Grotta Bianca e Grotta Meravigliosa BeachItaly Beach Guide
Twin sea caves on Capri, kayak-only and utterly wild
About
Grotta Bianca e Grotta Meravigliosa is a twin cave formation on the island of Capri, off the Faraglione di Matermania coastline in Campania, Italy. There is no sand here — the caves open directly from the sea, their walls lined with white calcite that catches the light in ways that feel almost unreal. The water is crystal clear, and the silence inside is broken only by the lap of waves against ancient rock. There is no tourist infrastructure of any kind: no jetty, no signage, no facilities. You reach it by sea alone, and that inaccessibility is precisely what keeps it empty.
How to get there
Reach Grotta Bianca e Grotta Meravigliosa only by water — there is no road, no path, and no parking of any kind. Depart from Marina Grande by sea kayak or gozzo (a traditional wooden boat), a journey of around 40 minutes on demand. Entry into the caves is a swim-in from open water, which requires calm sea conditions and a confident level of open-water swimming. There is no entry fee, but there is also no infrastructure whatsoever once you arrive.
Who it's for
For couples
For couples who kayak together, the 40-minute paddle from Marina Grande and the private, empty atmosphere inside the twin caves offers an intimacy that no organised beach can replicate. It's a genuinely off-grid experience — bring a picnic, because there is nothing here but rock, crystal-clear water, and silence.
For families
This site is not suitable for families with children. The swim-in entry from open water is demanding, swimming is dangerous, there are no facilities, and the access requires open-water kayaking or swimming. Families are strongly advised to visit the nearby Grotta Azzurra or Arco Naturale instead.
Our take
Swimming here is dangerous — that is the first thing to understand, and it overrides everything else. The swim-in entry from open water into the cave requires calm sea conditions and genuine open-water ability; if there is any swell, turn back. With that said, for experienced kayakers visiting in the June–September window on a still morning, Grotta Bianca e Grotta Meravigliosa is one of the most extraordinary natural formations on Capri — and not another soul in sight. The 40-minute paddle from Marina Grande is part of the experience, not an inconvenience. There is no tourist infrastructure, no lifeguard, and no safety net of any kind, so self-sufficiency is non-negotiable. Come prepared, come in summer, and come only when the sea agrees.
What to do
Before or after your sea excursion, the Arco Naturale — a dramatic natural rock arch — is just 0.5 km away and one of Capri's most striking geological features. The Grotta di Matermania, a large natural cave, sits 0.6 km away. For a longer outing, the famous Grotta Azzurra, known for its electric blue light refraction effect, is about 3 km away, and Monte Solaro — Capri's highest point at 589 m, reached by chairlift from Anacapri — offers sweeping island panoramas around 4 km from here.
The cave entrance itself is the hero shot — frame the twin openings from your kayak with the white calcite walls glowing in mid-morning light.
The exterior cliff face, with the cave mouths set into raw limestone above crystal-clear water, rewards a wide-angle composition from a few metres out on the water.
Where to eat
Le Grottelle, just 0.6 km away, is the closest restaurant to the cave area and a logical stop after returning from the water. Da Tonino at 0.8 km and Lo Sfizio at 0.9 km offer Italian dining within easy reach. For a more elevated setting, Terrazza Brunella at 1.2 km is worth the short walk.
Where to stay
Several well-regarded hotels cluster around 1.2 km from the cave area, including Casa Morgano, Scalinatella, Hotel La Vega, and Hotel La Minerva. Pazziella at 1.3 km rounds out the options if those are full.
Photography
The most striking shots come from inside the caves themselves — position your kayak at the entrance during mid-morning when natural light angles in and illuminates the white calcite walls. From the water outside, the twin cave mouths framed against the limestone cliff make a compelling wide composition, best captured in the soft light of early morning before any haze builds.
Good to know
Entry from open water can be hazardous in swell — do not attempt the swim-in unless the sea is genuinely calm and you are a strong open-water swimmer. There is no lifeguard and no on-site facilities, so carry water, a first-aid kit, and a fully charged phone. Avoid visiting between October and April: swell conditions outside summer make cave entry dangerous. Kayak-only access means you are entirely self-sufficient from the moment you leave Marina Grande.
Map
Nearby places
Le Grottelle
Da Tonino
Lo Sfizio
Le Camerelle
Terrazza Brunella
Casa Morgano
Scalinatella
Hotel La Vega
Hotel La Minerva
Pazziella
Things to see around Anacapri
Punta Carena Lighthouse
Anacapri's lighthouse at the island's southwestern tip with sunset views
Grotta Azzurra
Famous sea cave with electric blue light refraction effect
Monte Solaro
Capri's highest point at 589 m, reached by chairlift from Anacapri
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
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