La Grotta-Azzura (Capri, Italy)

Or in other words, the tourist trap that actually lives up to the hype. 

Capri is famous for its natural beauty. Dramatic limestone cliffs, rolling hills of greenery, multi-coloured houses in its two main towns, and of course, the many grottos and caves that surround the island. 

Of the many grottos, surely the most famous is the Blue Grotto, the only grotto that is nearly sealed and can be entered (more like a cave). 

I’m not sure when or where I first heard of this amazing grotto, but I’ve been wanting to see it for myself for almost a decade. I’d heard so many reviews ranging from ‘it’s just a bunch of old guys singing loudly in Italian while you sit in a little rowboat’ to ‘it’s the most magical experience ever!’  

At a cost of 15€ (13€ entry fee plus 2€ ‘tip’) for about 3 minutes inside the grotto, it is definitely one of the higher priced activities on an expensive island. In my opinion, it should not be missed. 

The blue grotto is easily accessed by local transport from either town of Capri or Anacapri. Most trips take less than 15 minutes. A bus trip will cost 1.30€. Though exact change is appreciated, drivers can make change if needed. Purchase tickets from the driver directly. Local buses are small (a quick spin through the twisty roads of Anacapri will tell you why…), and fill up easily. It is not uncommon to find yourself standing for the duration of the ride. Thankfully, rides are often short distances. 

Once you have arrived at the blue grotto, you need to descend the stairs down to the entrance. Unfortunately, this activity is definitely not wheelchair or reduced-mobility accessible. 

While it isn’t unheard of to wait less than 10 minutes, a usual wait time will be between 30-60 minutes. The rowboats take turns picking up tourists that arrive by boat and also those in line on land. 

Once you are settled in a boat (between 3-5 people per boat), the driver will take you by the pay station (13€ entrance fee) and then you will approach the narrow entrance to the grotto. 

This narrow entrance is the reason why the grotto is a very weather-dependant activity. Rough seas, high winds, or potential storms can cause the grotto to be shut down at a moments notice. With a clearance of less that one metre between the water and the rock, there is little room for high waves. 

Your boat driver will remind you to duck low into the boat so you can enter, however once inside, it is possible to sit up normally. Once inside, the light from the entry is reflected in the water and it turns the most incredible shade of blue. (For this reason, try to go on a sunny day, and at a time when the sun is high in the sky). If you are lucky, some of the boat drivers will sing for you traditional Italian songs (O Sol Mio, anyone?). 

While it is a brief ride and a long wait, not to mention considerable expense, this is truly a unique experience and nearly everyone who emerges from the grotto declares how incredible it is. It’s definitely one ‘tourist trap’ that I would consider worthwhile!

The incredible reflective water in the Blue Grotto.