a certain level of physical agility and a willingness to embrace the adventure.
Despite the potential challenges, the effort is widely considered worth it. The moment you glide into the cave and witness the spectacular blue light is described as breathtaking and magical, making the unique entry a memorable part of the overall visit.
Understanding the Blue Grotto's Magic
The cave itself is a natural sea cave, approximately 60 meters long and 25 meters wide. Its mouth is only about two meters wide and roughly a meter high, which explains the necessity for the small rowboat entry. The geological history of the grotto is also fascinating, with some accounts suggesting it was known to the Romans and even had a tunnel dug by a Romanian king.
While photos can capture the scene, many visitors emphasize that they don't fully convey the immersive, magical quality of the light. The experience is often described as emotional and unforgettable, a testament to the unique interplay of light, water, and natural formations.
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