It is considered one of the natural wonders of the Mediterranean and a symbol of the island itself. The Blue Grotto is much more than a simple tourist attraction: it is beauty, a natural mystery. Its combination of natural phenomena, ancient history, and mythology makes this place an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Capri. It is a memory that stays in the heart, an experience that tells the magic of the Mediterranean and the extraordinary richness of Italy’s heritage.
A wonder of light and water
The feature that makes the Blue Grotto so special is the way light enters the cave. The blue luminosity that envelops the interior is created by sunlight filtering through a submerged opening beneath the main entrance. This opening reflects light onto the sandy seabed, producing an intense and magical glow that paints the water in a surreal shade of blue. The contrast between the darkness of the cave and the bright blue of the water creates an extraordinary visual spectacle, rarely replicated elsewhere.
The history of the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is not just a natural phenomenon but also a place rich in history and legends. During the Roman era, the grotto was used as a marine nymphaeum. It is believed that Emperor Tiberius, who had a villa on Capri, used it for religious rites and moments of relaxation. Inside, statues of Roman deities have been found, now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Naples. However, for centuries, the grotto was avoided by local fishermen due to superstitions that it was inhabited by spirits and sea creatures. Its “rediscovery” occurred in 1826, thanks to the German painter August Kopisch and his friend, the poet Ernst Fries. Since then, the Blue Grotto has become a world-famous tourist destination, celebrated for its unique beauty.
How to visit
Access is via small rowboats, which can accommodate a maximum of two or three people. The entrance is a narrow opening in the rock, about one meter high, requiring visitors to lie down at the bottom of the boat to pass through. Weather conditions and sea levels play a crucial role: in rough seas, access may be prohibited. Once inside, the silence and the blue glow create an almost mystical atmosphere. The visit is brief, usually lasting only a few minutes, but the experience remains etched in memory as one of the most thrilling moments of a trip to Capri. Queues to access the Blue Grotto—which is, in every sense, a museum—can be long during the summer. The best time to visit is between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, when the sun is high and the light creates the maximum effect. Tickets can be purchased directly at the floating ticket office in front of the azure entrance. The visit to the Blue Grotto is included in custom itineraries designed by Capri 360 advisors, who know how to make the tour a truly special experience!
