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Grotta dello Smeraldo: A Coastal Cave of Emerald Light

Discover the Grotta dello Smeraldo on the Amalfi Coast: a stunning sea cave illuminated by emerald light, featuring unique geological formations.

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The Grotta dello Smeraldo, or Emerald Grotto, is a sea cave on the Amalfi Coast near Conca dei Marini, Italy, known for its striking emerald-green light created by sunlight passing through an underwater fissure. Discovered in 1932, the cave features stalactites and stalagmites, and even an underwater nativity scene.

A brief summary to Grotta dello Smeraldo

  • Via Smeraldo, Conca dei Marini, Province of Salerno, 84010, IT
  • +39089857096
  • Saturday 9 am-3 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during midday (12:00-15:00) on a sunny day to witness the most vibrant emerald light inside the cave.
  • Arrive early in the morning or during the off-season to avoid crowds.
  • Consider taking a boat tour from Amalfi or other nearby towns for a scenic approach to the grotto.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on potentially slippery surfaces and navigating the stairs or elevator.
  • Check tide schedules in advance, as they can impact boat access to the cave.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Amalfi, take the SITA bus towards Sorrento. The bus ride to Grotta dello Smeraldo takes approximately 15 minutes, and buses depart hourly. A single ticket costs between €1 and €2. The bus stop is directly on the SS163, near the entrance to the grotto.

  • Taxi

    From Amalfi, a taxi to Grotta dello Smeraldo takes about 6 minutes and typically costs between €30 and €40. Taxis are readily available in Amalfi's city center.

  • Boat

    Several boat tours depart from Amalfi and other towns along the coast, offering a scenic route to the Grotta dello Smeraldo. These tours vary in price and duration. Some boat tours may include the entrance fee to the grotto, while others do not. Be sure to confirm what is included when booking.

  • Final Steps

    Once you arrive at the Grotta dello Smeraldo (either by bus, taxi, or boat), you will need to descend to the entrance of the cave via either a staircase or an elevator. After purchasing your ticket (€7 for adults, €5 for children), you will board a small rowboat for a guided tour of the cave.

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Discover more about Grotta dello Smeraldo

The Grotta dello Smeraldo, situated in Conca dei Marini along the Amalfi Coast, is a captivating natural attraction renowned for its unique emerald-colored light. The cave was named for the striking green light that floods the cavern when sunlight filters through an underwater opening connecting it to the sea. Discovered in 1932 by local fisherman Luigi Buonocore, the Grotta dello Smeraldo was already known in ancient times, though its precise location remained somewhat of a local legend. The cave is approximately 45 x 32 meters in size, with a height of about 24 meters. Inside, visitors can admire stalactites and stalagmites, formations created over thousands of years when the cave was above sea level. Due to seismic activity, the cave gradually submerged, creating a unique environment where stalactites and stalagmites now exist partially underwater. Some of these formations have merged to create impressive columns over ten meters tall. In 1956, an underwater nativity scene was installed, crafted by artisans from Vietri. During the Christmas season, divers bring flowers to the scene, adding a special cultural element to the grotto. The cave has also served as a filming location for the television drama series, Capri. Visitors can access the Grotta dello Smeraldo by sea or via the SS163 coastal road, where an elevator or staircase descends to the cave entrance. Boat tours inside the cave typically last around 20 minutes, with guides sharing the history and features of the grotto. The best time to visit is around midday on a calm, sunny day to fully appreciate the emerald hues.

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