Visiting the Blue Grotto – Tips to Make the Most of the Adventure

Blue Grotto Capri - View From the Inside (Arnaud Gaillard)

Making a trip to the Island of Capri in Southern Italy is a must for anyone who enjoys panoramic views, dazzling clear-blue waters and fragrant flowers. While on the island it is well worth making the time for a journey to the Blue Grotto, or the Grotta Azzurra as it is known in Italian.

The Blue Grotto is a famous cave on the coast of the island of Capri. From outside, the Blue Grotto looks no different to any other cave you might have seen, however once inside guests are treated to beautiful bright blue water and silvery light, both created by the sunlight that comes in from a small hole above the waterline and a larger one below. The light is filtered through the seawater creating an eerie yet stunning sight.

Here are some points that will help to ensure that your trip to the Blue Grotto is as enjoyable as nature intended:

Find Your Sea Legs

Most likely you will arrive on the island of Capri by ferry or hydrofoil. Consider this ferry your first boat in the line of several to reach the Blue Grotto. From the Marina Grande you will take a speedboat to the entrance of the Blue Grotto, where you will transfer to a much smaller row-boat in order to make your adventure inside.

Traveller Tip: You can also reach the Blue Grotto entrance by travelling with the bus or a taxi from Anacapri station. From there you will be able to transfer to your row-boat.

Think the Trip Through

You will be making a transfer from one boat to another and back again in open water. If the thought of this scares you, then you might be better off just buying a postcard. If the idea has you filled with enthusiasm, then at least make sure you think through what belongings you are taking along and how they may impede your movements.

Prepare to Lie Down

The entrance and exit to the Blue Grotto is not for the faint-hearted. A small hole in the cave, that allows just enough room for one row-boat at a time to sneak through on the ebb of a wave is how you will be getting in and out. Your row-boat oarsman will advise you when to lie down and if you value your head, it would be a good idea to listen.

Traveller Tip: Entrance to the cave is not possible in adverse weather conditions.

Pay the Tip

He will row you around the inside of the grotto, sing an enchanted melody and ensure your skull is not smashed to pieces on the grotto entrance. Then, ever-not-so-shyly he will encourage you to provide a tip. Have no doubts about paying that tip, no matter if you were not impressed with his singing voice, for this is the man that will be holding the row-boat tight to the speedboat and helping you navigate between the two.

Traveller Tip: Both the speedboat and entrance to the Blue Grotto itself require a paid ticket. You can get your speedboat ticket at the Marina Grande. Your entrance ticket to the Blue Grotto can be purchased from a ticket boat just outside the cave entrance. Your row-boat oarsman will take you there.

Enjoy!

It may take a bit of time and effort to make it to the Blue Grotto but don’t forget to sit-back, relax and enjoy the experience.

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