Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

The basics

The Emerald Grotto can only be entered with official grotto rowboats, and lines to enter can be long during the summer, as these rowboats only seat about 20 passengers at a time. To avoid the long wait by land, book a tour with a private boat and arrive by sea. Visits to the grotto are often included on half- and full-day Amalfi Coast tours from Sorrento and Naples, as well as on boat excursions to the islands of Capri and Ischia.

Things to know before you go

• Visitors can only enter the cave by a rowboat, which may be uncomfortable for those prone to seasickness.

• The Emerald Grotto shouldn't be confused with the Blue Grotto, another popular marine cave located on the nearby island of Capri.

• Entering and exiting the small rowboats may be a challenge for those with limited mobility.

• Many private boat tours include stops at the Emerald Grotto and the nearby Fiordo di Furore, a picturesque fjord along the coast to the west.

How to get there

The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is located in Conca dei Marini between Positano and Amalfi. You can reach the grotto by land along the SS 163 coastal highway and take the elevator down to the cave entrance, where rowboats await. Otherwise, you can arrive by sea with a private tour from Amalfi, Positano, or Sorrento, and transfer to a rowboat to enter the cave.

When to get there

The sea cave is only open from May through September and is best visited between noon and 3pm, when the color of the water is most vivid.

The Nativity scene at the Emerald Grotto

An underwater Nativity scene was created in the cave in 1956, and divers place flowers around the manger each Christmas.

Ways to explore

The only way to enter the Emerald Grotto is by hopping on one of the official rowboats at the attraction’s entrance. Ticket lines grow long in the summer, as only a handful of passengers can enter at a time. To avoid waiting by land, book a private boat tour and arrive by sea—which means stopping at the coast’s pretty swimming coves and colorful cliff towns along the way. Visits to the Emerald Grotto are often included on half- and full-day Amalfi Coast tours from Positano and Amalfi, as well as farther-out cities such as Sorrento and Naples.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sunscreen for boat trips

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes; there are some stairs leading down to the grotto, and you’ll likely do a lot of walking around the town of Conca dei Marini.

Not allowed

Don’t try to swim up to the Emerald Grotto on your own—you can only enter on the attraction’s official rowboats.

Amenities

Ticket office, guided visits, elevator to the entrance

Address

The Emerald Grotto is located in Conca dei Marini between Positano and Amalfi. You can reach it on foot from Conca dei Marini or drive there from a nearby town, then take the stairs or elevator down to the entrance. To go by sea, opt for an Amalfi Coast boat tour, and transfer to a rowboat to enter the cave.

Driving

You’ll find parking for the Emerald Grotto right outside the entrance along the SS 163 coastal highway. To avoid navigating the winding road on your own, it’s best to book a driving tour or taxi.

Public transportation

The 5070 bus stops right outside of the Emerald Grotto, and it arrives in about 35 minutes or less from Positano, Amalfi, and other coastal towns.

Best times to visit

The Emerald Grotto is quietest in the hour or so before closing, but the green light is best at midday, around 1pm.

Best days to visit

Every day is a good day to visit the grotto—just aim to go on a clear, sunny day so you can appreciate the light’s emerald effect.

Best months to visit

Aim to visit the Emerald Grotto between May and September. Though daytime temperatures can be very hot, rain is less likely and boating conditions are better.