Grotta Azzurra(Blue Grotto)

Near Grotta Azzurra, several excellent restaurants cater to diverse tastes. La Zagara offers Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. L'Angolo del Gusto is another favorite for its Mediterranean and seafood dishes. Da Emilia alla Curtiglia Capri provides a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes. La Terrazza di Lucullo at Hotel Caesar Augustus offers rooftop dining with a romantic atmosphere. These establishments provide a blend of local flavors and stunning views.

In Anacapri, several hotels provide comfortable lodging with picturesque views. Hotel Caesar Augustus is a luxurious option with fine dining and a spa. Hotel Al Mulino offers a relaxed atmosphere with wellness facilities. Hotel il Girasole Capri features sea views and a seasonal pool. Grand Hotel Quisisana in nearby Capri provides upscale amenities like pools and a hammam. These hotels offer a range of experiences from laid-back to luxurious.

The Grotta Azzurra area lacks typical beach amenities like showers or picnic areas, but nearby Gradola and Punta Carena offer lounging areas with basic services. Visitors can access metal ladders to enter the water at these spots. For more extensive amenities, nearby beach clubs like Lido del Faro provide loungers, umbrellas, and dining options. However, within the grotto itself, amenities are limited due to its natural and protected status.

While swimming inside the Grotta Azzurra is prohibited, the surrounding waters are ideal for swimming and diving. Nearby Gradola and Punta Carena offer accessible spots for diving off the rocks. For visitors interested in more adventurous activities, Anacapri’s trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean.

The Grotta Azzurra’s entrance is quite low and requires physical flexibility to access, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. However, some nearby restaurants and hotels, such as La Zagara and Hotel Caesar Augustus, offer wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Parking near Grotta Azzurra can be challenging as the area is mostly accessible via bus. However, Anacapri provides limited parking options around the town, often requiring a short walk to the bus stop or the grotto. It is advisable to park in designated areas and use public transport to avoid congestion.

Grotta Azzurra has a fascinating history, having been used by Roman Emperor Tiberius as a personal nymphaeum. Statues of Roman sea gods were discovered there, illustrating its past grandeur. The grotto was also feared by local fishermen in the past due to superstitions about it being inhabited by supernatural beings. It was 'rediscovered' in the 19th century by August Kopisch and Ernst Fries, sparking its modern popularity.

Nearby attractions include the Punta Carena Lighthouse, an ideal spot for sunset views, and the ruins of an ancient fort on the trail to the lighthouse. Anacapri offers scenic hiking trails like the Belvedere della Migliera and Cetrella Hermitage. The historic Villa Jovis, once the residence of Emperor Tiberius, is another notable attraction on the island of Capri.