
Castellana Caves Italy
Explore a vast underground world of ancient stalactites and stalagmites, carved over millions of years. Experience unique tours, including a thrilling...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene experience.

Castellana Caves Italy
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast underground world of ancient stalactites and stalagmites, carved over millions of years. Experience unique tours, including a thrilling night adventure.
"It was like Cheddar Gorge in England, on steroids. Definitely worth a visit."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking for about 100 minutes on uneven surfaces. Good grip is essential!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave temperature is a constant 14-18°C, so it can feel cool.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Wonder of the World'
Main cave system
Marvel at colossal stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. A truly breathtaking natural spectacle.

Speleonight Tour
Various cave sections
Experience the caves in near darkness with only helmet lights, offering a unique and thrilling perspective.

Museum of Speleology
Entrance area
Learn about the geological history and the discovery of the caves, with interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dress for the Underground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking for about 100 minutes on uneven surfaces. Good grip is essential!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave temperature is a constant 14-18°C, so it can feel cool.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Flash photography is prohibited in most areas to protect the cave formations.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid queues and secure your spot, especially for popular tours like Speleonight.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking for about 100 minutes on uneven surfaces. Good grip is essential!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave temperature is a constant 14-18°C, so it can feel cool.
📸 Photo Restrictions
Flash photography is prohibited in most areas to protect the cave formations.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid queues and secure your spot, especially for popular tours like Speleonight.
🗣️ English Tours Available
While guides are knowledgeable, some visitors found English explanations could be clearer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Castellana Caves for their breathtaking natural beauty and unique geological formations, describing the experience as awe-inspiring and 'like Cheddar Gorge on steroids.' The Speleonight tour is a highlight for its immersive, adventurous feel. Some minor drawbacks include potential language barriers with guides and the large group sizes, which can sometimes detract from the experience.
"You are not allowed to take pictures beyond a certain point. For me, the most amazing caves I ever saw. The experience is totally worth it. The entire area around is also very nice.
It's not too slippery, not too cold. The guides are nice, tours are available in many languages. Booking in advance is recommended.
And, we did the 50min tour with our 3-years old. So, children-friendly also."
Karina Adriana
"Fantastic caves, but the experience is totally spoiled by the way it's run. It started badly when we were charged to park out car in a large car park in the village centre not far from the caves. But since the caves are the only attraction in town, the cost of parking ought to be included in the ticket price for visiting the cave.
After buying our tickets, we were shown to the "planetarium" which is a miniature imax-style surround cinema where they played an animated film about possible alien life on other planets. But nobody could see it. The projector was so feeble that it took a couple of minutes of dark adaptation to seven see the image. And then people kept opening the door, causing bright sunshine to flood in and ruin the dark adaptation. They also give you pretty terrible 3D glasses that make the picture even dimmer. I guess this planetarium show is there to stop kids getting bored between tours of the caves, and it's a nice idea in principle. But the fact that they didn't invest in a decent projector system and didn't fit a light-proof entry system means it actually irritating for a lot of people. I heard lots of murmurings of "well that's 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back" upon leaving.
But my biggest gripe of all is the actual cave tour itself. Not only do they try to stop you from taking photos beyond the first cave, but there's no mention of this at all before you buy your tickets. I LOVE visiting caves and have visited hundreds of them over the years. This is the first time I've been prevented from taking photos. I asked one of the two ladies what the reasoning was, and she said "Because it's our copyright". Which is total nonsense. Nobody has copyright over things that they did not create. And caves are created by the action of water over millions of years, they aren't man-made! I ignored their protestations and continued to take plenty of photos. In the end they stopped trying to stop me. I later looked up what possible genuine reasons they might have, and it's to protect the rocks from the effects of flash. Well why isn't that a problem in any other cave anywhere else? In any case I was taking photos and videos using a phone and a GoPro. There was no flash involved. If they really have a problem with people bringing proper cameras with powerful flash, then they should just tell people that photos are okay as long as there is no flash.
Another problem is with the way the tour is guided. The tour guide at the front made an effort for people to gather around her before speaking, but her very soft voice was impossible to hear, especially since some of the visitors had brought babies who were crying the whole way. Inside the caves all you could hear is the crying of babies. Many cave site tour operators get round this by using radio mics with speakers hidden behind rocks in the caves. That way the guide doesn't have to shout, and everyone can hear easily. But no, there was nothing like that here.
In summary, my biggest gripe is about their ridiculous ban on photography. For some of us, taking photos of the spectacular rock formations is a big reason for visiting in the first place. Admittedly they do say "no photography" in the guide they give you, but you don't see that until after you've bought your ticket. Pretty nasty way to operate. There's no good reason for them to ban photography, especially if you're doing it without a flash. But if you're to afraid to stand up for yourself, enjoy some of mine."
Alex de Taranto
"Great experience! The 50 min tour suitable for small kids (4 & 6 y.o. enjoyed it). A bit to brief for adults/teenagers. During a 1km walk you're going to see a few amazing stone formations, hear a bit of history about the caves, and have a chance to imagine how this place looked like before it was turned into a tourist attraction. No need for any special shoes or outfits - a jacket and a pair of sneakers would do."
Wojtek Cyprys
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Castellana Caves from Bari by car (approx. 1 hour drive) or by public transport. Take a regional train to Putignano and then a local bus to Castellana Grotte. Some visitors also use it as a day trip from other towns in Puglia like Bisceglie.
Yes, there is parking available at the Castellana Caves complex. It's convenient for those arriving by car.
Yes, it's possible to visit using public transport, though it might take longer. Trains and buses connect to Castellana Grotte from major cities like Bari.
Having a car is ideal for exploring Puglia and its surrounding areas, including less touristy spots.
Yes, guided tours are mandatory for exploring the caves. You can choose between different tour lengths and themes, including the Speleonight tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen. The long tour (3km) is around €18. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing and tour options.
Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee your entry and avoid long queues.
The caves are generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Castellana Caves website for current opening times and tour schedules.
Yes, there are several tour options, including the standard guided tour (around 100 minutes) and the unique Speleonight tour, which offers a different perspective in the dark.
Photography is allowed in some areas, but flash is strictly prohibited to protect the delicate cave formations. Some tours may have stricter photo policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The standard guided tour typically lasts around 100 minutes and covers about 3 kilometers of the cave system.
The temperature inside the Castellana Caves remains constant year-round, between 14°C and 18°C (57°F - 64°F), with high humidity.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the paths can be uneven. Bring a light jacket or sweater due to the cool, constant temperature.
Yes, the caves are a great experience for children. The 3km walk has kept kids engaged, and the unique environment is fascinating for all ages.
Yes, the caves sometimes host special events, including theatrical performances and Halloween events, inspired by historical beliefs about the caves.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, but using flash is strictly forbidden to protect the natural formations.
The main chambers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites offer the most dramatic photo opportunities. The 'Wonder of the World' chamber is particularly striking.
Yes, it can be quite dark, especially in certain sections. You might need to use a tripod or a camera with good low-light performance for clear shots.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always best to check with the management on-site for any such regulations.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the vastness of the chambers. A camera with good high ISO performance will help in low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Adventure Seekers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Castellana Caves
The system stretches for an impressive 3,348 meters (over 2 miles) and reaches a maximum depth of 122 meters (approximately 400 feet) below the surface. This vast underground network is a testament to the slow, persistent work of nature. Visitors can witness this geological marvel firsthand on guided tours that explore the various chambers, each with its unique formations and characteristics.
Understanding the geological processes behind the caves enhances the appreciation of their beauty. The Museum of Speleology at the entrance provides further insights into the formation, history, and scientific study of these underground wonders, making the visit both educational and awe-inspiring.
Experiencing the Castellana Caves: Tours and Atmosphere
For a truly unique and memorable adventure, the Speleonight tour is highly recommended. This special tour takes place in near-total darkness, with visitors navigating the caves using only the light from their helmets. This immersive experience creates a different atmosphere, allowing for a more intimate connection with the underground environment and a sense of discovery.
The overall atmosphere within the caves is one of awe and wonder. The sheer size of the formations and the silence of the underground world can be profound. While the caves are a natural wonder, the experience is enhanced by knowledgeable guides who share insights into the geology and history. However, some visitors have noted that English explanations could sometimes be clearer, and managing large groups can be a challenge for guides.




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