Grotta dello Smeraldo, Sea cave in Conca dei Marini, Italy.
The Grotta dello Smeraldo is a sea cave along the coast of Conca dei Marini with a natural entrance beneath the water surface. The interior opens into a spacious cavern with stalactite and stalagmite formations adorning the walls and ceiling, while water covers the floor of the space.
The cave remained unknown to the public for centuries until a local fisherman discovered it in 1932, revealing its existence to the outside world. This discovery later made it possible for the cave system to be opened for tourist access.
The cave takes its name from the green coloring of water flowing in from outside, which shapes the entire atmosphere of the space. Visitors can directly experience this characteristic light when entering and understand why locals have always found this place special.
Access to the cave is gained either by elevator descending from the coastal road or by boat tours departing from Amalfi. The best time to visit is during sunny hours when light penetrates most effectively into the interior.
The water inside glows with an intense green tone, created by sunlight entering through an underwater fissure in the rock. This optical effect shifts throughout the day as the sun's angle changes, making each visit visually different.
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