The most spectacular sea caves in Puglia
Looking for a unique experience this summer? Why not visit some of the most spectacular sea caves in Apulia? Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and over 940 kilometers of coastline, Apulia is a year-round tourist hotspot. Yet while famous for its beaches and culture, the region is also home to some of the most spectacular sea caves in Italy. These are our favorites spots for boat trips and snorkeling, and you should definitely give them a try: we promise you won't regret it!
Grotta della Poesia
To visit this gem, you will have to head for Roca Vecchia, a seaside spot on the Adriatic coast, between San Foca and Torre dell'Orso. Here, along a coastline dotted with ancient archaeological treasures, you will find what has rightfully been included in the list of the most spectacular sea caves in Italy and the most scenic natural pools in the world. We bring you there by boat. Why is a pool called a "cave", you might ask? Because originally this carsick formation was entirely covered by the same rocks that now line it. Over the millennia, the rocky ceiling was worn down by the elements and eventually collapsed, transforming this "grotto" and its smaller neighbor into striking natural pools of emerald-colored waters.
Grotta Zinzulusa
At the center of the Otranto - S.Maria di Leuca Natural Park, in Castro Marina, you will be able to enter the breathtaking Zinzulusa sea cave, which is listed among the ten most important caves in the world. It owes its name to the dialect term "zinzuli", which is an ancient word for "rags", to emphasize how its rich stalactite and stalagmite formations resemble the tatters of a worn-out garment. Once you enter the cave, you'll come across the "Conca", a part of the cave with an elliptical base, which seems to welcome the visitors before opening onto the so called "Corridoio delle Meraviglie" (the "Corridor of Wonders"). Here the walls are heavy with stalagmites and stalagmites that were individually named after their peculiar shapes: see if you can spot the Sword of Damocles, the Pulpit, and the Ham!
Grotta Azzurra
The Grotta Azzurra "Blue Cave" is one of the most spectacular sea caves in Apulia. It is located in the area of Porto Badisco and it has no land access: it can only be accessed by boat or swimming. It is not particularly deep, unlike some of the surrounding caves. Its name, you won't be surprised to learn, was inspired the preternaturally blue color of the water, which is due to the continuous refraction of light that takes place in this karst area. This whole stretch of coastline is characterized by crystal-clear water with a unique turquoise hue and a particularly shallow seabed. This makes it particularly suitable for families with children, who can play safely and quietly here, enjoying the water even if they are not expert swimmers yet.
Want to visit the most spectacular sea caves in Apulia? We can help!
Would you like to visit some of these caves? Would you like to discover more of them? These are, of course, our favorites, but Apulia has plenty to offer to enthusiastic explorers by land and sea! If you are curious about these or any other destinations we cover in the blog, we can help you book a tour with an expert guide! And, of course, welcome you back with a chilled glass of white wine and a delicious aperitivo, after a hard day's exploring... sounds good? Call us up! We would love to hear from you!
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