Caves and Sea Caves of Puglia

Grotte in the province of Bari

Grotte di Castellana

Welcome to the Castellana Caves

The Castellana Caves are a wonderful speleological complex, considered among the most important in Europe. Located just 40 kilometers from Bari, in the heart of the Bari Murgia, they represent a must-see attraction for nature and geology lovers.

A Journey into the History of the Earth

Discovered in 1938 by the speleologist Franco Anelli, these caves are the result of the erosive action of an ancient underground river that for centuries has shaped the limestone rock, giving life to a real underground labyrinth. The visitable path develops for about 3 kilometers, among imposing stalagmites and stalactites, and large caves decorated by fascinating games of shapes and colors.

Discover the Hidden Wonders

Visiting the Castellana Caves means embarking on a fascinating journey to discover places of incredible beauty, such as the White Cave, the Altar Cavern, the Dome Cavern and the Nativity Passage, where there is a stalagmite that recalls the figure of the Madonna.

Services and Activities

To make the experience even more rewarding, the Castellana Caves offer a series of services, including guided tours, a Welcome Desk, Wifi connection, educational activities, ticket service and group acceptance. A unique opportunity to live an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the earth.

Useful information about Grotte di Castellana

Address: Piazza Anelli

City: Castellana Grotte (BA)

Postal code: 70013

Services: Visite guidate-Welcome Desk-Wifi/Internet-Attività didattiche-Biglietteria-Accettazione gruppi

Equipment: Sala congressi-Carta di credito/Bancomat-Parcheggio a pagamento

La Grotta di Lamalunga e l'Uomo di Altamura

The Cave of Lamalunga and the Man of Altamura: A Journey Back in Time

The Cave of Lamalunga is located in Altamura, characterized by an intriguing system of karst cavities and narrow tunnels. An enchanting experience awaits you with our guided tours and educational activities, available at our ticket office.

The Extraordinary Find of the Man of Altamura

The cave is famous for the Man of Altamura, a fossil skeleton of a man from the middle-upper Pleistocene. This exceptional archaeological find, attributable to an adult male, is known for its structural integrity and its excellent state of preservation.

A Unique Link with Prehistory

On the skull of the Man of Altamura there are archaic traits and morphological transformations of the Neanderthals. This allows it to be placed between the forms of Homo erectus and Homo Neanderthal, making it one of the most important fossils of the European middle Pleistocene.

A Story of 250 Thousand Years Ago

The find represents a unique testimony of a transition phase estimated around 250 thousand years ago. The Cave of Lamalunga and the Man of Altamura therefore represent a heritage of immense value for the understanding of our history.

Useful information about La Grotta di Lamalunga e l'Uomo di Altamura

Address: Strada provinciale 157 Altamura-Quasano km 19

City: Altamura (BA)

Postal code: 70022

Services: Visite guidate-Attività didattiche-Biglietteria

Equipment: Sala multimediale-Parcheggio gratuito

Grotta di Curtomartino

Discover the Curtomartino Cave

Located in the immediate vicinity of Acquaviva delle Fonti, the Curtomartino Cave is a fascinating testimony to the karst nature of the area. This natural cavity, shaped by the action of water on limestone rock, is a place of interest for both geology enthusiasts and history lovers.

Stalactites and Stalagmites: Stone Sculptures

The stalactites and stalagmites in the cave are the result of the eternal dripping of water. These real stone sculptures, fascinating in shape, colors and size, capture the visitors' gaze from the first moment.

A Journey Into Prehistory

The cave has been frequented since the Paleolithic, as evidenced by the bone fragments, the stones bearing zoomorphic drawings and the graphemes engraved on the walls. These evidences of prehistoric art confirm the human presence in this place from very ancient times.

Biodiversity in the Cave

The fauna also finds refuge in this environment: bats and insects typical of caves contribute to making the Curtomartino Cave a place rich in biodiversity.

Guided Tours and Educational Workshops

In addition to guided tours, the cave is often the scene of events and educational workshops, making it a place of learning and discovery for all nature and history lovers.

Useful information about Grotta di Curtomartino

Address: Strada Provinciale 127 Acquaviva-Santeramo

City: Acquaviva delle Fonti (BA)

Postal code: 70021

Services: Visite guidate

Grotte marine in the province of Lecce

Grotte Poesia Piccola e Poesia Grande

The Poesia Piccola and Poesia Grande Caves: a dive into beauty

The Poesia Piccola and Poesia Grande Caves are located in Roca, in the territory of Melendugno, on the shores of the Adriatic. Their evocative name derives from the medieval Greek 'posià', a term that indicated a place where it was possible to find fresh water.

These wonderful sea caves constitute a karst formation that winds in the subsoil, around a source of fresh water. With their accesses both from the sea, at the base of the cliff, and from the land, the caves offer a naturalistic panorama of rare beauty.

The Poesia Grande: a cave between sea and land

The Poesia Grande cave is connected to a cavern characterized by a sandy beach. Many visitors prefer to dive from a height of 4 meters directly into the crystal blue of the Adriatic Sea.

The Poesia Piccola: a journey through time

The Poesia Piccola cave is particularly important from a historical point of view. Inside, in fact, you can admire votive inscriptions, signs and symbols that date back to the second millennium BC and the Roman republican age.

The Poesia Piccola and Poesia Grande Caves represent one of the most fascinating attractions of the Grecìa Salentina, a must-see destination for lovers of history, nature and breathtaking landscapes.

Useful information about Grotte Poesia Piccola e Poesia Grande

Address: Strada Statale San Cataldo-Otranto

City: Melendugno (LE)

Postal code: 73100

Grotta Zinzulusa

The Zinzulusa Cave, one of the main karst phenomena of Salento, is located in Castro, overlooking the sea. This natural wonder is known for its numerous stalactites and stalagmites, known as 'zinzuli' in the Salento dialect.

The guided tour offers a unique experience, which begins with a majestic entrance carved directly into the rock and continues through a karst gallery. This path penetrates the earth for about a hundred meters, until reaching the Duomo, the terminal hall of the emerged stretch.

From here, a lowering of altitude leads to the submerged part of the cave, the Cocito. This section of the cave is particularly fascinating because of its 'living fossils', including Higghinsia ciccaresi hypogean sponges, and large stalagmites on the floor, evidence of a long period of emergence of these environments.

The Zinzulusa Cave represents one of the most fascinating territorial resources of Salento and a must-see destination for those visiting the region.

Useful information about Grotta Zinzulusa

Address: Via Zinzulusa

City: Castro (LE)

Postal code: 73030

Services: Visite guidate

Grotta Grande del Ciolo (o Bocca del Pozzo)

The Big Cave of Ciolo, also known as Mouth of the Well, is one of the most fascinating sea caves in Puglia. Located a few hundred meters from the famous homonymous bay, the cave opens into a pebble cove nestled between the banks of a ravine that plunges into the sea.

The entrance to the cave, over 30 meters high, is a real natural spectacle. Once past the large collapse boulders, you reach the long internal tunnel and the small pond generated by a freshwater spring with emerald reflections. It is not uncommon to witness the daring dives of local bathers, who jump from the bridge over the cave to reach the sea.

But the Big Cave of Ciolo is not just a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It also has great historical and paleontological value, thanks to the discovery of a middle and upper Pleistocene deposit. These findings testify to human presence in this area since prehistoric times.

A few meters from the Big Cave, there is another cavity, the Small Cave of Ciolo, accessible only from the sea and flooded for its entire length. This cave, about 120 meters deep, offers a further plunge into the fascinating underground world of Puglia.

Useful information about Grotta Grande del Ciolo (o Bocca del Pozzo)

Address: Strada Provinciale 358 Litoranea Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca

City: Gagliano del Capo (LE)

Postal code: 73034

Grotta Porcinara

The Porcinara Cave: a dive into the past

The Porcinara Cave is one of the most fascinating prehistoric cavities located on the coast of Santa Maria di Leuca. This cave, carved by man, is an authentic treasure of history and culture, having served as a sanctuary for several centuries, from prehistory to Roman times.

Location and Features

Located on the side of Punta Ristola, the Porcinara Cave overlooks the crystal clear sea of Santa Maria di Leuca, offering a breathtaking view. Its proximity to the famous Devil's Cave makes it a must-see for those discovering the natural wonders of the territory.

The cave is divided into three rooms, originally interconnected, which are now separated by the construction of a wall. This wall distinguishes the part owned by the municipality from the private one.

The Inscriptions and the Eschera

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Porcinara Cave are the inscriptions found on the walls. These testimonies, about thirty, attest to the worship of Batius, the Messapian deity of light and thunder, and reveal the existence of a double curtain wall structure, called 'eschera', a kind of domestic altar.

Visit the Porcinara Cave for an exciting and educational journey into the history and culture of the Santa Maria di Leuca area.

Useful information about Grotta Porcinara

Address: Via G. Toma

City: Castrignano del Capo (LE)

Postal code: 73040

Grotte marine in the province of Foggia

Grotta dei pomodori

The Tomato Cave is a must-see place of interest for those visiting the coast of Vieste. This fascinating marine cavity, one of the most original on the Gargano coast, is located just after the inlet of the Campi Bay, one of the most suggestive corners of the area.

The unusual name of the cave comes from the presence of clusters of reddish mollusks that hang from the walls of the entrance, similar to tomatoes. These are actually marine coelenterates, lively and fascinating inhabitants of this natural cavity.

Accessibility and Services

The Tomato Cave is easily accessible both by swimming and with a small boat, making it a perfect destination for sea lovers and outdoor adventures.

Despite its accessibility, the cave retains an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, away from the crowd of more touristy places. A visit to the Tomato Cave offers a unique and unforgettable experience, an immersion in the natural beauty of the Gargano coast.

Useful information about Grotta dei pomodori

Address: -

City: Vieste (FG)

Postal code: 71019

Grotta calda

Discover the Hot Cave: a jewel among the sea caves of Vieste

The Hot Cave represents one of the most fascinating attractions among the sea caves of the coast of Vieste. This territorial resource offers a unique experience, characterized by a high internal temperature that distinguishes it from the other caves in the area.

A unique experience in a naturally heated cave

Entering the Hot Cave you will have the impression of immersing yourself in a heated pool. This is due to the presence of a hot water spring that makes the sea inside the cave pleasantly warm and the air rich in steam.

Accessibility and services at the Hot Cave

The Hot Cave is easily accessible by swimming and is one of the ideal points for boat or pedal boat landing. In addition, guided tours are available that allow you to discover and appreciate this natural wonder at its best.

Useful information about Grotta calda

Address: Vieste

City: Vieste (FG)

Postal code: 71019

Services: Visite guidate

Grotta dei Misteri o Grotta Smeralda

Immersed in the massive rock frame of the Architiello and the Punta Secca lighthouse, the Island of Capraia hides a true jewel of its coastline: the Cave of Mysteries. This fascinating sea cave is a must-visit place for anyone visiting the island.

The Magic of the Cave of Mysteries

The name of the cave evokes a magical atmosphere. The echo produced by the sea surf on the rocky walls and the gurgling of the waves create a chorus of marine sounds and noises that, amplified by the cave itself, envelop the visitor in a unique sensory experience.

The Emerald Cave: between Reflections and Colors

The cave is also known as the Emerald Cave. The reason lies in the crystalline reflections of the water on the rocky walls and in the turquoise embrace of the surrounding sea, which make the visit even more suggestive.

Guided Tours to the Cave

For a complete experience, guided tours are available. This is a unique opportunity to discover the secrets of this enchanting place, accompanied by expert guides who will reveal every detail.

Don't miss the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience in the Cave of Mysteries or Emerald Cave, a place that enchants and surprises with its natural beauty.

Useful information about Grotta dei Misteri o Grotta Smeralda

Address: Piazza Castello

City: Isole Tremiti (FG)

Postal code: 71040

Services: Visite guidate

Grotta due occhi

Welcome to the Two Eyes Cave

Located along the picturesque coastline between Vieste and Mattinata, the Two Eyes Cave is one of the most fascinating points of interest among the sea caves in the area. This cave is particularly famous for its two singular openings in the vault, which resemble two eyes, hence its name.

A unique experience

These 'eyes' in the vault allow the sun's rays to penetrate inside, creating a dreamy atmosphere with wonderful plays of light and shadow. The cave is accessible only by sea, adding an extra note of adventure and exclusivity to the experience.

Guided tours

For the more adventurous visitors, the Two Eyes Cave offers the possibility of guided tours by pedal boat or small boat. This is an unmissable opportunity to discover up close the beauty of this unique territorial resource and to enjoy a spectacular marine panorama.

Come and discover the Two Eyes Cave

If you are looking for a unique tourist experience, rich in adventure and natural beauty, the Two Eyes Cave is the place for you. We look forward to seeing you for a visit you won't easily forget!

Useful information about Grotta due occhi

Address: -

City: Vieste (FG)

Postal code: 71019

Services: Visite guidate

Grotta della campana piccola

Small Bell Cave: A jewel of Gargano

Located between the towns of Vieste and Mattinata, the Small Bell Cave is one of the most suggestive corners of Gargano. This tiny cave, loved by bathers and diving enthusiasts, owes its name to the characteristic bell shape.

The cave is a place of extraordinary beauty, bright and charming, and is easily reachable by swimming or diving from a pedal boat or a boat.

An unforgettable experience

Visiting the Small Bell Cave is a unique experience. Immersed in the crystal clear waters of Gargano, you can explore the flourishing underwater world, a real paradise for diving lovers.

Furthermore, the cave offers the possibility of guided tours, to discover all the secrets of this enchanting place.

A place to discover

The Small Bell Cave is one of the numerous marine caves present in the territory of Gargano, a real hidden treasure to discover. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this magical and suggestive place, a real jewel of nature.

Useful information about Grotta della campana piccola

Address: -

City: Vieste (FG)

Postal code: 71019

Services: Visite guidate

Grotta sfondata

Discover the Broken Cave in Vieste

Immersed in the coast of Vieste, the Broken Cave is a breathtaking natural attraction, recognized for its collapsed ceiling and the two entrances that open onto the cavity. One of the most fascinating marine caves of Gargano, it offers guided tours to explore its wonders.

A Unique Sensory Experience

When the sun illuminates the cave, the colors and reflections on the water surface create a spectacle of lights and shadows that recreate a magical atmosphere. It's like being suspended in another world, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Hidden Beach of the Broken Cave

Inside the cavity hides a small beach, a real corner of paradise reachable from the two entrances. Surrounded by the sea, it is an intimate and reserved space, ideal to enjoy the uncontaminated beauty of Gargano.

Guided Tours to the Broken Cave

To make the most of the Broken Cave experience, guided tours are available. Local experts will show you the most fascinating points and tell you the history and curiosities of this extraordinary place.

Useful information about Grotta sfondata

Address: -

City: Vieste (FG)

Postal code: 71019

Services: Visite guidate

Cala Sorrentino o Grotta dell'Amore

Explore Cala Sorrentino or Love Cave

Immersed in the lush nature of Capraia Island, Cala Sorrentino, also known as Love Cave, is a place of indescribable beauty. This hidden cove, characterized by a crystal clear turquoise sea, offers a unique view of the sea caves overlooking the Adriatic.

A place full of charm and romance

Cala Sorrentino takes its name from the nautical term 'sorrentino', used to define gravel. But it's not just its natural beauty that makes it special: inside there is a small cave, the Love Cave, made magical by the reflection of light on the walls and the reflections of the water.

Discover the services offered

Cala Sorrentino offers the possibility of guided tours, ideal for those who want to discover the secrets of this enchanting place. Thanks to its geographical position and the wonderful play of internal lights, the Love Cave is the ideal place to spend romantic days at the sea and to make extraordinary dives to discover the rich seabed.

An experience not to be missed

The visit to Cala Sorrentino or Love Cave is a unique experience, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature and discover a hidden corner of paradise along the coast of Capraia Island.

Useful information about Cala Sorrentino o Grotta dell'Amore

Address: Piazza Castello

City: Isole Tremiti (FG)

Postal code: 71040

Services: Visite guidate

Grottone di Manaccora

The Grottone of Manaccora, a fascinating example of sea caves in the area, opens in the suggestive homonymous bay, halfway between the towns of Peschici and Vieste. The cave, also known as the Cave of the Gods, is a place full of history and mystery, inhabited since the Bronze Age.

The cave preserves numerous archaeological finds that testify to its past as a place of worship, burial and residence. Remains of hut structures and artifacts used in weaving and in the processing of milk and metal tell the daily life of its ancient inhabitants.

The entrance of the Grottone, a wide, high and powerful cavity, leads to a long tunnel originally dedicated to burials. Inside, you can visit the reconstruction of a hut, with sketches of domestic life of the past, the burials with funeral equipment and the tools of ancient crafts.

The Grottone of Manaccora offers guided tours and educational activities, ideal for discovering and deepening the history of this fascinating place. A visit to the cave is a journey through time, a unique experience that connects the present with the distant past.

Useful information about Grottone di Manaccora

Address: Baia di Manaccora

City: Peschici (FG)

Postal code: 71010

Services: Visite guidate-Attività didattiche

Grotte marine in the province of Bari

Grotta Palazzese

Palazzese Cave is one of the most fascinating places of interest in Polignano a Mare. This natural wonder, carved into the limestone by marine erosion, offers a breathtaking view of the emerald sea.

History of the Palazzese Cave

Known in the past as the Palace Cave, the cave was owned by a feudal lord and served as a suggestive eighteenth-century ballroom. It was a meeting place for the high society of Polignano on the Appian Way, kindly granted to the village by the lord of the village.

The Cave today

Today, the Palazzese Cave has become one of the most exclusive restaurants in Polignano a Mare, accessible both by sea and via a narrow staircase carved into the rock. Inside, there is a large semicircular room with a diameter of about thirty meters and a smaller room, characterized by a 'pebble beach'.

The charm of the Palazzese Cave

The view of the sea, the fascinating history and the unique atmosphere have made the Palazzese Cave one of the main tourist attractions of Polignano a Mare. Its unique charm makes it a must-see for those visiting this fascinating Apulian city.

Useful information about Grotta Palazzese

Address: Via Narciso

City: Polignano a Mare (BA)

Postal code: 70044