The Blue Cave and Grotto
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Grotta Azzurra

4.6
·259 reviews·Mazzarò, Italy

A magical sea cave on Capri, Italy, famous for its intensely blue, illuminated waters created by sunlight filtering through an underwater opening.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and queues

CrowdLow
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The Blue Cave and Grotto

Grotta Azzurra

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the crowds and queues

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magical sea cave on Capri, Italy, famous for its intensely blue, illuminated waters created by sunlight filtering through an underwater opening.

4.6
(259 reviews)

"This has to be one of the most beautiful sea caves I have ever seen on this planet. Truly one of a kind!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Weather First! ☁️

The Blue Grotto's opening is weather-dependent. Check local conditions before heading out to avoid disappointment.

Arrive Early 🌅

To skip the long lines, aim to arrive at Marina Grande as early as possible.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 264 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Azure Glow

The Azure Glow

Inside the Blue Grotto

Witness the magical, otherworldly blue light illuminating the sea cave. A truly unique natural phenomenon.

Rowboat Entry

Rowboat Entry

Entrance to the Blue Grotto

Experience the thrill of being rowed through a small opening into the vast, glowing cavern.

Capri's Coastal Views

Capri's Coastal Views

Boat journey to the Blue Grotto

Enjoy breathtaking views of Capri's dramatic coastline on your way to this natural wonder.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is highly weather-dependent. Rough seas can close it for days. Check conditions locally before you go, and have a backup plan. Arriving early is key to beating the longest queues.

Navigating the Experience

While the iconic blue glow is undeniable, some visitors find the experience rushed or overpriced. Research your boat tour options carefully, as prices and inclusions can vary significantly. Consider local kiosks over resort booths for better value.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the crowds and queues
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🛎️Abonne toi pour + d’adresses😋 Direction Capri 👉Les pâtisseries et citrons givrés de @bargrottaazzurra_capri (centre-ville de Capri) 👉Resto sous les citronniers à @lazagara_restaurant (À Anacapri) 👉 Cocktail de citron chez @casaorlandiristorante (À Anacapri) #capri #food #italianfood #comewithme #travelwithme #citron #lemon #lemonrecipes #recette
@tony_bouge
33.1K likes • 381.5K views

Check Weather First! ☁️

The Blue Grotto's opening is weather-dependent. Check local conditions before heading out to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Arrive Early 🌅

To skip the long lines, aim to arrive at Marina Grande as early as possible. TikTok

Vergognosi il bar grotta azzurra di Capri esperienza da incubo #esperienzanegativa #VergognaTuristica #CapriDelusione #truffaturistica #TurismoIngiusto #maipiu #occhioalletruffe #ServizioScadente #RecensioneOnesta #BruttaEsperienza #capri #grottaazzurra #bargrottaazzurra #capriitalia #CapriIsland #Campania #SudItalia #ItaliaTurismo #ViaggiInItalia #EsperienzaReale #AvvisoAiTuristi #Cose...
@pietrodamiami
12.2K likes • 491.2K views
🚨 A seguito di un video, diventato virale, che mostrava due barcaioli contendersi l’ingresso alla Grotta Azzurra, il sindaco di Anacapri, Francesco Cerrotta, ha chiesto che il servizio di trasporto dei turisti venga gestito 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐝𝐢 𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐝’𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚. 🛑In una lettera inviata alla Direzione generale dei musei e all’amministrazione dei Musei e parchi archeologici di Capri, il ...
primativvu_canale_17
138 likes • 0 views

Cash is King :moneybag:

Some smaller tour operators prefer cash payments, so it's wise to have some on hand. TikTok

Compare Boat Prices ⛵

Don't book the first tour you see. Compare prices at local kiosks near Marina Grande for better deals. TikTok

Toparia esse passeio? Compartilha com quem você levaria com você e já segue @sobrecomidaseviagens para aprender a viajar sem passar perrengue. Vídeo 📹: @itssoulfunny . . . #dicasdeviagem #grottaazzurra #italia
sobrecomidaseviagens
79 likes • 3.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Weather First! ☁️

The Blue Grotto's opening is weather-dependent. Check local conditions before heading out to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Arrive Early 🌅

To skip the long lines, aim to arrive at Marina Grande as early as possible. TikTok

Cash is King :moneybag:

Some smaller tour operators prefer cash payments, so it's wise to have some on hand. TikTok

Compare Boat Prices ⛵

Don't book the first tour you see. Compare prices at local kiosks near Marina Grande for better deals. TikTok

Beware of Scams ⚠️

Some visitors report feeling ripped off. Be clear about what your tour includes and avoid overpriced 'package' deals. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(259 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Blue Grotto is celebrated for its breathtaking, unique azure glow, offering a truly unforgettable natural spectacle. Visitors are captivated by the magical light and the experience of entering the cave by rowboat. However, some find the experience can be rushed, commercialized, and costly, with weather-dependent access being a significant factor.

"This has to be one of the most beautiful sea caves I have ever seen on this planet. Truly one of a kind! The water has a perfectly blue color that is just makes you want to paint this amazing landscape. If you ever travel to Sicily, please do a boat tour from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella with Antonio so you can see this history and ancient cave! The boat ride is two hours and this is one of the coolest sights they show you! There's a reason why it's called "The Blue Cave"."

L T

"It’s just a small cave where you can enter with the boat, and it has one small opening where the light comes through and it shows the blue of the sea. Not that spectacular"

Tatuc Mihaela Alexandra

"I strongly reccomend to be seen this place. The old sailor was very nice."

Adrian Bucur

What People Like

Stunning blue light
Unique cave experience
Beautiful coastal views

What People Dislike

Long wait times
Commercialized feel
High cost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach the Blue Grotto by taking a local bus from Capri town to Anacapri, and then a smaller bus or taxi to the grotto entrance. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour from Marina Grande. Reddit

Swimming is generally not permitted inside the Blue Grotto itself due to safety regulations and the small boat entry. However, some boat tours might offer swimming opportunities in nearby areas. Reddit

The most common way is via a small rowboat from the entrance area, which takes you inside the cave. You can also arrive by bus to the top and then descend to the entrance. TikTok

Yes, many boat tours depart from Marina Grande in Capri. Be sure to clarify if the Blue Grotto entrance fee is included or separate, as some tours focus on the surrounding coast. TikTok

Yes, you can take a bus from Capri town to Anacapri, and then another bus or a taxi to the Blue Grotto. This is often a more budget-friendly option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee to the Blue Grotto itself is typically around €18 per person. This is separate from the cost of the boat ride to the grotto. Reddit

Tickets for the Blue Grotto are usually purchased on-site at the entrance. However, booking a boat tour in advance might be advisable during peak season. TikTok

Opening hours vary seasonally and are highly dependent on weather conditions. It's best to check locally on the day of your visit. Reddit

There's the official entrance fee for the grotto, and then the cost for the boat ride to get there. Some 'tours' might bundle these, but it's often cheaper to pay separately. TikTok

No, the Blue Grotto is often closed due to rough seas or high winds. It's crucial to check the live opening status before making plans. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photos are taken inside the grotto, capturing the surreal blue light. Be prepared for limited space and quick transitions. The boat ride offers scenic views of Capri's coast. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos inside the Blue Grotto, but be mindful of the limited space and the quick movements of the rowboat. TikTok

Due to the low light and the intense blue, a camera with good low-light performance is recommended. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the cave's expanse. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots might require special permits. The focus is on the natural light, so flash photography is usually not effective. TikTok

The natural light is what creates the blue hue. Avoid using flash, as it can wash out the colors. Experiment with your camera's white balance settings to enhance the blue tones. TikTok

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