Last year, I finally had the chance to witness the magic of the Blue Grotto in Capri—after three trips! As the saying goes, “the third time’s a charm,” couldn’t have been more true. Despite its popularity, the Blue Grotto isn’t always the easiest attraction to see. Weather, tides, and long lines often get in the way. But let me tell you, when it finally all comes together, it’s worth it.
Capri is one of those Italian destinations that’s easy to fall in love with. From the dramatic cliffs and sparkling sea to the charming Piazzetta and luxury boutiques, the island has a unique pull. And among its many attractions, the Blue Grotto—known locally as Grotta Azzurra—is its most iconic. It’s not just a cave. It’s a surreal experience that blends nature, light, and legend in a way that stays with you long after the boat ride is over.
History of the Blue Grotto
Blue Grotto, or the Grotta Azzurra, is a sea cave on the Capri island coast in Italy, renowned for its light blue water and otherworldly ambiance. Its history dates back to Roman times when it was the personal natural pool for Emperor Tiberius, close to his nearby villa. The cave was forgotten for centuries, believed to be haunted by supernatural beings. It began to attract more attention in 1826 when German poet August Kopisch and painter Ernst Fries chanced upon the grotto once more and described its beauty. The Blue Grotto has since then become a symbol of Capri and a favorite tourist spot, cherished for the captivating mixture of sun and water that illuminates the cave with an ethereal blue color.
What Makes the Blue Grotto So Special?
The Blue Grotto is a sea cave on the northwest coast of Capri, famous for the vibrant blue light that illuminates its interior. The glowing effect is caused by sunlight passing through an underwater opening and reflecting off the limestone seabed. The result is a cave bathed in an ethereal blue glow that almost doesn’t look real.
Visitors board a small wooden rowboat that seats just a few people to enter. The cave’s mouth is only about a meter high, so you must lie back as your guide expertly times the waves and pulls the boat through the opening. Inside, the boatmen often sing traditional Neapolitan songs, which echo beautifully through the chamber.
It’s a short experience—just a few minutes inside—but leaves a lasting impression.
How to Get to the Blue Grotto
There are a few ways to reach the Blue Grotto, depending on how much time you have available and where you’re coming from:
From Marina Grande (Capri’s port):
- By boat tour: The most straightforward solution. Many companies offer round-trip trips to the grotto, often in combination with an island cruise. Round-trip tickets start at around €20–€25.
- By private boat: Most tourists prefer to rent a private boat, most notably during the tourist season. Your captain will bring you to the grotto and arrange the rowboat transfer.
- By land: Alternatively, you can travel by bus or taxi from Marina Grande to Anacapri, and then take a short ride down to the grotto entrance. A stairway leads to the ticket center right at the water’s edge.
From the Amalfi Coast or Naples:
If you’re already in Sorrento, Positano, or Naples, there are daily ferries to Capri. If you alight at Marina Grande, it’s easy enough to hop aboard an excursion or organize a visit to the grotto.
Blue Grotto Ticket Prices
There are some extra charges for visiting the Blue Grotto:
- Boat tour from Marina Grande: ~€20–€25
- Grotto entrance fee: €14 per person
- Rowboat service charge: This is included in the grotto ticket
Optional donation to your boatman: About €2–€5
Entrance to the Grotto is usually cash only, and waits are long, especially in late morning and early afternoon. An early visit is advisable when the lighting is best and waiting is minimal.
Travelers pay the entrance fee at the floating ticket booth or nearby marina and ride small rowing boats manned by local boatmen. The boatman generally expects an unofficial, optional tip upon the tour’s conclusion—it is not obligatory but customary, so it is handy to have some euro currency available.
Essential point: Blue Grotto is only accessible when the sea is peaceful. Strong waves or winds may shut off the cave for the day. Always verify conditions locally before booking.
What to Eat Near the Blue Grotto
After your grotto outing, you can probably get hungry. Even though there are no restaurants by the entrance of the grotto, a short walk or drive away are some great local eateries:
- Il Riccio—This Michelin-starred beach club and restaurant perches overlooking the grotto and offers seafood with a view. It’s perfect for a casual lunch or sunset aperitivo.
- Da Gelsomina—This family–owned restaurant in Anacapri serves traditional fare such as ravioli caprese, fresh fish, and homemade limoncello.
- L’Angolo del Gusto—In Anacapri, this informal restaurant serves tasty grilled meats and pasta at affordable prices.
Don’t forget to try torta caprese (moist almond and chocolate cake) and insalata caprese, the tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad born on the island.
What Else to Do in Capri After Visiting the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto may be Capri’s showstopper, but the island has plenty more to offer:
- Villa San Michele – Built by Swedish physician Axel Munthe, this villa in Anacapri offers breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples.
- Monte Solaro – Take the chairlift up to Capri’s highest point for panoramic views of the island and the sea.
- The Gardens of Augustus – A tranquil, flower-bedecked patio overlooking the Faraglioni rock outcroppings and the sweeping Via Krupp.
- Shopping in Capri Town – Designer fashion, handmade sandals, and artisan perfumes are available in the island’s upscale boutiques.
- Island Boat Tour – If you didn’t already combine it with your grotto tour, take the full-circle boat tour to see out-of-the-way coves, the Faraglioni rocks, and other sea grottos.
Final Tips for Visiting Blue Grotto
- Get there early: Morning visits (around 9–10 AM) have less of a wait and calmer seas.
- Pay with cash: Some vendors will not accept credit.
- Dress appropriately: You must board small boats, so wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes.
Be patient: Visiting the Blue Grotto is part of the adventure. Sometimes, delays and closures happen. Flexibility helps.
Is the visiting Blue Grotto Worth It?
Even with the lengthy wait and unpredictability, seeing the Blue Grotto is one of those once-in-a-lifetime memories that makes a trip to Capri unforgettablely unique. The otherworldly elegance of the shimmering deep blue water, the stillness of the cave, and the sense of being somewhere truly special all unite to form an unforgettable experience.
I recall how I looked back at that day—the anticipation, the calm sea, the moment we dove into the darkness and were struck with that iridescent, almost otherworldly blue. It made me realize that the best travel experiences are sometimes the ones you need to wait for. Things don’t always go as planned, but when they do, they can be nothing short of magical.
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