Hotels near The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)

The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is a sea cave in Conca dei Marini, between Amalfi and Positano, where sunlight entering through a submerged opening turns the water a glowing green. Unlike Capri's Blue Grotto, this one is reachable by land: a lift and stairway drop from the SS163 Amalfi Drive to the water, where a boatman rows you around the cavern past stalactites and a submerged ceramic nativity scene.

It is a short visit of about 30 minutes, and the colour is strongest when the sun is high. Entry is inexpensive, around EUR 10.

Pro Tip: Come between late morning and early afternoon on a sunny day - the emerald effect depends on direct sunlight hitting the underwater opening, and it fades to a dull grey under cloud or when the sun sits low.