
Castelcivita Caves
Explore vast underground chambers adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, a natural wonder in Southern Italy.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tour groups thin out.

Castelcivita Caves
Best Time
Tour groups thin out.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vast underground chambers adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, a natural wonder in Southern Italy.
"Beautiful cave which is nice to visit if you are traveling in the area."

📞 Call to Reserve Your Spot
No online booking! Call ahead to secure your tour, especially for groups. :telephone_receiver:
👟 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
Paths can be slippery and damp. Avoid flip-flops; sneakers are ideal. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stalactites and Stalagmites
Throughout the caves
Marvel at the diverse and intricate limestone formations sculpted over millennia.

Underground Lakes
Deeper sections of the caves
Witness the serene beauty of subterranean lakes, adding to the mystical atmosphere.

The Canyon and Old Mill
Near the cave entrance
Explore the lush natural oasis leading to the caves, featuring a historic stone mill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Dress for Cool, Damp Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call to Reserve Your Spot
No online booking! Call ahead to secure your tour, especially for groups. :telephone_receiver:
👟 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
Paths can be slippery and damp. Avoid flip-flops; sneakers are ideal. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Light Layer
Caves are a cool 16°C year-round. A light jacket or sweater is recommended. :coat:
🚗 Paid Parking Available
There's a 3€ parking lot. Consider it a small price for convenience. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call to Reserve Your Spot
No online booking! Call ahead to secure your tour, especially for groups. :telephone_receiver:
👟 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes
Paths can be slippery and damp. Avoid flip-flops; sneakers are ideal. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Bring a Light Layer
Caves are a cool 16°C year-round. A light jacket or sweater is recommended. :coat:
🚗 Paid Parking Available
There's a 3€ parking lot. Consider it a small price for convenience. :car:
🗣️ English Audio Guides
While guides may have limited English, audio guides are available. :microphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Castelcivita Caves for their stunning natural beauty and impressive limestone formations, describing the experience as 'amazing' and 'beautiful.' The reasonable ticket prices and the cool, consistent temperature are also highlighted as positives. However, some reviewers note that the guides' English proficiency can be limited, and the inability to book online can be an inconvenience.
"Beautiful cave! None of the staff speak much English but nonetheless are very helpful. The prices are reasonable and they have English audio guides!"
William Knopp
"Amazing! There is a parking lot with paid parking for 3€. Tickets were 12€ for adults and 10€ for kids which includes the tour which lasts about an hour. Inside the cave is damp, so be sure to wear walking shoes such as sneakers. It is about 1-1.5km walk in the cave, but not a hard walk at all. It is beautiful! Definitely worth it."
Crystal Luca
"Beautiful cave which is nice to visit if you are traveling in the area, but I wouldn't come here especially from far away (30 min detour one way is fine).
We arrived for the 15.00 tour, we called before to make sure we can come (you can't book online, only call).
We parked in the official parking lot which is 3 eur extra (per car). I think it should have been included in the ticket.
You can save money by parking alongside the road or near the bar (which is near). However it's only 3 Eur so might as well.
The guide was nice and friendly but didn't speak English very well (my friend translated for the group - he should have been discounted for the service! 😁).
Inside it's nice and cool all year round (16 deg) so you might want to bring something long (I wore a tank-top and short pants and I was fine).
Bring shoes or sandals but not flip-flops as it might be slippery in some parts.
Other than that it's pretty easy walk on a paver asphalt road. A few stairs here and there so no strollers.
After 1 km you reach the part where there are no more lights (end of touristic road). If everyone in the entire group wants to, you may proceed with the guide 300 meters inside and back.
But if only 1 person is afraid - the entire group won't go. I was very disappointed as I really wanted to see that part.
To conclude:
I've seen more impressive caves but overall it was a very nice experience 🙂"
Oh My Goshen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Castelcivita Caves are located in the province of Salerno, Campania. They are situated near the Calore River and the Alburni Mountains. While public transport options might be limited, driving is the most convenient way to reach them. There is a paid parking lot available near the entrance for a small fee.
Yes, there is an official parking lot available for visitors. It costs around 3€ per car. Some travelers suggest parking alongside the road or near a nearby bar to save a small amount, but the official lot is convenient.
Yes, the caves are accessible by car from major cities like Naples and Salerno. It's often considered a worthwhile detour if you're traveling in the Campania region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally around 12€ for adults and 10€ for children. This price typically includes the guided tour which lasts about an hour.
Currently, online booking is not available for the Castelcivita Caves. It is recommended to call ahead to reserve your spot, especially if you are part of a group.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to call ahead to confirm. Tours are typically offered throughout the day, with the last tour often in the late afternoon.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, children often receive a reduced ticket price. It's always a good idea to inquire about any available concessions when you call to book.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour lasts approximately one hour and covers about 1 to 1.5 km of the cave system. The paths are paved and relatively easy to walk, though there are some stairs.
The tourist route covers a significant portion of the caves. Beyond the illuminated path, there's an option to explore an additional 300 meters with the guide if the entire group agrees, but this is not guaranteed.
The caves have paved paths and some stairs, making them unsuitable for strollers or individuals with significant mobility challenges. It's a walking tour, so a moderate level of physical ability is required.
The temperature inside the Castelcivita Caves remains a constant cool 16°C (60°F) throughout the year, regardless of the outside weather.
Yes, visits to the Castelcivita Caves are conducted with a guide. This is essential for safety and to understand the geological and historical significance of the formations.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Castelcivita Caves, but it's always good to check with your guide upon arrival. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, which can damage formations and disrupt the atmosphere.
The areas with the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the underground lakes, offer the most dramatic photo opportunities. The natural lighting within the caves can create a unique ambiance.
While the caves are illuminated for the tour, it can still be quite dark in certain sections. A camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for capturing detailed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Adventurous Groups
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Castelcivita Caves
Within the accessible tourist route, you'll encounter impressive chambers and passages. The constant temperature of 16°C (60°F) year-round contributes to the unique atmosphere, making it a cool escape even on the hottest summer days. The presence of underground lakes adds to the mystique, reflecting the delicate formations above. While the main tourist path is well-maintained, the caves also hold scientific importance, with archaeological findings contributing to our understanding of past human presence in the region.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
When it comes to attire, comfort is key. The cave environment is damp and cool, so wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes like sneakers is essential to navigate the potentially slippery paths. Bringing a light jacket or sweater is also advisable, as the consistent 16°C temperature can feel chilly. While the guides are friendly, their English proficiency may be limited, so utilizing the English audio guides is a practical solution for non-Italian speakers to fully appreciate the cave's features. The tour itself is a moderate walk, covering about 1 to 1.5 km with some stairs, making it accessible for most but not ideal for strollers.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit