Emerald Grotto

One of Amalfi Coast’s most popular tourist destinations is the Emerald Grotto. It is known for its natural “fireworks display” caused by light reflecting off its stalactites and stalagmites, and the jewel-like sheen of its green waters. The experience is breathtaking, and is well worth the extra effort you will need to take to charter a boat. The Emerald Grotto (also called Grotta dello Smeraldo) is situated in Conca dei Marini, a lovely bay along the Amalfi Coast. It was hidden for centuries until its discovery in 1932, by a local fisherman, and it has since become one of the most famous caves of Italy. The cavern itself is large about 30 m (98 ft) X 60 m (196 ft). At its highest point, its ceiling gets as high as 24 m (78 ft). From these heights hang Nature’s own “chandeliers”: numerous stalactites, thin and delicate, catching the light. But the most unusual rock formations are the stalagmites, which seem to emerge from the sea, twisting upwards towards the ceiling. Some are over 10 m (32 ft) high. The Emerald Grotto’s key feature is its exquisitely brilliant blue and green waters, which were in fact the inspiration for its name. The colours of the water, reflecting of the ceilings and floors, cast a mysterious and almost holy glow on the walls of the cavern.