A blue-green light fills the spectacular Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) sea cave. Come by boat to admire the stalactites and stalagmites that line the interior of this natural wonder. The name was inspired by the colour of the light that is filtered through the water that partly fills the cave. A cavity underground near the entrance lets the sunlight in.
There’s just one chamber in this small grotto. It reaches a height of 24 metres (78.8 feet) and stretches out 45 metres (147 feet) by 32 metres (104 feet). The cave was dry up until about 6,000 years ago, when it was partially submerged under water due to rising sea levels. The cave became a popular attraction after it was discovered by a fisherman in 1932.
The only way in to the grotto is by rowboat as part of a guided tour. Come between noon and 1 p.m. when the sun is high and the emerald light is at its brightest. Tours can take up to 20 people and last for 15 to 20 minutes.
Once your eyes have adjusted to the light inside the cave, look up to admire the natural patterns on the walls and ceiling. These reflections are caused by the light bouncing off the many stalactites and stalagmites, some of which are more than 10 metres (32 feet) tall. A manmade artwork below the surface depicts a nativity scene that was sculpted from clay by local artists in 1956.
The Emerald Grotto lies 5 kilometres (3 miles) west of Amalfi in the bay of Conca dei Marini. Get there by boat from anywhere along the coast or come by car or bus. Stairs and an elevator lead from the car park to the entrance of the grotto at sea level.
The grotto is open every day, except in bad weather. Call ahead to make sure tours are still running. There’s a charge for the tour.
