The cave remained largely unknown to modern tourists until 1826, when German poet August Kopisch and artist Ernst Fries publicized it.
Roman-era statues discovered on the cave floor in the 1960s are currently displayed in the Casa Rossa in Anacapri.
The cave's mouth is only about one meter high, requiring passengers to lie flat in the rowboat to enter safely.
The interior of the cave remains dark except for the light filtered through the water, creating a bioluminescent-like glowing effect.
During the 19th century, the cave was erroneously believed by locals to be haunted by spirits, keeping fishermen away for years.
The Blue Cave, or Grotta Azzurra, is a sea cave on the coast of Capri illuminated by sunlight entering through an underwater opening. This submerged entrance refracts red light, leaving only the blue spectrum to reflect off the white sandy bottom and illuminate the cavern interior. Visitors access the interior via small rowboats operated by local boatmen who must navigate the narrow, low-lying cave entrance. Access is dependent on sea conditions and tide levels, as high waves or high tides can render the entrance impassable. The cave was used as a private marine temple by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, who kept statues of sea gods within the grotto. The interior measures approximately 60 meters long and 25 meters wide, with a vaulted ceiling rising up to 15 meters above the water line. The vivid blue hue is most intense when the external sunlight is strongest and the water surface remains calm. It remains one of the most recognizable geological features on the island of Capri.
Capture the internal blue light from within the rowboat, though flash photography is ineffective and often prohibited by boatmen.
Check the daily status of the cave with local port authorities before departing, as closures due to rough seas are frequent.
Keep your head low and remain seated inside the boat at all times while passing through the entrance.
Prepare for a potential wait at sea; boats often queue in the water outside the entrance for a significant period.
Avoid visiting on windy days, as the entrance becomes inaccessible and boat services will be suspended.
Operations are strictly weather-dependent; the cave is typically closed during winter months and on days with rough sea conditions.
Swimming inside the cave is strictly prohibited and carries legal penalties.
