Blue Grotto Grotta Azzurra in Anacapri (Isola di Capri)

Blue Grotto, or Grotta Azzurra, is a captivating sea cave located off the coast of Anacapri, on Isola di Capri, Italy. This renowned attraction is famous for its mesmerizing otherworldly blue light, which illuminates the interior of the cave. The grotto has a fascinating historical background, known to have been rediscovered in 1826 by two Germans, Augustus Kopisch and Ernst Fries, but it was previously familiar to local fishermen. Intriguingly, Emperor Tiberius was found to have built a quay within the cave around AD 30, including a nymphaeum, a shrine to the water nymph. The cave itself measures 54m by 30m, with a height of 15m, and is said to have sunk by up to 20m in prehistoric times, leaving only a 1.3m-high entrance. Interestingly, visitors can still witness the carved Roman landing stage within the cave, a testament to its historical significance and architectural marvel. If you want to visit the Blue Grotto, one of the easiest ways is to take a boat tour from Marina Grande. However, it's important to note that during the summer, the grotto can become extremely crowded, with long waiting times and guides seeking tips, leading to a potentially underwhelming experience for some visitors. The time actually spent inside the Grotta during a tour amounts to a maximum of 10 minutes. In addition, the grotto is closed if the sea is too choppy, and swimming inside is forbidden, though it is allowed outside the entrance. For those who prefer to access the grotto from land, a bus from Marina Grande to Anacapri, followed by another bus to the road's end, will bring you to Grotta Azzurra. From here, a staircase leads down to a small dock where rowing boats await to transport passengers into the adjacent cave. At the Grotta Azzurra, visitors can discover the fascinating phenomenon behind the magical blue light. Sunlight enters through a small underwater aperture and is refracted through the water, combined with the reflection off the white sandy seafloor, creating the vivid blue effect that gives the cave its name. For those interested in its historical and architectural significance, as well as the unique natural wonder it offers, a visit to the Blue Grotto provides a captivating and immersive experience that is not to be missed during a trip to Anacapri, Italy.