Official Information
Official cultural authority page: https://cultura.gov.it/luogo/grotta-azzurra
Online reservation: Via CoopCulture (linked from the official page) (boat transport tickets purchased separately from local operators in Capri/Anacapri)
Address: Via Grotta Azzurra, 80071 Anacapri (NA), Italy
Map: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
Normally open in good sea conditions, typically from late morning to mid-afternoon; often closed in winter or whenever waves or wind make the entrance unsafe. The grotto also closes on certain holidays. Always confirm access locally or through official sources on the same day you plan to visit.
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is Capri’s most iconic natural attraction: a sea cave where sunlight, filtering through an underwater opening, makes the water inside glow an electric, otherworldly blue. Visits depend completely on weather and sea conditions, access closes whenever the entrance is unsafe, which is frequent in winter or when the sea is rough. Reaching the grotto typically involves a motorboat from Marina Grande or a bus/taxi to Anacapri, followed by a descent to the water’s edge, where licensed rowboat operators ferry visitors through the tiny, low entrance. Passengers must lie flat in the boat while the boatman guides the craft inside. The experience inside the cave lasts about five minutes: you float on inky water that shines from below, with the whole chamber illuminated by reflected light. It’s visually striking but crowded and brief. Entry requires separate payments for grotto admission (managed by cultural authorities) and for the boat transport; expect queues and delays, especially in high season. Weather can close access at any moment, even after you wait, so flexibility and patience are necessary. Book your entry slot online if possible, consider visiting early, and bring sun protection and water. If the sea cave is closed, boat tours around the island still reveal Capri’s cliffs, hidden coves, and the famous Faraglioni rock stacks. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet and be prepared for possible seasickness if conditions are choppy.