You won’t find them in tourist guides. In some cases, they’re almost invisible, hidden among rocks, coves with crystal-clear water, and natural arches.
These are the lesser-known caves of the Amalfi Coast, a treasure to discover slowly, cave by cave. Today we’ll take you on a small virtual boat tour of the Amalfi Coast, discovering these and other wonders. Make yourself comfortable.
Let’s begin.
The Caves from Positano to Conca dei Marini: Indulging in a Bath of Beauty
Boat tours of the Amalfi Coast departing from Positano usually head straight for the major attractions, such as the Emerald Grotto or the Furore Fjord.
Instead, we’re free to explore the coast, and our first stop, just a few minutes from Positano, is the San Pietro Cave, which can serve as a backdrop for a swim or some photos to share.
Continuing our boat tour toward Amalfi, we can discover the Santa Barbara Cave, with its small beach sheltered inside. Above the cave, you can see the terrace of the Africana Famous Club, a venue also built inside the rock.
A must-visit is the Emerald Grotto, a true natural dome that fascinates with the color of its waters and the complex of stalactites and stalagmites.
Mooring on its external platform, those who wish can take part in mini-tours in rowing boats organized inside the cave (duration: about 20 minutes) to admire its vault and discover its secrets.
At a very short distance, just before reaching the promontory of Capo di Conca with its ancient square tower, we finally find the cave called Conca dei Marini, like the small village located nearby.
The cave is located in an enchanting bay and is flanked by a beach accessible only by sea. Ideal for enjoying a swim and filling your eyes with sea and beauty.
From the Bay of the Saracens to the Sirens’ Cave
Sailing toward Amalfi, we encounter the most beautiful bay of the Amalfi Coast: the Bay of the Saracens or Conca Dei Marini bay.
This spectacular stretch of coast was, during the Dolce Vita years, the refuge of the most famous personalities of the time, some of whom chose it as their summer residence.
In this stretch, you can admire the palace by the sea that belonged to Count Chandon (owner of the Moët & Chandon champagne brand) and the elegant villa of Sophia Loren, among the most photographed during yacht tours of the Amalfi Coast.
It’s no coincidence that the bay was chosen as a film set: here you’ll find a natural arch made famous by a commercial featuring a romantic kiss.
Speaking of romance, approaching Amalfi by boat, we find the Cave of St. Andrew or Cave of the Sirens.
Inside, we can discover its intimate little beach that seems made especially for lovers!
The Caves Between Amalfi and Vietri sul Mare: Between Waterfalls and Purifying Waters
Continuing our boat tour of the Amalfi Coast to discover the lesser-known caves of the coast, we pass Amalfi, Atrani, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and finally Minori and Maiori.
Before reaching Minori, we can admire the Cave of the Saints and Masaniello’s Cave, while just after Maiori is the Sulfuric Cave, famous for its purifying waters.
It’s customary to bathe inside and fill a bottle with its water, adding a lemon.
After the majestic Pandora Cave, the largest on the entire coast, we finally reach the Fig Cave. Inside, a small freshwater waterfall flows from the mountain.
There’s still time for more discoveries: before the characteristic village of Cetara, we can take a swim in the natural pools of Erchie or in one of the small beaches accessible only by sea: Cauco Beach, Lemon Beach, Fig Water Beach, Lannio Beach.
Our tour of the Amalfi Coast discovering the lesser-known caves ends here, but the natural beauties to know and explore don’t.
Two examples? The splendid Blue Grotto of Capri or the archipelago of the Li Galli Islands.