Is it a scorching summer day? Or perhaps the weather just isn’t right for the beach? That’s the perfect moment to go underground. A visit to the Grotte di Castellana, about an hour’s drive from La Villa Magnifica, offers a refreshing and memorable alternative. The temperature inside the cave stays between 16 and 18°C all year round, making it not only cool but truly captivating.
We’ve visited other caves elsewhere in Europe, but this one exceeded all our expectations.
A guided journey through stone and time
You can choose between two guided tours: a shorter route of about one hour or the full route, which takes around one hour and forty minutes. We chose the longer tour and joined the German-speaking group as Dutch visitors, we found it easy to follow. The guide was fluent and gave clear and engaging explanations about the cave’s discovery in 1938, and about the different minerals, iron deposits and limestone formations along the way.
The cave is full of surprises. You don’t walk through one endless tunnel. Instead, you move through chamber after chamber, each one unique. Sometimes narrow and intimate, other times grand and echoing, with dramatic stalactites and unusual rock formations. The total walking distance for the longer tour is about 1.5 kilometers each way, a manageable distance with a steady pace and plenty to marvel at along the route.
This is also a great experience for children. The sense of adventure, the scale of the caves and the natural beauty make it exciting and accessible for all ages.
Practical tips before you go
- Bring a sweater or light jacket, as the cool temperature inside feels extra chilly after a day in the southern sun.
- Closed shoes are mandatory, as the cave floor is often damp and slippery, especially near steps and narrow passages. Trainers or hiking shoes are ideal.
- Tours are offered in Italian, English and German. Check the schedule at the ticket office or on the official website to find the times and your preferred language: www.grottedicastellana.it
- Photography and filming are not allowed inside the cave.
Tip: Combine your visit with a stop in the charming town of Castellana Grotte, or continue your day with a trip to Alberobello or Monopoli, both just a short drive away.
