The Blue Grotto is a matter of minutes and depends entirely on the sea: you enter lying flat in small rowing boats, the opening is low, and with swell or wind access is suspended. The light is at its best between 11am and 1pm.
How you get in
You arrive by sea on the boats leaving Marina Grande, or by land, walking down to the platform below Anacapri. Either way the final passage is on four-seat rowing boats: the boatman has passengers lie flat and pulls on a chain fixed to the rock to clear the arch.
When to go
The turquoise comes from light entering through a submerged cavity: it needs high sun, so the middle of the day. Rough seas and high tide close the grotto without warning, and in August the wait afloat can exceed an hour: early morning remains the civilised option.
After the grotto
The way back leaves time for the historic centre: funicular to the Piazzetta, then Piazzetta Cerio, where Spirito di Capri serves from 11am to 2am. The simplest way to end the morning with a table in the shade rather than another queue.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a Blue Grotto visit last?
- Time inside the grotto is about five minutes; the whole excursion, transfer and waiting included, takes one to two hours.
- Is the Blue Grotto always open?
- No: with rough sea, wind or high tide access is suspended. Confirmation comes the same morning, at Marina Grande harbour.
