Sight
Grotta dello Smeraldo
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The Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto) is a mesmerizing sea cave located along the Amalfi Coast, about 4 kilometers west of Amalfi town. Discovered in 1932 by a local fisherman, the cave is famous for its brilliant emerald-green water, caused by sunlight entering through a submerged opening and reflecting off the white sand and rock formations. Visitors descend via elevator or stairs from the road to a small dock, where rowboats take you inside the cave. The journey is short but magical: as you glide into the dimly lit cavern, the water glows an intense green, revealing stalactites and stalagmites that seem to rise from the depths. A highlight is the submerged nativity scene, a crèche placed underwater in the 1950s. The cave is relatively small, but its ethereal beauty makes it a popular stop on Amalfi Coast tours. The experience is serene and otherworldly, offering a unique perspective on the coast's natural wonders.
Don't miss
- See the emerald-green water glow from sunlight refraction
- Observe stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave
- Look for the submerged nativity scene (presepe sommerso)
- Enjoy the short boat ride through the cavern
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Grotta dello Smeraldo
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way in2-Hours Excursion to the Blue Grotto of Taormina in Isola Bella4.6★ · 67 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$41 per personSee dates →
Best full dayCapri Blue Grotto Small-Group Boat Day Tour From Sorrento4.7★ · 2,791 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$115 per personSee dates →
Top ratedCapri Deluxe/First to Blue Grotto/from Sorrento Positano & Amalfi4.9★ · 170 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$151 per personSee dates →More attractions in Amalfi